Frequently Asked Questions
Safety Critical questions have been added to each SSSTS exam paper by the CITB, these questions are based on the higher risk activities within a construction site for example working at height, asbestos.
In the SSSTS exam there are four of these types of questions. They are multiple choice type questions with the option of selecting one of these as a student answer and are the first four questions on the exam.
As part of the CITB scheme rules, students on the course are allowed to use their ‘Construction Site Supervision’ (GE706) publication in the last 10 minutes of the exam to assist in the research of any of the questions.
All four of these ‘Safety Critical’ questions the student must get correct, under the rules stipulated by the CITB. If any of these are incorrect then the student has failed the exam.
If the student has made a mistake on a ‘Safety Critical’ question or not reached the required score 80% (24/30 Marks). The student will be offered a resit if the final score is between 21 – 23.
Please note that the exam is made up of two sections:
22 Multiple choice questions (Including the Safety Critical)(1 Mark each).
3 written questions, each worth two marks.
Note: There are practice questions available online that may assist students.
The actual SSSTS course is delivered over 2 whole days.
If applying for a SSSTS Refresher, this event lasts a day.
The duration of each day will be from 0900 – 1630, with breaks during this period.
The qualification of the CITB SSSTS course lasts for 5 years.
If you looking to progress your career in construction? If you have experience of working on sites and want to take that next step up into management, the role of Site Supervisor might be the right stepping-stone for you.
The role of the Site Supervisor is to oversee teams on construction sites. This encompasses a range of responsibilities relating to staff and safety management. Amongst others, these include.
Managers workers and delegating tasks.
Carrying out regular inspections.
Managing potential safety hazards.
Ensuring workers adhere to the H&S procedures / policy.
The most common way of getting a start as a Site Supervisor is by displaying practical experience of working on sites and working your way up the ladder. Work shadowing, taking on additional responsibilities and generally being eager to learn on the job can be key in helping construction workers progress. However, this practical experience can only take you so far. If you want to take that next step into supervision you will need to have completed the correct type of training.
The gold card is the CSCS Supervisors card and is available for supervisors and technical occupations subject to the achievement of
Construction related Supervisory / Technical NVQ or SVQ Level 3 & 4.
An approved apprenticeship.
Pass the CITB H&SE test (Operatives & Specialists)
