Is the SMSTS Refresher Difficult? Here's What to Expect
Let’s be honest — when you hear the word refresher course, it’s natural to wonder just how intense it’s going to be. You’re already working hard, managing sites, juggling responsibilities — and now you’re being asked to spend two full days in training.
So, is the SMSTS Refresher actually difficult?
The short answer: not if you're already doing the job. In fact, most people are pleasantly surprised at how manageable (and even enjoyable) the course is — especially when they know what to expect going in.
Let’s break it down.
It’s Designed for Experienced Professionals
The SMSTS Refresher isn’t aimed at beginners. It’s specifically for people who’ve already completed the full 5-day SMSTS course and have been working in a site management or supervisory role.
That means the course isn’t there to teach you how to do your job — it’s about updating and reinforcing your existing knowledge, and making sure you’re still working to current legal and industry standards.
If you’ve been managing teams, handling RAMS, and ensuring safety on site, you already know most of what’s covered. The course is there to sharpen that knowledge, not overwhelm you with new information.
What the Course Covers
The refresher takes place over two days and includes:
Updates on health & safety law and recent legislation
Responsibilities of the site manager
Risk assessments and method statements
CDM Regulations
Working at height, manual handling, and other key site hazards
Communication, leadership, and best practice in managing safety
There’s also time for group discussions, case studies, and practical examples — it’s not just lectures and slides. You’ll be encouraged to share your own experience and apply the learning to real-life scenarios.
What About the Assessment?
At the end of the course, there’s a multiple-choice exam. This tends to be the part that makes people nervous — but honestly, it’s very straightforward.
You’ll have been fully prepared over the two days, and most providers give you time to review key topics beforehand. The exam is based on what you’ve just learned, with no nasty surprises.
If you’ve paid attention, taken part in the discussions, and have real experience under your belt, you’ll be absolutely fine.
Real Talk: What People Say After Taking the Course
We speak to a lot of site managers who approach the refresher with a bit of scepticism — maybe they haven’t done formal training in a while, or they’re not too keen on the classroom-style environment.
But 9 times out of 10, the feedback is the same:
“It was actually really useful — a good reminder of things I’ve not thought about for a while.”
“Better than I expected. Good mix of topics and not just sitting in silence.”
“The exam wasn’t bad at all — it was just common sense stuff based on what we’d covered.”
In short: it’s not there to catch you out. It’s there to help you stay current and confident in your role.
Final Thoughts
The SMSTS Refresher isn’t difficult if you’re already managing health and safety on site. It’s designed to be accessible, relevant, and useful — not to make your life harder.
So if your certificate is due to expire soon, don’t put it off. The refresher is a simple way to stay compliant, refresh your knowledge, and show you’re still at the top of your game.
Need help booking a course or checking your expiry date? Get in touch — we’ll make sure it’s one less thing to worry about.
