Do I need experience for IPAF training?

No previous experience is required. Our IPAF courses are designed for complete beginners as well as experienced operators needing formal certification or renewal.

Working At Height

IPAF Training

Get your IPAF PAL Card for cherry pickers, scissor lifts and boom lifts. Industry-standard certification for working at height — valid for 5 years.

IPAF cherry picker and scissor lift training

IPAF training (International Powered Access Federation) is the globally recognised standard for operating Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWPs) including cherry pickers, scissor lifts, and boom lifts. An IPAF PAL Card proves you are competent to work safely at height using powered access equipment.

Direct Training is an IPAF-approved training centre delivering courses across London and the UK. Our IPAF courses include theory, practical operation, and assessment — with successful candidates receiving the IPAF PAL Card valid for 5 years.

IPAF Training Breakdown

Training Duration	1 Day (Single Category) – 2 Days (Combined Categories)
Training Location	London & 65+ Nationwide Centres
Operator Salary	£22,000 – £35,000+ Annually
PAL Card Validity	5 Years from Date of Issue
National Pass Rate	98% Pass Rate
Certification	IPAF PAL Card — Internationally Recognised

IPAF Categories We Offer

Category	Equipment	Duration
1a	Static Vertical (Scissor Lift)	1 Day
1b	Static Boom	1 Day
3a	Mobile Vertical (Scissor Lift)	1 Day
3b	Mobile Boom (Cherry Picker)	1 Day
1a + 3a	Combined Scissor Lifts	1 Day
3a + 3b	Combined Mobile (Scissor + Boom)	2 Days
1b + 3b	Combined Boom Lifts	2 Days

📑 Course Agenda

✔️ IPAF safety theory & legislation
✔️ Types of MEWPs & their applications
✔️ Pre-use inspection procedures
✔️ Safe set-up & positioning
✔️ Operating controls & emergency lowering
✔️ Working at height regulations
✔️ Hazard identification & risk assessment
✔️ Ground conditions assessment
✔️ Exclusion zones & overhead hazards
✔️ Harness use & fall protection
✔️ Rescue procedures
✔️ Final practical & theory assessment

📅 What's Included

Theory Training:

IPAF eLearning or classroom-based theory module

Practical Training:

Hands-on machine operation & manoeuvring

Assessment:

Practical and theory test

Certification:

IPAF PAL Card posted within 5 working days

Why Choose Direct Training for IPAF Courses?

IPAF-approved training centre
Experienced IPAF instructors
PAL Card valid for 5 years internationally
1-2 day courses — minimal time off work
98% national pass rate
Multiple MEWP categories available
On-site training at your premises
Ideal for construction, maintenance & events workers

IPAF Training Locations

We deliver IPAF training across London, Birmingham, and 65+ centres nationwide.

Frequently Asked Questions — IPAF Training

IPAF (International Powered Access Federation) training certifies operators to safely use Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWPs), including cherry pickers, scissor lifts, and boom lifts. IPAF certification is the industry standard for working at height using powered access equipment.

IPAF operator training typically takes 1 day for a single category (e.g., scissor lift OR cherry picker) and 2 days for combined categories. Refresher courses also take 1 day.

We offer IPAF categories including 1a (Static Vertical - Scissor Lift), 1b (Static Boom), 3a (Mobile Vertical - Scissor Lift), 3b (Mobile Boom - Cherry Picker). Combined courses covering multiple categories are available.

An IPAF PAL Card (Powered Access Licence) is valid for 5 years. After 5 years, you need to complete a renewal/refresher course to maintain your certification.

No prior experience is required for our novice courses in ${name}. We provide comprehensive training from the basics through to certification. If you already have experience, we offer shorter conversion and refresher courses.

IPAF-qualified operators working at height earn between £22,000 and £35,000 annually. Specialist roles in construction, maintenance, and events can command higher rates, especially when combined with other certifications.

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IPAF Training

IPAF Training Breakdown