Our IPAF Operator (1B, 3A & 3B) Course delivers a minimum of 7 hours of instruction and is designed to instruct up to a maximum ratio of 2 delegates per instructor, providing training to prepare and safely operate the Static Boom, Mobile Vertical (Scissorlift) and Mobile Boom (Cherrypicker) in the workplace.
The IPAF (International Powered Access Federation) certification is an internationally recognised qualification for use of such machinery. More than 100,000 operators are trained each year through a worldwide network of training centers. As an approved training center, we are audited by IPAF annually. Training generally lasts one to two days and is a mixture of theory and practice.
This course consists of an instructor led training room presentation, written assessment, practical training and assessment.
This course is aimed at individuals with previous operating experience who are or will be responsible for using Static Booms, Cherry Pickers and Scissor Lifts
This course is aimed at individuals with previous operating experience who are or will be responsible for using Static Booms, Mobile Booms and Cherry Pickers in the workplace. If operatives have little or no experience, or additional practice time may be required, please view our IPAF Operator (Novice) Course.
Similarly, since the inspection, operation and use of MEWPs can be physically demanding, users should be physically fit and in good health and should, generally, not have problems with eyesight or hearing, heart disease, high blood pressure, epilepsy, fear of heights / vertigo, giddiness / difficulty with balance, impaired limb function, alcohol or drug dependence or psychiatric illness.
If you have any problems with literacy or language comprehension, or have any doubts about your fitness to use an MEWP, you must bring them to the attention of your employer. This need not preclude you from using MEWPs, provided your employer conducts an assessment and is able to put into place adequate measures, to take account of any difficulties you may have.
This course is a prerequisite for the IPAF Demonstrator Course and IPAF IAD Operator Course.
The agenda for the IPAF Operator - 1B/3A/3B course includes:
- Introduction to IPAF and MEWPs
- Pre-theory test
- Legislations, Regulations, Standards and Best Practice
- MEWP categories explained
- Structural parts identified
- Pre-use inspection/handover requirements
- Safe operating methods and hazards to be observed
- Post-theory test
- Practical training on selected categories
- Practical assessment on selected categories
Successful delegates will receive an IPAF 1B/3A/3B Operator ePAL license valid for 5 years from the course date. They will also gain an understanding of current legislation and best practice on a range of MEWPs; including carrying out a pre-use inspection and safe operation in line with approved methods and the manufacturer's instructions.
As of June 2021, all successful delegates are registered through the IPAF Digital Card License Application (ePAL) system, making your IPAF certification accessible via the ePAL app on iOS and Android. This is inclusive within the course price.
For a physical copy of your IPAF Certificate and PAL Card, an additional charge of £12.50 + VAT per delegate is inccured. Please ensure this is requested prior to the course date or at our reception desk on the day of your course, otherwise it will be treated as a replacement certificate at £35.00 + VAT each.
Our FAQ area is the best place to look to find answer to your questions. Our community and support team
constantly update the questions and answers.
As most of our IPAF courses involve an element of practical work at height, you are required to wear PPE during your practical training and assessment, including Safety boots, Safety helmet with a Chin Strap, High-Visibility Clothing and a Safety Harness. Specific requirements will be outlined in your booking confirmation email and joining instructions.
PPE can be purchased from Reception at our Tonbridge & Ashford Training Centres. We provide all necessary course materials, including manuals and training equipment for practical assessments.
Yes, we have safety harnesses available for usage on our training courses at both our Tonbridge & Ashford Training Centres. However, they must be returned prior to leaving the centre otherwise you may incur an additional charge for the cost of the Harness and delay your certification.
After successfully completing your IPAF course, your instructor will provide you with an IPAF temporary permit, which serves as proof of training while your licence is audited and processed by IPAF. This process typically takes 7 – 10 working days from your training date, after which your digital licence will be available through the IPAF ePAL app - provided you have no outstanding payments due on your IPAF course.
IPAF now issues all licences digitally through the ePAL app, which is free to download on Apple and Android devices. If you would also like a traditional plastic PAL card, you can order one for a small additional fee at the time of booking your course. Alternatively, it can be ordered from Reception at our Tonbridge and Ashford Training Centres – also for a small additional fee.
Yes, we can absolutely offer you support. We understand that everyone learns differently, and we’re committed to making our courses accessible to all. Our instructors are experienced in delivering training to individuals with varying levels of reading and writing ability.
We can offer additional verbal guidance, practical demonstrations, and one-to-one support when attending training courses at one of our training centres. If required, we can also arrange for assistance during written assessments, such as a reader.
Please let our support team know in advance if you have any concerns, and we’ll do everything we can to support you in successfully completing your training.
We strive to make our training as accessible and inclusive as possible. Some awarding bodies allow test papers to be provided in different languages, while others require assessments to be completed in English only.
If you need a test paper in another language, please let our support team know as soon as possible prior your course. We will check with the relevant awarding body and do our best to accommodate your request. If translated papers are not available, we may be able to offer other forms of support, such as verbal assistance.
Kentec Training is a registered CITB Approved Training Organisation (ATO). This means that we can apply for automated grants on your behalf from CITB towards your training costs for the achievement of approved short courses. For full guidance on eligibility, available grant amounts, and how to make a claim, please visit our CITB Short Course Grants page or speak with your company’s CITB Grant & Levy contact.
View All FAQs
