About Training

'Training Saves Lives' Video

Training in the use of work equipment is required by most health and safety legislation and work at height regulations. Employers are obliged to train employees. The IPAF training programme for platform operators was developed by leading industry professionals. It is certified by TÜV as conforming to the international standard ISO 18878:2004 Mobile elevating work platforms – Operator (driver) training. More than 80,000 operators are trained each year through a worldwide network of over 450 training centres. Successful trainees receive a PAL Card (Powered Access Licence), a safety guide, a log book and a certificate.

IPAF itself does not provide training. Training is provided by approved training centres, mostly manufacturer and rental members of IPAF. Approved training centres set the course fees independently for training provided. They are regularly audited by IPAF. Class sizes are kept small. Courses generally last one to two days and are a mixture of theory and practice, with a written and a practical test. Course material is available in many languages and training centres receive regular updates.

Courses Available

Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP) courses for: 

• Operators
• Demonstrators
• Instructors

Categories of MEWP equipment:

• Static Vertical (1a)
• Static Boom (1b)
• Mobile Vertical (3a)
• Mobile Boom (3b)
• Push Around Vertical (PAV)
• Insulated Aerial Device (IAD)
• Specialist machines (SPECIAL)

Mast Climbing Work Platform (MCWP) courses for:

• Mobile Operators
• Demonstrators
• Installers
• Advanced Installers
• Instructors

Other courses:

• Harness Use and Inspection (H)
• Loading/Unloading (LOAD)
• MEWPs for Managers (MM)

Find your nearest training centre.

IPAF Online System: www.ipaf-training.com

This course instructs an operator to prepare and safely operate various types of MEWPs.

This course trains a demonstrator to familiarise operators with their responsibilities and demonstrate pre-operational and safe operating procedures, and the limitations of MEWPs.

This course trains and assesses an instructor to understand the delivery of the IPAF training programme, and assesses knowledge on machines and ability to convey information to candidates.

This course instructs a user to select, inspect and use a harness and associated equipment safely when using a MEWP.

This course instructs an operator in the correct safety procedures for the loading, unloading and securing of machinery prior to or following transportation by road.

This course instructs a supervisor/manager on what is required to prepare for and safely coordinate various types of MEWPs on site. This is course is not about operating equipment. It is targeted at managers responsible for planning or overseeing the use of MEWPs in many sectors including construction, facilities management, retail, airports, leisure parks, industrial cleaning and tree surgery.