The PAL Card
What is a PAL Card?
A PAL Card is a Powered Access Licence for operating mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs), mast climbing work platforms (MCWPs) or construction hoists (CHs).
To qualify for a PAL Card, operators must complete an IPAF training course and pass a test at an IPAF Approved Training Centre.
Over 80 countries and regions accept the PAL Card in recognition of high-quality operator training, with over 845 IPAF Approved Training Centres worldwide. IPAF has issued over 3 million PAL Cards.
The IPAF training programme was developed by leading industry professionals and is certified as conforming to the international standard ISO 18878 Mobile elevating work platforms – Operator (driver) training.
To get a PAL Card, find your nearest IPAF-approved training centre
"IPAF Training is comprehensive and globally recognised in the marketplace. At Skyjack, we insist that all personnel operating MEWPs are trained using these industry-leading materials." Ken McDougall, President, Skyjack, USA
"The IPAF Brand is the global standard and its something we're proud to be associated with." Richard Abercrombie, Learning & Development Lecturer, Openreach, UK
Frequently Asked Questions
Who needs a PAL Card?
Anyone operating a: Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP), Mast Climbing Work Platform (MCWP), Construction Hoist (CH).
How do I get a PAL Card?
From June 2021 UK & Ireland PAL Cards are issued digitally and accessed via ePAL, IPAF’s free mobile phone app. A printed PAL Card will still be available.
What courses are available?
For a full list of IPAF training courses, view our Training page
How long is the PAL Card valid for?
Five years, from the first day of your training course. *Dependent on your country/regions regulations
How to verify a PAL Card?
Online verification of PAL Cards: www.ipaf.org/checkpal or contact your nearest country office.
Lost PAL Cards
If you need a replacement for a lost PAL Card, contact the IPAF training centre where you were trained. They will be able to replace your licence for a small fee. Read more.
