
SMTH Recertification
Max Delegates:
1
Course duration:
1 day
Course Information
We are able to provide recertification of your SMTH competency, including Core, Aspect, Cable, Points, Cable diversion and Signal Failure Investigation.
This is a 1 day re-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 2025. The following infographic shows the process to become or maintain competence as a SMTH tester.

Pre-Requisites
You must hold a valid SMTH competency at Level 2 (and completed your mentoring with evidence) or Level 3 and complete a Pre-Practical Assessment prior to the recertification 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 recertification, delegates will need to complete a short 60 minute multiple choice 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.
Delegates have a maximum of three attempts at this test. If the delegate fails the first attempt, there will be a 24 hour delay before they can begin their second attempt. Should the delegate fail their second attempt, they will need to wait for a period of 28 days before they can attempt the test for the final time.
If a delegate should require a third attempt, the delegate will need to complete this on the day of their recertification. If the delegate fails their final attempt on the day, their practical assessment will not go ahead.
Due to the Pre-Practical Assessment rules, SMTH Recertifications need to be booked at least 8 weeks in advance to allow for delegates to complete the tests. The Pre-Practical Assessment result is valid for 6 months.
If the delegate has a Level 3 SMTH competency on Sentinel, failing this test at any point will cause your competency to be marked at Level 2 instead. This will remain in place until the delegate successfully completes the test and passes their recertification practical assessment. During this period, the delegate must not complete SMTH work without supervision under Sentinel rules.
If a delegate fails all three test attempts, this will cause the delegate to lose their SMTH competence on Sentinel (regardless of level), and the delegate will need to attend a full SMTH initial course to regain competency.
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 recertification, 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.