What to Expect on an SMSTS Course

Common mistakes on an SMSTS course

SMSTS is a five-day course with daily exercises and an end test. Most people who struggle do so because they treat it as a lecture rather than a working week.

• Arriving late or leaving early. Attendance is checked. Missing time can stop you getting a certificate.
• Not doing the homework. Short evening tasks help you prepare for the test. Skipping them shows on day five.
• Keeping quiet. The group discussions are where you learn how other sites handle the same risks. Bring your own examples.
• Ignoring the law sections. Questions on CDM 2015, risk assessment and accident reporting come up in the test.

A worked example

A typical exercise asks you to plan a small job, such as excavating a trench next to a public footpath. You would list the hazards, decide who could be harmed, choose controls such as barriers and shoring, and write a short method for the team. Practising this on one of your own jobs before the course makes the week much easier.

Your next steps

1. Confirm your dates and check you can attend every session.
2. Read through a recent risk assessment and method statement from your own site.
3. Pack a notebook, your ID and your joining instructions.
4. Ask questions during the week, especially on topics you deal with on site.
5. After you pass, set a reminder to book the two-day refresher before the five years are up.