For this course, each course has a maximum number of lifts rather than spaces. Two categories per delegate counts as two lifts.
Our IPAF Operator course is designed to address the needs of those operating Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWPs) such as cherry pickers, scissor lifts, vertical platforms, static or self-propelled, telescopic and articulating booms.
The IPAF Operator course (sometimes referred to as IPAF license) is a one day course that offers delegates seeking their IPAF PAL Card the choice of 1, 2 or 3 machine categories (IPAF 3A, IPAF 3B and/or IPAF 1B) and consists of a morning of theory plus an afternoon of practical assessment.
We advise: if you require the 1b machine the weight limit at Chelmsford is 120kg
We can now book up to 8 delegates on one category in a single session, please call the training team for costs and further details
This course qualifies for the CITB Levy Grant. Please contact the training team for more information
Choose up to 3 categories
| Delegates | 1 Category | 2 Categories | 3 Categories |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | £200.00 | £240.00 | £300.00 |
| 2 | £200.00 | £240.00 | £300.00 |
| 3 | £190.00 | £230.00 | £290.00 |
| 4 | £190.00 | £230.00 | £290.00 |
| 5 | £185.00 | £225.00 | £285.00 |
| 6 | £185.00 | £225.00 | £285.00 |
| 7 | £180.00 | £220.00 | - |
| 8 | £180.00 | £220.00 | - |
| 9 | £175.00 | £215.00 | - |
| 10 | £170.00 | £210.00 | - |
| 11 | £160.00 | £205.00 | - |
| 12 | £160.00 | £205.00 | - |
| Weekend Delegates | 1 Category | 2 Categories | 3 Categories |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | £230.00 | £260.00 | £315.00 |
| 2 | £230.00 | £260.00 | £315.00 |
| 3 | £220.00 | £250.00 | £305.00 |
| 4 | £220.00 | £250.00 | £305.00 |
| 5 | £215.00 | £245.00 | £300.00 |
| 6 | £215.00 | £245.00 | £300.00 |
| 7 | £210.00 | £240.00 | - |
| 8 | £210.00 | £240.00 | - |
| 9 | £205.00 | £235.00 | - |
| 10 | £200.00 | £230.00 | - |
| 11 | £195.00 | £225.00 | - |
| 12 | £195.00 | £225.00 | - |
Our IPAF Operator course gives you the knowledge, skills, and certification to safely operate powered access platforms (MEWPs) including scissor lifts and boom lifts. Whether you are new to MEWPs or renewing your certification, this IPAF operator training prepares you to handle equipment confidently, comply with regulations, and minimise risk on site.
Our one-day IPAF Operator course is designed to address the needs of those operating Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWPs) such as cherry pickers, scissor lifts, vertical platforms, static or self-propelled, telescopic and articulating booms. Delegates can choose from one, two or three machine categories (IPAF 3A, IPAF 3B and/or IPAF 1B).
Our IPAF Operator training course comprises a morning of theory with a written test plus an afternoon of practical assessment. The course is delivered by IPAF accredited and experienced Mark One Training Instructors and on successful completion of the course, delegates get the IPAF Operator PAL card.
Machine categories available:
Machine Category IPAF 3A Training - Scissor Lift - Mobile Vertical
Machine Category IPAF 3B Training - Self Propelled Boom - Mobile Boom
Machine Category IPAF 1B Training – Vehicle, Trailer or Track Mounted - Static Boom (The weight limit at Chelmsford is 120kg)
Course location:
This training course is offered from both our Southend and Chelmsford training centres. If you require the 1b machine the weight limit at Chelmsford is 120kg. Select your date and training centre via the ‘Book’ tab.
What You’ll Learn
During your IPAF operator training, you’ll cover:
Your instructor will guide you through theory and deliver hands‑on training on MEWPs. During the training you’ll perform operation tasks under supervision, applying safe working principles in a realistic environment.
Assessment & Certification
To complete the IPAF Operator certification, you’ll take both a theory assessment and written test followed by a practical session and assessment. After successful completion of both parts, you’ll be awarded a PAL Card (Powered Access Licence) and a certificate, that’s valid for five years.
The PAL Card is digital (via IPAF’s ePAL app) and you can request a physical card if needed.
Course Format
Duration: One full day (typically 7 hours)
Structure: Theory followed by practical exercises and assessment
Class size: Up to eight delegates on a single category to ensure proper personal training
PPE Required: Delegates are required to bring their own safety boots and hard hat. Also bring weather appropriate clothing as the afternoon session takes place outside. We will supply harnesses for delegates undertaking training on cherry pickers.
Why Take IPAF Operator Training?
MEWPs are powerful tools—but misuse can lead to serious accidents. This IPAF operator training equips you to operate safely, avoid incidents, and meet legal obligations. Holding a PAL Card gives confidence to employers, contractors, and clients that you are competent and certified. It’s also often required for hire, insurance, and site compliance.
Why Choose Mark One Training?
With Mark One Training you’ll be guided by IPAF‑accredited instructors who bring real-world MEWP experience to your IPAF operator training. Our equipment and training facilities are maintained to the highest standards and kept in safe condition. If you need a course run on-site or would like us to run a bespoke course then contact our training team who will be more than happy to help arrange the training you require.
Details of the machine categories for which we offer IPAF Operator training can be found under the ‘Summary’ tab.
Delegates are required to bring their own safety boots and hard hat. We recommend that delegates bring weather protective clothing as the afternoon session takes place outside. We will supply harnesses for the duration of the course for those delegates undertaking training on cherry pickers.
Account Customers will be charged to their monthly account. Non account customers will be required to pay by debit or credit card at the time of booking the course, either via our website or over the telephone. There are no additional booking or credit/debit card charges. Payment by bank transfer is also possible upon request.
Our charges include the cost of official certification. Certificates and Identity Cards (as applicable) are posted out to the bill payer (not the delegate), on receipt of full payment. All successful delegates are issued with a temporary pass certificate at the end of the course, apart from the SPA Core Construction. Candidates that pass this course will receive a Certificate, once the course has been logged onto the SPA database.
If you need to cancel or amend your booking, please notify our Training Team as soon as possible by calling 01702 561818 (lines open 8:30am – 5pm, Monday to Thursday and 8:30 – 4pm Friday).
Any amendments to a booking will be subject to a £30 + VAT administration charge.
Cancellation charges are as follows:
| Notice provided | Charge |
|---|---|
| More than 48 hours from start of course | £30 |
| Between 24 – 48 hours from start of course | £50% of the course cost |
| Less than 24 hours from start of course | 75% of the course cost |
| Non-arrival on the day of the course | 100% of the course cost |
If you are running late on the day of the course, please call your relevant training centre as soon as possible so that your instructor can be informed.
Southend Training Centre - please call 01702 545454 and Choose Option 1 to speak to a member of staff on the Hire Desk. The Hire Desk is open from 7.30am and staff will be able to relay a message to your instructor.
Chelmsford Training Centre - please call 01245 399150 and speak to a member of staff on our Hire Desk. The Hire Desk is open from 7.30am and staff will be able to relay a message to your instructor.
Please refer to the ‘Summary’ tab for the full address of the training centre for your course.
Is IPAF training legally required?
There is no law stating you must hold a PAL Card to use a MEWP. However, under the Work at Height Regulations and general health & safety law, your employer must ensure you are competent when working at height. Many sites and employers require IPAF certification as evidence of competence.
What is a PAL Card?
A PAL Card (Powered Access Licence) is your proof of IPAF operator training. It confirms you are qualified to safely operate MEWPs. Your card is valid five years. You must renew or retake training before expiry to maintain your licence.
Which MEWP categories can I train for?
You can train in one or multiple categories, such as 3A (scissor/mobile vertical), 3B (boom platforms), or 1B (static boom) depending on your needs. If you require the 1b machine please be advised the weight limit at Chelmsford is 120kg.
What happens if I fail the assessment?
If you fail the course, speak to our team and we can help you with next steps. You may need to repeat parts of the course or the entire course. Your instructor will guide you on which areas to improve. You will also need to pass the morning theory element before starting the practical session.
Do I need prior experience?
The course is suitable for novices, though prior mechanical awareness or machine handling helps.
What PPE must I bring?
Safety boots, helmet, gloves, hi-vis clothing. Also bring weather appropriate clothing as the practical session takes place outside. We will supply harnesses for delegates training on cherry pickers.
Explore our wide range of courses and book online with our simple and easy to use booking system. If you need a course run on-site or would like us to run a bespoke course then contact our friendly training team who will be more than happy to help.
© 2025 Mark One Training, a trading name of Mark One Hire Limited, Company Registered Number: 2310054 Registered Office: Purdeys Way, Purdeys Industrial Estate, Rochford, Essex, SS4 1ND. Website by: Revive.Digital
