Hire a Lift
Basket

IPAF training and courses

Courses coming soon

IPAF training courses are coming soon, from a first MEWP Operator course to MEWPs for Managers, harness training and demonstrator courses. Course dates, venues and prices are not available yet. Register your interest below and tell us the course and categories you need.

Register interest

What is an IPAF licence (PAL card)?

The PAL card, short for Powered Access Licence, is what most people mean by an IPAF licence. You get it by passing the IPAF MEWP Operator course, and it shows which categories of machine you are trained to operate. It is issued through IPAF's ePAL app, and a printed card is also available. In the UK it lasts five years.

Anyone operating a powered access platform should hold a PAL card for the category they use. The card proves training, not familiarity with a particular machine, so operators should also be shown each model's controls, checks and limits before using it.

IPAF categories: 1a, 1b, 3a and 3b

The number says whether the machine works from a fixed position (1) or can drive while raised (3). The letter says whether the platform goes straight up (a) or out on a boom (b).

PAL+ adds 1b+, 3a+ and 3b+ for higher risk work. IPAF also has categories for insulated aerial devices and specialist machines.

IPAF courses (coming soon)

  • IPAF MEWP Operator

    The entry-level course for anyone who operates a MEWP, in the categories you choose: 3a for scissor lifts, 3b for self-propelled booms, 1b for spider lifts, trailer mounts and vehicle mounts, and 1a for static mast lifts and push-around scissor lifts. A theory section and test, then practical training and a practical test.

    Length:
    One to three days, depending on experience and the categories chosen. Two categories, such as 3a and 3b, usually fit in that time.
    You get:
    PAL card
    Before you start:
    No previous MEWP experience needed.

  • IPAF PAL+ advanced operator

    An optional extra day of category-specific training for operators working in higher risk or challenging places. Available for 1b+, 3a+ and 3b+.

    Length:
    One day.
    You get:
    PAL+ category on your PAL card
    Before you start:
    For PAL card holders in the matching category.

  • IPAF MEWPs for Managers

    For people who plan, supervise or manage work at height with MEWPs, rather than operate them. Can be done by eLearning or at a training centre.

    Length:
    One day.
    You get:
    MEWPs for Managers qualification
    Before you start:
    None.

  • IPAF Harness courses

    Harness Awareness (HA) for anyone who needs to understand harness use, Harness User (HU) for operators who wear one in a MEWP, and Harness Inspector (HI) for people who inspect harnesses and keep the records.

    Length:
    From half a day.
    You get:
    Harness qualification added to your PAL card, or a certificate if you do not hold one
    Before you start:
    HU follows HA. HI follows HA and HU.

  • IPAF MEWP Demonstrator

    Trains you to familiarise operators with a machine: their responsibilities, pre-use checks, safe operating procedures and the machine's limits.

    Length:
    One day.
    You get:
    Demonstrator category on your PAL card
    Before you start:
    Ask us about the entry requirements for your categories.

What to expect on an operator course

  1. Theory, by eLearning beforehand (usually around three hours), in person or virtually.
  2. A theory test.
  3. Practical training on the machine categories you chose, at an IPAF Approved Training Centre or a suitable site.
  4. A practical test. Pass both and your PAL card is issued through the ePAL app.

Register interest in a course

Courses are coming soon. Tell us who needs training and roughly when, and which course suits you.

Categories (tick any that apply)

IPAF training questions

What is an IPAF licence?
It is the IPAF PAL card, short for Powered Access Licence. You get it by passing the IPAF MEWP Operator course, and it lists the machine categories you are trained to operate. It is issued digitally through IPAF's ePAL app, and a printed card is also available.
How long does a PAL card last?
Five years in the UK. A shorter renewal course is available if your card is about to expire and you have taken the MEWP Operator course before.
What licence do I need for a cherry picker?
A PAL card with category 3b for self-propelled articulated and telescopic booms, or 1b for spider lifts and van, truck and trailer mounts. Van and truck mounts also need the right driving licence category for the vehicle.
What training do I need for a scissor lift?
Scissor lift training is the IPAF MEWP Operator course with category 3a, which also covers mast lifts that drive while raised.
How long does IPAF training take?
The MEWP Operator course takes one to three days, depending on your experience and how many categories you take. If you do the theory by eLearning first, that usually takes around three hours before the practical day.
Can I do the theory online?
Yes. The theory can be taken by eLearning, in person or virtually. The practical training and test are always in person.
Do I need IPAF training to hire a lift from you?
Whoever operates the machine should hold a PAL card for its category, and many sites will not let anyone on a MEWP without one. If nobody on your team is trained, register interest in our coming-soon courses or ask about operated hire.
Is the PAL card enough on its own?
No. The card shows you are trained in a category. Before using a particular machine, the operator should also be familiarised with that model's controls, checks and limits.

No trained operator on site? Ask about operated hire