5-year certificate validity
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Independent course comparison
What IPAF training covers
The International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) sets the standard for the safe and effective use of mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) — cherry pickers, scissor lifts and boom lifts. IPAF training teaches operators to plan, set up and operate powered access equipment safely, and is recognised worldwide. On successful completion delegates receive an electronic PAL Card (ePAL) valid for five years.
IPAF training also supports employer and operator duties under the Work at Height Regulations 2005 and PUWER, which require anyone operating powered access equipment to be competent and adequately trained. Envico is an independent booking agent: we list IPAF courses from accredited training providers so you can compare dates, locations and value in one place.
IPAF Operator (MEWP) courses
For anyone who will personally operate a MEWP. Choose the machine category — or a combined course — that matches the equipment you will use on site.
IPAF 3a (Mobile Scissor) Operator
For operators of mobile vertical platforms — commonly known as scissor lifts. The single-category course for 3a machines.
IPAF 3b (Mobile Boom) Operator
For operators of mobile boom lifts — articulating or telescopic platforms. The single-category course for 3b machines.
IPAF 3a & 3b (Mobile Scissor & Mobile Boom) Operator
The most common combined operator course — covers both mobile vertical (3a) and mobile boom (3b) platforms in one certification, and works out cheaper than booking each separately.
IPAF 1b (Static Boom) Operator
Trains operators to prepare and safely use static boom MEWPs — vehicle- or trailer-mounted platforms. Suitable for first-time applicants and PAL Card renewals.
IPAF 1b, 3a & 3b (Static Boom, Mobile Scissor & Mobile Boom)
The full triple-category operator course — static boom plus both mobile categories — for those who need maximum machine coverage on one card.
IPAF Harness courses
Awareness, use and inspection of harnesses for working at height in a MEWP. These categories are added to an existing IPAF licence rather than replacing an operator course.
IPAF Harness Awareness (Online)
Roughly 2–3 hours of eLearning for those who plan, manage or supervise harness use without personally wearing one.
Covers selecting and correctly using a harness in any working-at-height application. For anyone who wears a harness in a MEWP.
Enables delegates to inspect and sign off harnesses for use. Requires prior completion of the Harness User course.
Harness Awareness, User & Inspection (Combined)
Awareness, use and inspection in a single combined course — use and sign off harnesses for any working-at-height application.
IPAF for managers & supervisors
For those who plan, supervise or manage MEWP operations rather than operate the equipment themselves.
Covers planning the job, risk assessment and selecting the right equipment. Available as eLearning; the MM category can be added to a valid PAL Card.
Which IPAF course do I need?
If you operate the machine
Take an operator course for your machine category — 3a (mobile vertical/scissor), 3b (mobile boom), 1b (static boom), or a combined course. This gives you the PAL Card to operate that equipment.
If you wear a harness
Boom-type MEWPs require a harness. Take Harness Awareness & User, then Inspection if you need to check and sign off equipment — or the combined course to cover all three.
If you manage the work
MEWPs for Managers is for supervisors and planners. It is not an operating qualification, but it covers the legal and planning responsibilities for safe MEWP use.
Diary your renewal. A PAL Card is valid for five years. Book your renewal before it expires rather than after — an out-of-date card can stop you operating on site at short notice, and renewal courses fill up.
Training a team? IPAF operator courses include practical assessment on real machines, so group delivery at your own depot works particularly well — the training happens on the equipment your team actually uses. See on-site training for groups.
IPAF, PASMA or ladders?
Three separate schemes for three types of access equipment. Holding one does not cover the others.
IPAF — powered platforms
Mobile elevating work platforms: scissor lifts, cherry pickers and boom lifts. Issues the PAL Card.
Aluminium towers assembled by hand and moved on castors. A separate scheme with its own card and its own five-year validity.
Ladder Association — ladders and steps
Ladders and stepladders, still legitimate access equipment for short-duration low-risk work. Again a separate card.
IPAF training — frequently asked questions
How long is an IPAF certificate valid?
An IPAF PAL Card is valid for five years. Towards the end of that period you will need to complete a renewal course to keep your licence current. There is no grace period once it expires, so it is worth diarising the date when the card is issued.
What is the difference between 3a and 3b?
Category 3a covers mobile vertical platforms (scissor lifts), while 3b covers mobile boom platforms (cherry pickers). Many operators take the combined 3a & 3b course to be certified on both in one go, which works out cheaper than two separate bookings.
Do I need harness training as well as an operator course?
If you will be working in a boom-type MEWP (3b or 1b), a harness is required, so harness training is strongly recommended alongside your operator course. Start with Harness Awareness & User.
Can IPAF courses be done online?
The theory element of several courses — including Harness Awareness and MEWPs for Managers — is available as eLearning. Operator courses include a practical element that must be completed in person with the machine, so there is no fully online route to an operator PAL Card.
Is IPAF training a legal requirement?
IPAF certification is not named in law. However the Work at Height Regulations 2005 and PUWER require operators of powered access equipment to be competent and adequately trained, and IPAF training is the most widely recognised way of demonstrating that competence. In practice most sites will not admit an operator without a valid PAL Card.
What is an ePAL card?
The ePAL is the electronic version of the PAL Card, held in the IPAF ePAL app. It carries the same categories and validity as the physical card, and lets an operator show their qualifications on site without carrying the plastic card.
Is Envico an IPAF training provider?
No. Envico is an independent booking agent. We list IPAF courses delivered by accredited training centres so you can compare dates, locations and value, then book directly through us. Accreditation and certification are issued by the training provider and IPAF.
Find an IPAF course near me
IPAF operator courses run at accredited training centres across the UK. Because every operator category includes practical assessment on a real machine, these are delivered in person — so location matters more here than on classroom-only qualifications.
To find an IPAF course near you, open the category you need from the cards above; each page lists live dates and venues. Nothing suitable showing? Contact us and we will let you know when something becomes available in your area, or arrange delivery at your own site.
Related working-at-height training
PASMA tower training
Ladder Association training
LOLER training
Equipment safety training
Work at Height Regulations
Construction courses
On-site group training
Ready to book your IPAF course?
Choose your category to see live dates and locations from accredited training centres across the UK.