Course Information

This course is designed to train persons who are responsible for undertaking SMTH work as part of their duties as a Signal Maintenance Tester on Network Rail Infrastructure. It is designed to develop a person’s knowledge, understanding and skills of carrying out Signal Maintenance Testing in accordance with the Signal Maintenance Testing Handbook (SMTH) and other applicable Network Rail Standards. The course is fully in compliance with Network Rail standards, and we are one of their approved training providers of SMTH training.

SMTH Competence Process

SMTH competence will now be handled fully on Sentinel from March 2026. The following infographic shows the process to become a fully competent SMTH tester.

Prerequisites

The course assumes that you have experience of being a signalling technician and have attended signalling specific training courses, such as Signal Engineering Maintenance 1 & 2 (SEM 1/2) or an equivalent. If you don’t think you have the required experience, please let us know when contacting us. We will need copies of your certificates or equivalents sent over to us prior to booking onto the course.

You should have a good command of the English language.

You should hold PTS or equivalent for the railway you are working on.

You will be required to complete and pass a pre-knowledge assessment prior to attending the course, detailed below.

Pre-SMTH Initial Training Knowledge Test

This is a 120 minute multiple choice test, which we deliver via our online exam platform. The test is designed to test the delegate’s knowledge of basic signalling, ensuring that they are ready for SMTH training. Delegates must successfully complete this test prior to attending the full SMTH Initial course.

Our exam platform uses a proctoring system to ensure delegates are authentically completing their tests. Delegates will need access to the following:

• a computer or laptop with a webcam & good internet access
• Google Chrome internet browser
• the ability to install our exam platform browser plugin

Delegates who do not have access to the above should contact us beforehand to discuss alternative options.

Course Outcomes

• Provide you with the knowledge and skill to undertake SMTH.a testing (core skills) on the operational railway
• Provide you with the knowledge and skill to undertake SMTH.b Aspect testing on the operational railway
• Provide you with the knowledge and skill to undertake SMTH.c Points testing on the operational railway
• Provide you with the knowledge and skill to undertake SMTH.d Cable Function Testing on the operational railway
• Provide you with the knowledge and skill to undertake SMTH.f Diversion of a Circuit testing on the operational railway

Course Breakdown

Week 1

We will cover primarily theory by looking at the SMTH book, the defined tests and checks. There will be a chance for some practical work to learn and practice the tests.

At the end of the week there will be a theory test on the application of the book (core testing).

We also aim to undertake assessments on earth testing and wire count.

Week 2

In this week, you will be allocated a day for your assessment to cover the various defined tests, we will cover (as needed):

• Aspect testing
• Cable testing
• Points testing
• Cable diversion
• Preparation of new maintenance test plan

If a competence cannot be met in the additional modules, then the delegate will either go to re-training in that module or further mentorship depending on the amount of assistance required.

Assessment

Delegates will be assessed by completing a written theory test and complete a practical assessment observed by their assessor. All delegates will complete the SMTH.a theory test and practical, and other modules will be assessed separately if needed.

Successful delegates will have their SMTH competency added to their Sentinel card, marked at Level 2 “Signal Maintenance Tester in Action Learning” – meaning that the delegate needs to undergo a period of action learning (mentoring). This action learning period is between 2 – 12 months. If the delegate does not complete their mentoring 12 months after their initial course and pass their SMTH Practical Assessment, they will have to start again and attend a fresh SMTH Initial course. Note – during this period the delegate is still not classed as fully competent and can only complete SMTH activities under supervision.

Upon completion of their mentoring activities, delegates should proceed to book onto their SMTH Practical Assessment to obtain their Level 3 competence. For further details on this, please refer to our SMTH Practical Assessment page.