IPAF Training Courses

There is no legal requirement to have an IPAF license when operating MEWPs. However, the UK’s Work at Height Regulations state that any employees required to work at height need to be competent. This means adequate training must be provided by employers, and IPAF is the most recognised governing body when it comes to using powered access equipment.

IPAF is the industry standard for powered access training courses, and most companies require workers to have an IPAF license before operating equipment.

IPAF certification is beneficial to both employers and employees. For employers, IPAF courses ensure safety and legal compliance. For workers, the training can increase job opportunities and career growth.

IPAF certification is beneficial to both employers and employees. For employers, IPAF courses ensure safety and legal compliance. For workers, the training can increase job opportunities and career growth.

IPAF licenses come in two main MEWP categories – scissor lifts and cherry pickers. The right course depends on the type of equipment you’re going to operate. For scissor lifts (static and mobile), you will either need IPAF 1a or IPAF 3a. For cherry pickers (static and mobile), you’ll either need IPAF 1b or IPAF 3b.

Most training centres require delegates to provide their own PPE for training. To attend our courses, please bring the following:

• Hard hat
• High visibility vest
• Safety footwear
• Warm, waterproof clothing
• Harness

Yes, a combined MEWP course can save you money. It is both time- and cost-efficient, allowing delegates to get trained on more than one type of equipment in the same programme.

Once you pass the assessment, you will get an IPAF PAL card. These are in digital form and can be accessed via the IPAF ePAL app. Your certificate of training can be found here once results are processed.

If you would like a physical card and certificate, you can request this but there will be an extra fee to pay.

PAF licenses are valid for five years. The date of issue and date of expiry are both shown on the PAL card. Operators must retake the relevant course before the date of expiry to ensure timely license renewal.

There are two parts to the IPAF assessment – the theory test and practical test. The IPAF theory is generally straightforward and all the answers you need will be covered during the course. So it’s essential to pay attention during training and to revise key safety rules and regulations.

The practical side of powered access training courses can take a little time to get used to if you’re new to MEWPs. But don’t worry – IPAF courses are designed specifically for beginners.

The IPAF Local Language Mandate requires that courses be held in the official language of the country. All courses in the UK will be delivered in English. But if you would prefer to do the test in another language, please let your course provider know.

If you are a business looking for IPAF training to be delivered at your site, get in touch to find out more. We can often run courses on site and our coverage is nationwide.

If you fail the practical test, you should be able to retake some or all of the practical (depending which areas you failed). You must rebook within 90 days for your theory results to remain valid. Any re-sits outside of the 90 day period will mean having to do the theory test again.

Our instructors will be able to talk you through the areas where you failed, giving you an indication on how to pass next time.

If you fail the theory, you’ll need to rebook the whole course. To find out what IPAF is and when it’s needed, read our guide: What is IPAF and When is it Needed?