The ePAL app, developed by the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF), is a digital wallet designed to store, manage and share your IPAF powered access licences and qualifications directly from your smartphone.
Available for both Apple iOS and Android, ePAL gives operators convenient access to their digital PAL Card, training records, operating experience and important safety information wherever they work. It also provides a range of practical tools designed to support safer working practices, including digital pre-use checks, machine familiarisation records and an operator logbook.
For operators who have completed an IPAF Operator Course, ePAL provides a convenient way to keep their IPAF credentials accessible without having to rely solely on a physical PAL Card.
In this guide, we'll look at what the IPAF ePAL app is, what you can use it for, how digital PAL Cards work and some of the key features operators, employers and site managers should know about.
What Is IPAF ePAL?
ePAL is IPAF's official mobile app for powered access operators and managers. It acts as a digital wallet for IPAF-issued licences and qualifications, allowing users to store and share their credentials directly from their smartphone.
The app supports a range of IPAF licences and qualifications, including:
- PAL Cards for MEWP, MCWP and construction hoist operators
- Competent Assessed Person (CAP)
- MEWPs for Managers (MM)
- Site Assessment for MEWP Selection
- Harness-related qualifications
- Other IPAF-issued licences and qualifications
Multiple IPAF licences and qualifications can be displayed within the same ePAL account, making it particularly useful for operators who have completed more than one type of IPAF training.
The PAL Card itself is the Powered Access Licence issued to people who have successfully completed the relevant IPAF training and assessment. In the UK and Ireland, PAL Cards have been issued digitally through ePAL since June 2021, although a printed PAL Card remains available for those who require one.
What Is an IPAF PAL Card?
The PAL Card is one of the most widely recognised licenses for operators of powered access equipment. It demonstrates that the holder has completed the relevant IPAF training and successfully passed the required assessments for the machine categories - also shown on their licence.
PAL Cards can cover equipment including:
- Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs)
- Mast Climbing Work Platforms (MCWPs)
- Construction Hoists (CHs)
For MEWP operators, categories can include machines such as 3A scissor lifts and 3B mobile booms, depending on the training completed. PAL Cards are normally valid for five years, subject to the regulations applicable in the relevant country or region.
In the UK and Ireland, the digital PAL Card is accessed through ePAL. A printed PAL Card can still be requested through an IPAF Approved Training Centre that provided the training, such as Kentec Training.
Key Features of the IPAF ePAL App
ePAL is more than simply a digital replacement for a plastic card. The app has developed into a useful day-to-day tool for powered access operators, providing access to licences, operating records, safety information and inspection tools.
- Digital PAL Card and Training Records: The primary function of ePAL is to provide digital access to your IPAF licences and qualifications. Your digital PAL Card contains the relevant information from your physical PAL Card, including your photograph, licence details and machine categories. The digital version also displays the full names of the categories rather than relying solely on category codes. The app can also display multiple IPAF-issued licences and qualifications, allowing operators to keep their credentials together in one place.
- Digital Logbook: ePAL includes a digital logbook that allows operators to record their operating experience on different powered access machines. Operators can create individual machine records and then add work log entries containing relevant details of their experience. This provides a convenient digital record of machine experience that can be useful when demonstrating previous operating experience or maintaining personal training records.
- Machine Familiarisation Records: Training and holding the appropriate PAL Card are important, but operators must also be familiarised with the specific machine they are expected to operate. ePAL allows operators to record machine familiarisation, helping maintain a digital record of the machines they have been familiarised with. Machine work logs can also be shared using the device's normal sharing functions, such as email or messaging applications.
- Digital MEWP Pre-Use Checks: One of the most useful developments within ePAL is its digital pre-use check functionality. The app provides guided and non-guided pre-use checks designed to help operators carry out appropriate checks in accordance with manufacturer requirements. Operators can record the results of their checks digitally, while failed checks generate a visual warning within the app. Pre-use check records can also be exported and retained.
The latest version of ePAL, version 3.2, also introduced non-guided pre-use checks for Mast Climbing Work Platforms and Construction Hoists, expanding the range of equipment covered by the functionality. It is important to remember that a digital pre-use check does not replace the requirement to follow the manufacturer's instructions and carry out all checks required for the particular machine.
- Safety Guides and Information: ePAL also gives operators access to relevant IPAF safety information and guidance through the app. Depending on the licences linked to the account, users can access relevant operator and site safety guides, alongside safety updates, best-practice advice and other information intended to support safer powered access operations. This means ePAL can act as more than a digital licence wallet; it also provides operators with safety information while they are working.
- Accident and Near-Miss Reporting: The app provides access to IPAF's reporting functionality, allowing users to report powered access accidents and near misses. Reports can be made anonymously and help IPAF gather industry-wide safety data. This information contributes to IPAF's understanding of accident trends and helps inform future safety guidance and initiatives.
- Exporting Your Records: The latest ePAL update, version 3.2, introduced new export functionality. Users can now select and export information such as active licences, machines, pre-use checks, familiarisations and work logs. Information can be filtered by date and exported as a spreadsheet, while certain pre-use check records can also be exported as PDF files. The resulting files can then be shared through applications such as email or WhatsApp. This is particularly useful where an operator needs to provide records to an employer, site manager or client.
What Are the Benefits of Using ePAL?
There are several benefits to using ePAL for both operators and employers:
For Operators
The most obvious benefit is convenience. Instead of having to carry a physical PAL Card and separate paperwork, operators can access their digital credentials directly from their smartphone. The app can also bring multiple IPAF qualifications together in one place, while providing access to operating records, familiarisation records and safety information.
Digital PAL Cards also benefit from the security features already built into modern smartphones, helping to reduce some of the risks associated with lost, damaged or fraudulent physical cards.
For Employers and Site Managers
ePAL makes it easier for operators to share relevant licence and qualification information when required. Employers and site managers can also use IPAF's separate PAL Card verification service to check whether a PAL Card is genuine and view the qualification details associated with the licence.
However, holding an appropriate PAL Card should not be treated as the only consideration when determining whether someone can safely operate a particular machine. Employers must still ensure that operators are appropriately trained, familiarised with the specific equipment and competent for the work they are required to undertake.
How Do You Get an IPAF ePAL Licence?
The ePAL app itself is free to download and use and is available through the Apple App Store and Google Play. It is available to both new and existing IPAF licence and qualification holders.
To obtain an IPAF PAL Card, an operator must successfully complete the relevant IPAF training and assessment at an IPAF Approved Training Centre.
For example, the IPAF MEWP Operator course combines theory and practical training followed by assessments. The course can be completed by people with no previous MEWP operating experience, making it suitable for novice operators as well as those looking to formalise their training.
Once the qualification has been processed, the digital PAL Card can be accessed through ePAL.
Rather than stating that every operator will receive their licence within a fixed seven-to-ten-working-day period, it is better to avoid giving a specific processing time, as this can depend on the processing of the qualification.
Do I Still Need a Physical PAL Card?
No, a physical PAL Card is not required if you are happy to use the digital version.
In the UK and Ireland, PAL Cards are issued digitally and accessed through ePAL. However, IPAF still provides the option of a printed PAL Card for operators who require or prefer one.
There is also an important practical consideration: the digital PAL Card cannot be used to unlock MEWPs that have RFID access-control systems because ePAL cannot currently replicate the functionality of the physical Smart PAL Card on mobile devices. If a physical card is required for machine access control, this should be requested from the training centre.
Can I Use ePAL on More Than One Device?
Yes. IPAF confirms that ePAL can be downloaded and accessed on more than one device. For example, an operator can use the app on both a personal and work phone and log into the same account.
This can be useful for operators who regularly use a company-issued device but also want access to their qualifications on their personal smartphone.
What Happens If I Lose My Phone?
Losing your phone does not mean that you lose your IPAF qualifications.
Your licences and qualifications are associated with your IPAF account, allowing you to log into ePAL on another compatible device and regain access to your digital records.
IPAF also provides support for users who lose access to the email address or mobile number associated with their IPAF ID.
Can I Still Get a Physical PAL Card?
Yes. If you have received a digital PAL Card through ePAL but subsequently decide that you would also like a physical card, you can contact the IPAF Approved Training Centre that provided your training.
The training centre can arrange a printed PAL Card, although a fee is charged for this service.
How Secure Is the Digital PAL Card?
Digital credentials provide several security advantages compared with relying exclusively on a physical card.
The ePAL app benefits from the security measures built into the user's mobile device, while IPAF also provides an online PAL Card verification system for employers and site managers.
The verification service allows the licence number and cardholder details to be checked against IPAF's records, helping confirm the validity of the qualification and the categories for which the operator has been trained.
What Has Changed in ePAL 3.2?
IPAF continues to develop ePAL based on user feedback and the way the app is being used within the powered access industry.
The most recent major update, ePAL 3.2, was released in February 2026 and introduced several improvements, including expanded pre-use checks and new export functionality.
The update allows users to export selected information covering licences, machines, pre-use checks, familiarisations and work logs. It also expanded pre-use check functionality to include MCWPs and Construction Hoists.
IPAF has also introduced limited advertising within the app to help fund ongoing development. IPAF states that these adverts are non-personalised and do not track user behaviour or create individual profiles.
How Can I Complete IPAF Training?
ePAL is an important part of the modern IPAF system, but the app itself does not replace the requirement for appropriate training and assessment.
At Kentec Training, we offer a range of IPAF courses designed for operators, managers and other powered access professionals at our training centres in Kent.
Our IPAF training library includes:
- IPAF Operator Course - 3A
- IPAF Operator Course - 3B
- IPAF Operator Course - 1B
- IPAF MEWPS for Managers Course
- IPAF Harness Awareness, User and Inspection (HA/HU/HI) Course
- IPAF Demonstrator Course
- IPAF Load & Unload Course
- IPAF PAV (Push-Around Vertical) Course
- IPAF Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) Course
IPAF states that its MEWP Operator training consists of theory and practical training followed by testing, with course duration depending on factors including candidate experience, machine complexity and the number of categories selected.
Once you've successfully completed your training, ePAL provides a convenient way to keep your IPAF credentials and related records accessible wherever you work.
Get Your Digital Powered Access Licence Today!
The ePAL app has evolved considerably beyond simply being a digital replacement for the traditional PAL Card. It is now a wider digital tool for powered access operators, combining qualifications with practical record-keeping and safety functions.
Ultimately, ePAL makes it easier for operators to keep their powered access qualifications, experience and safety information readily available. Combined with appropriate training, machine familiarisation, pre-use inspections and effective site management, it provides a useful digital resource for supporting safer powered access operations.
