how hard is the sssts course

by Bell Pacocha 9 min read

One of the questions we get asked regularly is 'How hard is the SSSTS course? '. The only answer we can give to this is that the course is designed to be challenging. However, like all learning, you will get out what you put in to it.Jan 11, 2018

Full Answer

What is the sssts course?

The SSSTS training course is designed to give site supervisors all the necessary knowledge and understanding of health and safety law that they will need in order to supervise a safe construction site.

Is a sssts qualification worth it?

A SSSTS qualification looks very impressive on a CV. There are no formal entry requirements for attendance on this course so anyone at any stage of their career can attend and gain this prestigious qualification.

Can I take an online sssts course?

Despite what some course providers may advertise, SSSTS courses are classroom only courses, not online. Any online SSSTS certifications are not official and will not be accepted as valid accreditations by construction site management.

How is the sssts test structured?

The assessment of SSSTS training is continuous throughout via individual and group exercises. Testing of the knowledge learned during the two days is in the form of a multiple choice CITB examination paper consisting of 25 questions. Four of the questions will be safety critical and will require a short written answer.

Is a CITB grant / levy claimable?

Companies who are CITB registered can claim £70 grant for each delegate. To allow for the automated process of claiming back the training grant, pl...

How do I get the best value for my money?

Although the cost of these SSSTS courses should be factored into your decision-making, the training provider and the course should be considered. T...

Can I apply for site supervisor jobs when I have the certificate?

Yes you can apply for site supervisor jobs when you have the SSSTS certificate. Most construction companies and organisations now ask for the quali...

What level of NVQ is SSSTS?

People who pass the course use the SSSTS qualification to progress to a Level 3 NVQ and then, when promoted, the SMSTS.

How long is the SSSTS course valid?

The SSSTS course is valid for 5 years. To ensure you keep your qualification up to date, you must attend the one day SSSTS Refresher course before...

If I fail the CITB SSSTS course can I resit and what is the cost?

Most CITB SSSTS course providers offer chargeable resits, however there are a few that do not, in which case the full course will have to be retake...

What is SSSTS course?

What is the SSSTS Course. The SSSTS course is one course in the catalogue of Site Safety Plus courses. The Site Safety Plus programme is designed with progression in mind. Therefore it includes courses for operatives all the way to senior managers. SSSTS is the supervisors course from the programme.

How long is the SSSTS course?

The delivery of the SSSTS course content is over two days. It covers the legal responsibilities of supervisors and also the obligation that they have to promote health and safety in their role. It also provides an understanding of the welfare and environmental issues involved in work activities.

What is SSSTS certificate?

SSSTS is the supervisors course from the programme. It is for anyone who has, or will have supervisory responsibilities. The SSSTS certificate is endorsed by Build UK as the requirement for any supervisor on site.

How long is the SSSTS certificate valid?

The candidate must attend both days of the two-day course and pass the multiple-choice test at the end of the course. The SSSTS certificate is valid for 5 years. For the renewal of the certificate the candidate must attend a refresher course before the date of expiry.

How long is a SSSTS certificate valid?

The certificate you gain is valid for 5 years. You must renew this qualification every five years by attending and passing the SSSTS refresher course. You need to do this before your certificate expires or you will need to re-take the full SSSTS course.

What does SSSTS stand for?

SSSTS stands for: Site Supervisor Safety Training Scheme. This course is specifically for site supervisors and is for you if you are considering, or already have, supervisory responsibilities.

What is CITB training?

This CITB accredited course is recognised as the industry-standard training for all supervisors working on UK construction sites and provides an in-depth understanding of health, safety, welfare and environmental issues. The course also details all legal responsibilities and the need to promote health and safety to be able to supervise effectively.

How to be a supervisor?

At the end of the course you will have an understanding of the following: 1 Be able to monitor site activities effectively 2 Carry out effective site inductions, toolbox talks and method statement briefings 3 Carry out risk assessments and understand the need for method statements 4 Have an understanding of how health & safety law is structured and how it applies to supervisors 5 Identify how their supervisory role fits in with the management structure in controlling the site safely 6 Timely intervention when bad practice is identified 7 Understand the problems of the industry 8 Your supervisory responsibilities in controlling site safely

What is the SSSTS course?

The SSSTS course is designed for team leaders, foremen, gangers, first line managers and others involved in supervisory activities. There are no prerequisites to sitting the SSSTS course, although it is expected that you are either currently a supervisor or aiming to be one.

How long is the SSSTS course?

The SSSTS course runs over two consecutive days and is valid for a five-year duration. Being a shorter course is beneficial in that delegates do not have to spend days away from site, whilst learning the essential information required to ensure team safety.

What is SSSTS training?

The SSSTS (Site Supervisor’s Safety Training Scheme) course, endorsed by the CITB is the most well renowned of all supervisor safety training courses . It is run regularly in locations across the UK, by numerous different training providers and is focused around how to supervise a team of workers on a construction site, ...

What is SSSTS certification?

SSSTS is one of a number of the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) courses and as such is delivered in accordance with the CITB’s standards. Providers need to be CITB accredited and keep to their strict standards to deliver the course. This means that no matter which location you choose, the course content meets the expected standard of quality.

What is the promotion of health and safety?

This includes: Legislation such as The Health and Safety at Work Act – 1974 and The Construction Design Management Regulations (CDM) How to identify and prevent risks. Preventing and controlling fire.

How long is the SSSTS course?

The classroom SSSTS course takes place over 2-days and teaches the health and safety skills needed to maintain a safe site. This qualification must not be confused with the SMSTS (Site Management Safety Training Scheme) as the site management scheme is a more senior qualification with a duration of five-days.

What is the purpose of the SSSTS course?

The SSSTS course provides you with the skills required to identify problem areas found within construction industries. It will help you to understand and appreciate proactive and reactive monitoring. It teaches you how to conduct risk assessments and recognise the importance of method statements.

What is CITB SSSTS?

CITB SSSTS training is designed for first line managers looking to continue or take on a supervisory role within the construction industry. The courses are often attended by site workers and team leaders with supervisory responsibilities and therefore legal responsibilities.

How long does a site supervisor certificate last?

The site supervisor certificate expires after five years. If you would like to renew your current CITB SSSTS certificate you will be required to attend a SSSTS Refresher course, however if your current certificate has expired you won’t be allowed to attend the refresher, you will be required to attend the full 2-day course again.

What are the topics covered in SSSTS?

The topics which are covered during the SSSTS training include: 1 The Health and Safety at Work Act, Regulations and the Approved Codes of Practice and Guidance Notes 2 The H&S Legal System 3 Causes, types and the numbers of construction accidents 4 Risk Assessments in all manner of construction circumstances such as:, working at height, demolition, occupational health, fire, electricity, confined spaces and the control of contractors

How many points are safety critical questions?

Four of the questions will be safety critical and will require a short written answer. Safety critical questions are worth 1-3 points each and multiple choice questions are worth 1 point each. To pass the course successfully you will be required to answer all of the safety critical questions correctly.

What is the Health and Safety at Work Act?

The Health and Safety at Work Act, Regulations and the Approved Codes of Practice and Guidance Notes. Risk Assessments in all manner of construction circumstances such as:, working at height, demolition, occupational health, fire, electricity, confined spaces and the control of contractors.

Teaching and assessment

This is a highly interactive course taught through case studies, classroom discussion, group work and individual or group presentations. You will need to do some self-study outside the course.

In-company course

This course can be booked by employers to train groups of workers, you can have between 6 and 16 people on a course. We deliver the course at your work premises or at a venue you choose. Contact one of our NCC Account Managers for more information or to book a course:

Mandatory entry requirements

Good understanding of spoken and written English. Please contact us if you have any concerns in this area

Grants and funding

Grants are available for eligible employers. For further information please visit our grant pages

What is SMSTS course?

The SMSTS course syllabus covers all aspects of health and safety that someone in charge of a construction site would need to apply.

What is SMSTS training?

SMSTS, or Site Management Safety Training Scheme, is a five-day training course provided by CITB and is entirely classroom-based. Contrary to what many believe, there is no SMSTS online course available.

How many marks do you need to pass SMSTS?

SMSTS test pass rates are high at 80% which means you need to gain 28 marks out of a possible 35 by answering the 25 exam questions within the 30 minute time-limit.

What to eat before taking a test?

Before entering the test centre, snack on a banana. This incredible food is loaded with vitamin B6 which helps keep you calm and relaxed. This will give you a clear head for the exam. Finally, read all the questions and don't miss any out.

How to prepare for a test if you are not a morning eater?

Leave your tablet or phone alone and do something you enjoy. On test day, make sure you've had something good to eat for breakfast. It's been shown in studies that you make better decisions when you're not craving food, so even if you're not a morning eater, it's important to make an exception for the exam.

How much sleep should I get before a test?

While it might seem like the best thing to stay up late studying, it's much more beneficial to get around 7-8 hours of quality sleep before your test and in between the course days. Your brain will have a better chance of retaining everything you've learnt if you get enough sleep cycles.

How long does SMSTS refresher last?

Your SMSTS qualification will need to be renewed within five years by attending an SMSTS refresher course which will last for two days and update you on the latest best practices and construction safety legislation.

image