When it comes to working at height, safety and competence are everything.
Whether you’re operating powered access equipment or assembling mobile towers, the right training is not only a legal requirement; it’s a vital part of keeping yourself and others safe.
Two of the most recognised qualifications in this field are IPAF and PASMA. Both are essential, but they serve very different purposes. If you’re unsure which one you or your team actually need, you’re not alone because it’s a common area of confusion across construction, maintenance, and facilities management industries.
What Is IPAF?
IPAF stands for the International Powered Access Federation, which is a globally recognised body that promotes the safe use of powered access equipment, also known as Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWPs).
MEWPs include machinery such as scissor lifts, boom lifts, and cherry pickers, basically any platform that’s mechanically raised or extended to lift workers to a height.
IPAF training ensures that anyone operating this kind of equipment understands how to use it safely, perform essential checks, identify hazards, and work within legal and site-specific regulations.
At Heads of the Valleys Training, our IPAF 3A and 3B Combined Course is the most popular route. It covers:
- Category 3A – Mobile Vertical Platforms: Scissor lifts and other vertical platforms that can be driven while elevated.
- Category 3B – Mobile Boom Platforms: Articulated and telescopic booms (cherry pickers) that can also be driven while elevated.
Upon completion, operators receive their IPAF PAL Card, valid for five years, proving their competence to operate specific categories of powered access equipment.
In short, if your work involves using mechanically powered access machinery, IPAF training is the certification you need.
What Is PASMA?
PASMA stands for the Prefabricated Access Suppliers’ and Manufacturers’ Association, and it governs the safe use of mobile access towers, which are lightweight, non-powered aluminium structures often used for maintenance, decorating, and light construction tasks.
Unlike IPAF, which covers powered machinery, PASMA focuses entirely on manual tower systems, the kind you assemble, climb, and move by hand.
Our PASMA Towers course at Heads of the Valleys Training is designed for anyone responsible for assembling, dismantling, moving, and inspecting mobile access towers.
It’s particularly relevant to those using Through The Trap (3T) and Advanced Guardrail (AGR) systems, the two industry-standard methods of ensuring fall protection during tower assembly.
The course covers:
- Current legislation and safety regulations
- Components of mobile access towers
- Safe assembly and dismantling techniques
- Tower stability, height limits, and ground conditions
- Inspection and tagging systems
- Practical use and moving of towers safely
PASMA certification is also valid for five years and is essential for anyone using towers on-site, whether in construction, facilities maintenance, warehousing, or even domestic projects.
The Key Difference Between IPAF & PASMA
At first glance, both IPAF and PASMA might seem similar as they’re both height safety qualifications, but the difference lies in the type of equipment each one covers.
| Training Type | Covers | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| IPAF | Powered Access Equipment (MEWPs) | Scissor lifts, boom lifts, cherry pickers |
| PASMA | Non-powered Access Towers | Aluminium mobile towers, push-around scaffold systems |
So, if your work involves operating powered lifts, go for IPAF. If you’re responsible for assembling or using mobile towers, you’ll need PASMA.
However, it’s worth pointing out that in some cases, operators and supervisors require both, particularly on larger sites where multiple types of access equipment are in use.
Do You Need Both IPAF & PASMA?
Many professionals in the construction and maintenance industries hold both IPAF and PASMA certifications, and for good reason.
A building maintenance technician, for example, might use a scissor lift one day to access external lighting, and a mobile tower the next to work indoors on a ceiling fixture. Similarly, contractors and site supervisors often need both qualifications to manage teams safely and competently.
Having both certifications doesn’t just enhance safety; it also increases employability. Employers value operators who are trained across multiple access methods, as it gives them more flexibility and reduces downtime when switching between equipment types.
How Long Does Each Course Take?
Both IPAF and PASMA courses can typically be completed in a single day.
- The IPAF 3A & 3B Combined Course takes around 8 hours in the classroom format or 6 hours with the eLearning theory option.
- The PASMA Towers for Users Course is usually completed in one full day and combines both theoretical and practical elements.
At Heads of the Valleys Training, both courses are delivered by experienced instructors at our accredited training centre. We keep group sizes small to ensure each delegate receives the support and attention they need to pass confidently.
How Much Does Each Course Cost?
At Heads of the Valleys Training, our course prices are competitive and fully transparent:
- IPAF 3A & 3B Combined Course: £225 + VAT (Classroom) or £210 + VAT (eLearning)
- PASMA Towers for Users Course: £135 + VAT
Both are eligible for CITB Levy funding, and we can assist with grant applications. We also offer flexible finance options, making professional certification more accessible for individuals and employers alike.
How To Check Your Certification
Once you’ve completed your training, both IPAF and PASMA provide official cards as proof of competence.
- IPAF: Your PAL Card includes a QR code that can be scanned using the IPAF ePAL app or verified online.
- PASMA: You’ll receive a PASMA PhotoCard, which can be checked through the PASMA verification portal or by contacting your training provider.
Both cards remain valid for five years, after which you’ll need to complete a refresher or requalification course to maintain your status.
Which One Do You Need?
In simple terms:
- Choose IPAF if you’re operating powered access platforms such as scissor lifts or cherry pickers.
- Choose PASMA if you’re assembling, inspecting, or using mobile towers.
- Choose both if your role or site responsibilities involve a mix of powered and non-powered access equipment.
If you’re unsure, our friendly team at Heads of the Valleys Training can help identify which qualification best suits your work environment and safety responsibilities.
Final Thoughts
Both IPAF and PASMA certifications play a crucial role in keeping workplaces safe and compliant. They are different tools for different jobs, but both share a common goal: to ensure that anyone working at height does so competently, confidently, and safely.
At Heads of the Valleys Training, we’ve been delivering accredited safety and access training since 1969. Whether you need IPAF, PASMA, or both, we provide expert-led courses, exceptional support, and industry-leading pass rates to help operators and employers maintain the highest safety standards across every site.
