No Hidden Costs with RISK
Common hidden costs and the questions to ask before booking – especially for SMSTS, SSSTS and Refresher Courses.
You’ve found an incredibly cheap price for an SMSTS or SSSTS course, but is it too good to be true? While some providers offer what seems like a great deal, a suspiciously low price can often be a warning sign of hidden fees and corners being cut!
At RISK, we believe in transparent, all-inclusive pricing.
This guide will help you understand where other providers may charge extra and what questions you need to ask to ensure you receive the quality training you pay for.
► 1 - Course Materials: Is the Handbook Included?
Some training providers might advertise a low base price but then charge extra for essential course materials, such as the mandatory SMSTS handbook. A reputable provider includes these materials in the initial cost.
Key Question to Ask: "Does the advertised price include the SMSTS handbook and all other essential course materials?"
► 2 - Examination and Certification Fees: Are They Bundled?
It's common for some providers to separate the fees for the final examination and the certificate itself from the course price. This can lead to an unexpected increase in the total cost.
Key Question to Ask: "Is the exam fee and certification charge part of the advertised course price, or will there be an extra cost?"
► 3 - Re-sit Fees: What If You Don't Pass?
Failing the final examination can be a costly experience if a provider charges a high fee to re-sit the test. While a re-sit fee is common, some reputable providers, like RISK, offer a free re-sit as part of their package, giving you peace of mind.
Key Question to Ask: "What is your policy on re-sits? Is there a fee if I need to retake the exam?"
► 4 - Hidden Fees from Brokers: The Middleman Markup
Booking through a broker site can sometimes lead to an artificially low quote, only for you to be hit with "indirect fees" or commissions that were not disclosed upfront. Booking directly with a CITB Approved Training Organisation (ATO) like RISK ensures greater price transparency and avoids these hidden charges.
Key Question to Ask: "Are you a direct CITB Approved Training Organisation, or a third-party broker?"
► 5 - Technical Support for Online Courses
For online courses, some providers may not offer adequate technical support, leaving you to solve any technical issues on your own time and at your own expense. This can disrupt your learning and add unexpected costs.
Key Question to Ask: "What kind of technical support is available for online courses, and is it included in the price?"
► 6 - Rescheduling or Cancellation Fees
Life happens, and sometimes a delegate needs to reschedule or cancel a course. Be sure to check the provider's terms and conditions, as some may charge fees for these administrative changes.
Key Question to Ask: "What is your policy and what are the fees for rescheduling or cancelling a booking?"
► 7 - Suspiciously Low Prices: The True Cost of 'Cheap' Training
Finally, if the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Suspiciously low prices can indicate that a provider is cutting corners on essential elements of the course. This could mean unqualified trainers, outdated materials, or even an invalid qualification. The real cost of cheap training is far higher if it results in an unrecognised certificate or worse, inadequate safety knowledge that puts lives at risk.
At RISK, we pride ourselves on a clear pricing structure with no hidden fees. We believe in providing high-quality, professional training that gives you the knowledge you need to be a safe and effective site manager or supervisor. Our prices are all-inclusive, so you can be confident that what you see is what you pay.
The dangers of a Coached Pass
The SMSTS, SSSTS and Refresher certificates should never be treated as a piece of paper to “get through.” Poor training creates a false sense of security — for individuals and for employers — until an accident or incident exposes the truth.
High-quality training protects careers, saves companies from financial and reputational ruin, and most importantly, safeguards lives on construction sites.
At RISK (CITB Approved Training Organisation No. 3456), we’ve delivered accredited Site Safety Plus courses since 1997. In that time, we have never faced a CITB investigation into the quality of our training or the competence of our delegates. Our focus has always been on knowledge transfer, practical application, and raising safety standards across the industry.
If you’re looking to book an SMSTS, SSSTS or Refresher course, choose a trusted provider with a proven track record of quality and compliance – look no further than RISK.
