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IPAF Training

IPAF Powered Access Category 3A & 3B Training

Our IPAF 3A & 3B Combined course has been designed for operators who will be using Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWP) such as scissor lifts, boom lifts and cherry pickers.

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We are a family run training organisation established in 1969 – we pride ourselves on exceptional customer support and service.

In-Centre or At Your Premises

Regular courses at our indoor training centre in Blackwood, South Wales, or at your premises.

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Introduction To The Course

What Does Our IPAF Training 3A & 3B Cover?

The International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) is a globally recognised training programme that ensures the safe and effective use of Powered Access Equipment.

Our IPAF 3A & 3B Combined course has been designed for operators who will be using Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWP) such as scissor lifts, boom lifts and cherry pickers.

Upon successful completion of this course, operators will receive the following IPAF-accredited categories on their PAL card:

  • Category 3A Mobile Vertical Platforms: Scissor lifts and other vertical platforms that can be driven or moved while elevated
  • Category 3B Mobile Boom Platforms: Self-propelled booms, such as articulated or telescopic booms, that can be driven or moved while elevated (commonly referred to as a Cherry Picker).
IPAF Training

Course Technical Details

IPAF Training 3A & 3B Licence Details

To attend our IPAF training course, learners should have a basic understanding of written and spoken English. This ensures they can read and interpret safety notices, risk assessments, and operating instructions during the course and practical assessments.

Candidates must also be physically fit and in good health, as operating powered access equipment requires mobility, coordination, and awareness. Anyone with medical conditions that could affect safe operation should inform the instructor before training begins.

IPAF 3A & 3B Combined is a 1 day course, delivered with a mix of theory and practical training elements. The course agenda covers:

  • Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
  • Limitations of MEWPS
  • Controls, Safety Devices and Warning Alarms
  • Routine Inspection and Servicing Requirements
  • Preparation for Work on a MEWP
  • Ground and Site Conditions
  • Safe Operating Techniques
  • Emergency Lowering Procedures
  • Manufacturers Instruction Manuals
  • Fall Arrest/Restraint Equipment

The assessment consists of both theory and practical elements, designed to ensure operators fully understand safe working practices and can competently operate MEWPs.

On successful completion, operators will receive the following IPAF categories on their Powered Access Licence (PAL) card:

  • Category 3A: Mobile Vertical Platforms
  • Category 3B: Mobile Boom Platforms

Our IPAF training courses run regularly at our purpose-built, indoor training centre in Blackwood, South Wales.

The majority of delegates choose to travel to our Blackwood training centre due to the quality of instruction, excellent reviews, ease of access, and controlled indoor training environment.

For organisations requiring on-site training, we can deliver IPAF courses at suitable premises, provided the necessary equipment and assessment conditions are available. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.

IPAF qualifications are valid for 5 years. Operators can view their IPAF qualifications on their PAL card by downloading the IPAF app or using the IPAF verification tool.

To renew an expired or soon-to-expire qualification, operators must complete a refresher course at an IPAF-approved training centre to reinstate their certification.

This course is approved for CITB Levy Funding.

As a CITB-Approved Training Organisation (ATO), we can assist employers and individuals in accessing available CITB grants to help cover the cost of IPAF training. Our team will guide you through the funding process to ensure you receive the maximum support available.

Course Overview

IPAF Training 3A & 3B


Duration: 1 Day

Cost: £225 + VAT

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Available IPAF Training 3A & 3B Courses

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CourseDateAvailableLocationBook
IPAF Harness User (HU), Harness Inspection (HI) & Harness Awareness (HA) 02/09/26
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02/09/2026 08:00 - 16:00

9 HOV Safety Training, Blackwood
IPAF Powered Access: Mobile Vertical 3A & Mobile Boom 3B (Dual) 04/09/26
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04/09/2026 08:00 - 16:00

2 HOV Safety Training, Blackwood
IPAF Powered Access: Mobile Vertical 3A & Mobile Boom 3B (Dual) 10/09/26
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10/09/2026 08:00 - 16:00

4 HOV Safety Training, Blackwood
IPAF Powered Access: Mobile Vertical 3A & Mobile Boom 3B (Dual) 16/09/26
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16/09/2026 08:00 - 16:00

1 HOV Safety Training, Blackwood
IPAF Powered Access: Mobile Vertical 3A & Mobile Boom 3B (Dual) 21/09/26
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21/09/2026 08:00 - 16:00

4 HOV Safety Training, Blackwood
IPAF Powered Access: Mobile Vertical 3A & Mobile Boom 3B (Dual) 25/09/26
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25/09/2026 08:00 - 16:00

4 HOV Safety Training, Blackwood
IPAF Powered Access: Mobile Vertical 3A & Mobile Boom 3B (Dual) 01/10/26
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01/10/2026 08:00 - 16:00

4 HOV Safety Training, Blackwood
IPAF Powered Access: Mobile Vertical 3A & Mobile Boom 3B (Dual) 07/10/26
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07/10/2026 08:00 - 16:00

4 HOV Safety Training, Blackwood
IPAF Powered Access: Mobile Vertical 3A & Mobile Boom 3B (Dual) 13/10/26
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13/10/2026 08:00 - 16:00

4 HOV Safety Training, Blackwood
IPAF Powered Access: Mobile Vertical 3A & Mobile Boom 3B (Dual) 19/10/26
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19/10/2026 08:00 - 16:00

4 HOV Safety Training, Blackwood

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Customer Reviews of Our Training Courses

Additional Information

More About Our IPAF Training 3A & 3B

We offer two IPAF 3A & 3B training options to suit different learning preferences:

Option 1: Classroom Theory + Practical Training (8 Hours)

Price: £225 + VAT

This is the traditional format, with theory training in the morning followed by practical instruction and assessment in the afternoon. The full course takes approximately 8 hours to complete in a single day.

Option 2: e-Learning Theory + Practical Training (6 Hours)

Price: £210 + VAT

For added flexibility, delegates can complete the theory module online before attending the training centre. The eLearning takes around 3 hours and can be done at any time to suit your schedule.

Once complete, delegates would attend the centre for the practical session and assessment, lasting around 6 hours. Delegates would need to provide evidence that they have successfully completed and passed the e-Learning module when attending.

IPAF Training Locations We Cover

We deliver IPAF 3A & 3B training for operators across South Wales and the South West of England. While most courses take place at our indoor training centre in Blackwood, many delegates travel to us from across the region due to our excellent reviews, central location, and professional training facilities.

For employers and larger teams, we can also deliver IPAF training on-site at suitable premises, subject to equipment availability and site conditions.

You can find dedicated IPAF training pages for the following locations:

If you don’t see your location listed, our IPAF training may still be suitable for you. Please get in touch with our team, and we’ll confirm the best option based on where you’re based.

ipaf static platform training
ipaf 3a 3b training
ipaf mewp training
ipaf training course

Frequently Asked Questions

What We Get Asked Most About Our IPAF Training

The initial IPAF Powered Access training course for category 3A & 3B machines is 1 day in duration.

Upon successful completion, operators will be issued a PAL card, which is valid for 5 years.

Our IPAF Combined 3A & 3B course covers all of the necessary theory knowledge and practical skills required to safely operate Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWPs) in the workplace.

This includes Health & Safety responsibilities, Personal Protective Equipment requirements, Risk Assessments, Control Measures, Safe Operating Techniques and much more.

Competent delegates who successfully pass the theory and practical assessments will be awarded a Powered Access Licence, also known as a PAL Card.

The cost of our IPAF 3A & 3B Combined Training Course depends on the learning format you choose. The classroom-based course is £225 + VAT, while the eLearning option, which includes online theory and in-person practical training, is £210 + VAT.

The most popular Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWP) in the United Kingdom are typically 3A and 3B:

  • Category 3A Mobile Vertical Platforms, such as Scissor Lifts
  • Category 3B Mobile Boom Platforms, such as Cherry Pickers

In addition, other available course options include:

  • Category 1A Static Vertical, static machines that are moved into position before elevation. They cannot be driven while elevated.
  • Category 1B Static Boom, self-propelled booms, trailers and vehicle-mounted platforms that are static once in position. They cannot be driven or moved while in use.

 

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