Opening times
Mon - Thurs 08:30 - 17:00
Friday 08:30 – 16:00

Course Overview

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 

 

What categories do you need?

Choose up to 3 categories

Delegates1 Category2 Categories3 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 Delegates1 Category2 Categories3 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-

IPAF Operator Course — One-Day Course Overview

Our one-day IPAF Operator course is vital for anyone who must safely operate MEWPs, or Mobile Elevating Work Platforms. These include scissor lifts and boom lifts.

This IPAF training course gives you the knowledge and practical skills to work safely at height. It also covers how to operate powered access safely. It also helps you meet legal duties under the Work at Height Regulations 2005.

In the practical session, they will learn how to operate powered access equipment safely.

The course is suitable for beginners and experienced operators who need formal certification.

What You Will Cover In Our IPAF Course

Through a combination of classroom-based learning and hands-on practical training, the IPAF Operator course covers:

  • The responsibilities of employers, employees, and operators under work-at-height legislation
  • Key safety standards and guidance relating to MEWP operation
  • How to identify different types of MEWPs and select the correct equipment for the job
  • Pre-use inspections and daily safety checks
  • Safe operating methods, including positioning, manoeuvring, and emergency procedures
  • Hazard awareness, including overhead risks, ground conditions, and environmental factors
  • Safe use of harnesses and personal protective equipment (PPE)
  • Understanding load capacities and platform limitations
  • Emergency lowering procedures and accident prevention techniques

 

What are the different categories covered in an IPAF course?

IPAF Operator training is designed for any person who will be operating powered access whilst at work. The training is split into three categories:

  • 3a covers vertical mobile scissor lifts. These are scissor lifts that can be operated whilst at height.
  • 3b covers self-propelled booms that can be moved when at height. These are cherry pickers that can be driven and operated whilst at height.
  • 1b covers static or push-around booms that require outriggers when operated.

 

What happens on the day?

During the first half of the day, delegates will learn about health and safety when operating powered access. They will also learn how to use the correct PPE. They will cover any pre-use checks and inspections needed on the equipment.

At the end of the morning, there will be an open-book, multiple-choice test. Upon successful completion of that test, delegates will move on to the practical half of the day.

During the afternoon, instructors will show delegates how to inspect each machine and understand its basic operation.

Delegates can practice with the machine and follow the test route before they take their practical test.

They will then test the delegates on operating the machine along a specified route. They must carry this out safely and within the guidelines the instructors give.

If the delegates pass the course, they will receive a 30-day temporary certificate. This will allow them to work on site straight away.

Your official IPAF certificate can be claimed in two ways:

  1. Through the ePAL app, your digital certificate will be available within 48 working days after you finish your course.
  2. You can request a physical card, and we will send it within 30 days after you complete your course. You must request these services at the time of booking, and they come at an additional cost.

 

Course Format

  • Duration: One day (typically 6–8 hours)
  • Structure: A combination of classroom theory and practical training at our professional training centre
  • Class size: Maximum of 8 lifts per trainer to ensure individual attention and hands-on experience
  • PPE: Delegates must bring their own safety boots and a 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.

 

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. 

Why Take the IPAF Operator Course?

The IPAF Operator course is a widely recognised powered access training course. Thousands of operators complete the training every year.

By completing this course, you will:

  • Demonstrate compliance with UK work-at-height regulations
  • Improve workplace safety and reduce the risk of accidents
  • Gain confidence in operating MEWPs safely and efficiently
  • Enhance your skills within construction, facilities management, and industrial sectors

 

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.

 

Progression Opportunities

After completing the IPAF Operator course, you can progress to more advanced IPAF training, including:

Details of the machine categories for which we offer IPAF Operator training can be found under the ‘Summary’ tab.

  • Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
  • Regulations and Standards (ISO 18878, European, HSWA, PUWER, LOLER, MHSW, WAHR and RIDDOR)
  • MEWP categories
  • Tea Break (Tea & Coffee provided by Mark 1 Training)
  • Structural parts
  • Safe operating methods and hazards
  • Machine familiarisation
  • Pre-use checks and inspections
  • Lunch (Not Currently provided)
  • Starting and stopping the machine
  • Setting the machine for work
  • Basic operational practice
  • Typical work applications
  • Parking the machine
  • Correct refuelling procedures
  • Use of IPAF log books

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.

Payment Terms

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.

Certification

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.

Cancellation Charges

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

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.

Course Location

Please refer to the ‘Summary’ tab for the full address of the training centre for your course.

FAQ's

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.

Ready to get started today?

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.