Course Information

This one-day assessment allows for SMTH testers to either complete their training, or for already competent SMTH testers to maintain their current competencies, including Core, Aspect, Cable, Points, Cable diversion and Signal Failure Investigation.

This is a 1-day assessment of your competency on a one-to-one basis, where you will undergo the following practical assessments (as needed):

• SMTH Core skills
• Aspect testing
• Cable testing
• Points testing
• Cable diversion
• Signal Failure Investigation

SMTH Competence Process

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

Prerequisites

You must hold a valid SMTH competency at Level 2 (and completed your Action Learning period (mentoring) with a filled in Action Learning Form) or Level 3 on Sentinel and complete a Pre-Practical Assessment prior to the SMTH Practical Assessment date, which we will provide to you via our online exam platform and is detailed below.

Pre-Practical Assessment

Similar to the initial SMTH course, before attending the SMTH Practical Assessment, delegates will need to complete a test to ensure they have the knowledge needed for their practical assessment.

We deliver this test online via our exam platform, where attempts are proctored/monitored for security and authenticity.

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.

The Pre-Practical Assessment is different depending on the SMTH competency level of the attending delegate on Sentinel.

Level 2 Delegates

If the delegate holds Level 2 SMTH Tester in Action Learning competency on Sentinel, they will undergo the SMTH Tester in Action Learning Pre-Practical Knowledge Test. This is a 60-minute multiple choice test that must be completed prior to booking the SMTH Practical Assessment. Delegates will be able to take the test as many times as needed to pass, upon which they will then go on to attend the assessment day.

Level 2 delegates must attend an SMTH Practical Assessment within 12 months of their SMTH Initial course, otherwise they will lose their level 2 competency and have to attend another SMTH Initial course.

Level 3 Delegates

If the delegate holds Level 3 SMTH Competent Tester competency on Sentinel, they will undergo the SMTH Competent Tester Pre-Practical Knowledge Test. This is a 60-minute multiple choice test that must be completed prior to booking the SMTH Practical Assessment. Delegates must pass this test on their first attempt in order to then attend the assessment day.

If the delegate fails this Pre-Practical Knowledge Test, their SMTH competencies will be marked down to Level 2, and in addition they will need to go through a period of Action Learning (mentoring) before attending another SMTH Practical Assessment. They will then follow the Level 2 Delegate route above.

Course Outcomes

This course is designed to assess a person’s knowledge, understanding, application and skills of carrying out Signal Maintenance Testing in accordance with the Signal Maintenance Testing Handbook (SMTH) and other applicable Network Rail standards.

Assessment

Delegates will be assessed by practical tests observed by their assessor, along with associated written theory tests. Upon successful completion of the SMTH Practical Assessment, delegates will either have their Level 2 competence updated to Level 3 “Competent Signal Maintenance Tester” or maintain their current Level 3 status on their Sentinel Card. Their Level 3 competency is valid for 36 months, upon which they will need to attend another SMTH Practical Assessment to maintain their competency.