Free SMSTS mock test

Check your construction site management knowledge, then learn from the explanation behind each answer.

25 questions · Untimed practice · No registration required

Your SMSTS practice test

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Practice questions and answers

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A project will involve several contractors. Under CDM 2015, who must coordinate health and safety during its construction phase?
1. The principal designer
2. Each contractor, with no overall coordinator
3. The principal contractor
4. The building control inspector
Show answer and explanation
The principal contractor
On a project involving more than one contractor, the principal contractor manages and coordinates the construction phase. Individual contractors still have duties for their own work.
When must the construction phase plan be prepared for a construction project?
1. Before the construction phase starts
2. Within a week of workers arriving
3. Only after the first site inspection
4. Only when the project is notifiable to HSE
Show answer and explanation
Before the construction phase starts
The plan must be ready before construction starts. It sets out the arrangements and site rules for managing the work safely; it is not limited to projects that must be notified to HSE.
A subcontractor proposes a different material and cutting method. What should the site manager arrange before the change is introduced?
1. Keep the original assessment until its annual review
2. Accept the change if it reduces the programme time
3. Update only the list of workers doing the task
4. Review the risks and controls for the changed work
Show answer and explanation
Review the risks and controls for the changed work
Changes to substances, equipment or processes may introduce new risks or make existing controls ineffective. Review the assessment and put any revised controls into practice.
When planning a task that appears to require work at height, which option should be considered first?
1. Choose a fall-arrest harness
2. Complete the task from ground level if reasonably practicable
3. Select the shortest available ladder
4. Restrict the task to experienced workers
Show answer and explanation
Complete the task from ground level if reasonably practicable
The first step is to avoid work at height where reasonably practicable. If it cannot be avoided, plan measures to prevent falls before relying on measures that reduce their consequences.
When should suitable welfare facilities be available to workers on a construction project?
1. From the start of the work and throughout the project
2. Once the permanent water supply is connected
3. After the project has run for five working days
4. When the workforce first asks for them
Show answer and explanation
From the start of the work and throughout the project
Welfare must be planned early and provided from the start. Workers need suitable toilet, washing, changing, eating and rest facilities, maintained for the duration of the work.
As a building project progresses, internal partitions change the available escape routes. What should the site manager do?
1. Keep the original fire arrangements until handover
2. Rely on workers to find a new route if an alarm sounds
3. Review fire precautions and maintain suitable escape arrangements
4. Replace the fire plan with additional extinguishers
Show answer and explanation
Review fire precautions and maintain suitable escape arrangements
Fire precautions must reflect the changing construction site. Planning needs to cover warning people, escape routes and reaching safety, as well as preventing and limiting fire.
An event may have damaged a piece of work equipment and made it unsafe. What is the appropriate management response before further use?
1. Rely on the inspection record from before the event
2. Arrange an appropriate inspection and resolve safety defects
3. Ask the operator to work more slowly until the next service
4. Continue using it unless a warning light appears
Show answer and explanation
Arrange an appropriate inspection and resolve safety defects
Equipment may need a fresh inspection after an event that could compromise its safety. The inspection must be carried out by someone with enough knowledge and experience for that equipment.
Workers repeatedly carry heavy materials across a site. What should be considered first when planning controls for this hazardous manual handling?
1. Issue lifting belts to everyone
2. Introduce a single maximum load for every worker
3. Provide lifting technique training as the only control
4. Avoid the manual handling, for example by changing delivery arrangements
Show answer and explanation
Avoid the manual handling, for example by changing delivery arrangements
First consider whether hazardous manual handling can be avoided. Where it cannot, assess the operation and reduce the risks; training alone does not remove the handling hazard.
A task uses a hazardous solvent. Which proposal best follows the COSHH approach to preventing exposure?
1. Keep the solvent and rely only on warning labels
2. Let experienced workers choose their own precautions
3. Assess whether a safer substance or process can do the job
4. Use the solvent only when fewer managers are present
Show answer and explanation
Assess whether a safer substance or process can do the job
Consider eliminating the hazardous substance or substituting a safer substance or process. Assess the replacement too, so a change does not introduce other significant risks.
Why is a 110 V centre-tapped-to-earth supply commonly used for suitable portable tools on construction sites?
1. It limits the voltage between a live conductor and earth to 55 V
2. It makes damaged cables safe to use
3. It removes the need to inspect electrical tools
4. It guarantees that electric shock cannot occur
Show answer and explanation
It limits the voltage between a live conductor and earth to 55 V
Centre tapping limits the voltage to earth to 55 V and reduces the electrical risk. It does not make damaged equipment safe or remove the need for suitable tools, checks and maintenance.
A worker is seriously injured. Before investigating or completing reports, which priority should guide the site's response?
1. Obtain written witness statements
2. Photograph the scene before anyone assists
3. Complete the accident-book entry
4. Arrange immediate emergency and first-aid assistance without exposing others to danger
Show answer and explanation
Arrange immediate emergency and first-aid assistance without exposing others to danger
An injured worker needs immediate attention. Activate the site's emergency arrangements and obtain appropriate help; preserving evidence or completing paperwork must not delay urgent care.
A work-related accident prevents a worker doing their normal duties for eight consecutive days after the accident. Two of those days are a weekend. Does the over-seven-day RIDDOR reporting rule apply?
1. No, because weekends must be excluded
2. Yes, because the period exceeds seven consecutive days
3. Only if the worker was admitted to hospital
4. No, unless the worker is absent for fourteen working days
Show answer and explanation
Yes, because the period exceeds seven consecutive days
The over-seven-day rule includes weekends and rest days but excludes the day of the accident. Being unable to perform normal duties can trigger it even if the person attends work on restricted duties.
What makes a place a confined space under the Confined Spaces Regulations?
1. Its enclosed nature creates a foreseeable specified risk, such as asphyxiation
2. It is deeper than 1.2 metres, regardless of other conditions
3. Only one worker can fit inside it
4. It has no windows, regardless of the work or hazards
Show answer and explanation
Its enclosed nature creates a foreseeable specified risk, such as asphyxiation
A confined space is enclosed or largely enclosed and has a foreseeable specified risk arising from that nature. Size or depth alone does not determine whether the regulations apply.
Which statement best describes when a ladder may be suitable for a work task?
1. Whenever a worker prefers it to a platform
2. For any task that lasts less than one working day
3. Only after all other equipment has been tried and failed
4. For suitable low-risk, short-duration work justified by the risk assessment
Show answer and explanation
For suitable low-risk, short-duration work justified by the risk assessment
Ladders are not banned. They can suit low-risk, short-duration tasks when assessment supports their use, the correct ladder is selected and it can be used safely by a competent person.
A worker's daily noise exposure is 86 dB(A) before hearing protection is taken into account. Alongside measures to reduce noise, what is required?
1. Make hearing protection available only if the worker asks
2. Wait until exposure reaches 90 dB(A) before acting
3. Provide suitable hearing protection and ensure it is used correctly
4. Treat the exposure as acceptable if the worker reports no hearing problems
Show answer and explanation
Provide suitable hearing protection and ensure it is used correctly
This exceeds the upper daily exposure action value of 85 dB(A). Suitable hearing protection must be provided and properly used, while technical and organisational noise controls remain necessary.
During refurbishment, a team discovers material that may contain asbestos and was not identified in the work plan. What should happen next?
1. Continue carefully while a sample is arranged
2. Stop the affected work and arrange identification and risk assessment
3. Remove it with ordinary dust masks to avoid delay
4. Ask a worker to break off a piece to check its appearance
Show answer and explanation
Stop the affected work and arrange identification and risk assessment
Stop work immediately if unexpected asbestos is suspected. Confirm the material or treat it as asbestos and assess the risks before deciding what work, training and specialist support are required.
A proposed change to working methods could substantially affect employees' health and safety. What should management do?
1. Explain the decision only after the new method starts
2. Ask the equipment supplier to represent the workforce
3. Consult only if an accident has already occurred
4. Consult affected employees or their representatives before deciding
Show answer and explanation
Consult affected employees or their representatives before deciding
Consultation involves seeking and considering workers' views, not simply announcing a decision. Workers can identify practical hazards and problems with proposed controls.
Dusty cutting cannot be eliminated. Which is the most appropriate starting point for controlling the dust during the task?
1. Use effective water suppression or suitable on-tool extraction, with additional RPE where needed
2. Rely on opening a nearby window
3. Issue a disposable mask without assessing its suitability
4. Allow the dust to settle before sweeping it away
Show answer and explanation
Use effective water suppression or suitable on-tool extraction, with additional RPE where needed
Control dust as it is produced using a method suited to the task. Water or on-tool extraction may need to be combined with suitable respiratory protection; simply wetting material beforehand is not effective suppression.
What must a manager ensure about the planning of a lifting operation?
1. The most senior person plans it, regardless of lifting experience
2. The crane hire company always takes full responsibility automatically
3. A person competent for the lift plans it with appropriate supervision and safe execution
4. A written plan from a previous project is sufficient for every lift
Show answer and explanation
A person competent for the lift plans it with appropriate supervision and safe execution
Lift planning needs relevant competence, and the operation must be appropriately supervised and carried out safely. Planning should reflect the particular risks and complexity; a job title alone is not proof of competence.
When designing a delivery area, what is the most effective starting point for reducing reversing incidents?
1. Fit a louder reversing alarm to each vehicle
2. Remove the need to reverse, for example with a drive-through layout
3. Ask pedestrians to watch for reversing lights
4. Provide high-visibility clothing as the only control
Show answer and explanation
Remove the need to reverse, for example with a drive-through layout
A layout that avoids reversing removes the manoeuvre's risk. Where reversing remains necessary, minimise it and plan additional controls, including keeping people out of the reversing area.
How should personal protective equipment fit into the management of site risks?
1. Use it for remaining risks after suitable engineering controls and safe working methods
2. Use it instead of considering changes to equipment or work methods
3. Leave its selection entirely to each worker
4. Provide it only after someone has been injured
Show answer and explanation
Use it for remaining risks after suitable engineering controls and safe working methods
PPE may be needed where other precautions leave a risk. It must be suitable, maintained and used correctly, with information and training; it is not a substitute for controlling risks at their source.
What should a task-specific method statement explain to the people carrying out the work?
1. Only the project's cost and completion date
2. Only the hazards, leaving workers to choose the controls
3. The company's full accident history
4. The planned work sequence and the controls needed to do it safely
Show answer and explanation
The planned work sequence and the controls needed to do it safely
A method statement turns the assessed risks into a practical sequence of work and precautions. Managers should also check that the agreed method is understood and followed on site.
What is the main purpose of coordinating temporary works such as propping and formwork?
1. Transfer every site safety duty to the designer
2. Ensure design, installation, checks, use and removal are properly managed
3. Allow temporary structures to use fewer precautions than permanent works
4. Check only that the hire equipment arrived on time
Show answer and explanation
Ensure design, installation, checks, use and removal are properly managed
Temporary works need coordinated control throughout their life. A competent coordinator can help ensure the design is suitable and the works are installed, checked, used and removed in the planned way.
An experienced worker joins a construction site for the first time. What induction should be provided?
1. None, if they hold a valid skills card
2. Only a copy of the company's general health and safety policy
3. A suitable site-specific induction covering relevant hazards, controls and arrangements
4. Only the location of the sign-in book
Show answer and explanation
A suitable site-specific induction covering relevant hazards, controls and arrangements
Experience does not replace a site-specific induction. Workers need to understand the particular risks, controls, site rules and arrangements, including what to do in an emergency.
What is the main purpose of the CDM health and safety file?
1. Provide relevant safety information for later construction work on the building or structure
2. Record every worker's daily attendance
3. Replace the construction phase plan during the project
4. Store all commercial invoices for the client
Show answer and explanation
Provide relevant safety information for later construction work on the building or structure
The file records information needed to manage risks during subsequent construction work, such as maintenance or alteration. It is different from the plan used to manage the current construction phase.

How to use this mock test

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This practice test awards one mark per question. Unanswered questions receive no mark. There is no official pass or fail result.

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What you will practise

Questions focus on planning and managing construction work: CDM responsibilities, risk management, site arrangements, occupational health and controlling higher-risk activities.

Use the explanations to identify topics to revisit with your course materials and instructor. These questions are an independent revision aid, not a copy of a CITB question bank.

Looking for supervisor practice? Try the SSSTS mock test.

How the official SMSTS assessment differs

The official SMSTS exam contains 25 questions worth 32 marks: 18 multiple-choice questions and seven multi-response or short-answer questions. It lasts 35 minutes, with a pass mark of 26 out of 32 (81%).

The full course also includes four core exercises and a trainer review. The approved GE700 guide and XA6 workbook may be used only during the final 15 minutes of the exam. Your instructor explains the assessment arrangements.

Our untimed, single-answer practice quiz uses a different format and scoring system. It does not reproduce the official examination.

Assessment guidance checked against CITB’s current scheme rules on 22 October 2026. Refer to the current rules and your joining instructions before attending.

Questions about the practice test

Are these official CITB exam questions?

No. These are independent practice questions written for Skills Training Group. They help you review safety topics; they are not taken from an official CITB examination paper.

Does my score mean I will pass the course?

No. Your score only reflects your answers to this practice set. The official course has different assessment requirements, and the questions may cover other aspects of the syllabus.

Can I use this when preparing for a Refresher?

These questions may help you revisit core safety topics, but they do not replace the Refresher or its course materials. You need a current, valid certificate for the corresponding Refresher. Read the SMSTS Refresher details before booking.

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Your SMSTS practice test

How to use this mock test

What you will practise

How the official SMSTS assessment differs

Questions about the practice test