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 70,000 operators are trained each year through a worldwide network of over 300 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)
• Insulated Aerical 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)
• Telehandler Platform - Integrated (TPI)

Find your nearest training centre.