IPAF 3a training for scissor lifts and mobile vertical platforms — a 1-day course leading to the IPAF PAL Card, valid 5 years. Train at our Croydon centre or on site across London and the South East.
IPAF 3a training is a one-day operator course for mobile vertical machines — scissor lifts and mobile vertical personnel platforms. It suits first-time operators as well as those renewing an expired PAL Card, and it's delivered as a mix of theory and hands-on practical operation at our Croydon centre or on site at your premises.
Delegates learn how to prepare, inspect and safely operate the machine, including pre-use checks, machine categories, hazard identification, safe operating and manoeuvring, and emergency lowering procedures. In addition, the course covers the responsibilities of both employers and operators under the Work at Height Regulations 2005 and PUWER 1998, together with the practical skills to work safely and efficiently at height. If you prefer, a blended option is available where the theory is completed online before attending for the practical.
Assessment is by a theory test and a practical assessment. Once you pass, you'll receive an IPAF Certificate of Training and the IPAF PAL (Powered Access Licence) Card, valid for 5 years and recognised worldwide. As a result, you can demonstrate compliance with the Work at Height Regulations, because the PAL Card meets the standards of the HSE, CITB and other bodies.
With more than 20 years of training experience, Access Towers helps over 350 trainees each month gain work-at-height qualifications across London and the South East. As an approved IPAF centre, our helpful bookings team make it easy to book — whether you're training yourself, your team, or someone else. Also need boom lifts? Take IPAF 3b training or the combined IPAF 3a and 3b course, browse all our IPAF training courses, or hire equipment through our scaffold tower hire service with next-day delivery.
Pick a course type below to see the next available dates and book online. Call us for urgent training — there are nearly always spaces next day.
How it works: See every upcoming date for this course in one place.
How it works: A full day at our Croydon centre covering theory and practical assessment, with your ePAL card issued the same day.
How it works: Complete the theory online (eLearning), then attend a shorter practical-only session to finish your assessment.
How it works: Weekend courses for those who can't spare a weekday — same accreditation, same same-day ePAL card.
Training three or more people? We'll bring the course to your site or offices on a date that suits you — no travel, no downtime, and a better price per person than booking individual places.
Requires a minimum of 4 attendees
Operating mobile vertical MEWPs (scissor lifts): pre-use inspection, machine categories, hazard awareness, safe operation and manoeuvring, emergency lowering, and employer/operator responsibilities under the Work at Height Regulations and PUWER.
3a is Mobile Vertical (scissor lifts); 3b is Mobile Boom (cherry pickers / boom lifts). Many operators take both together as the 3a & 3b combined course.
One day, ending in an IPAF Certificate of Training and the PAL Card, valid 5 years. A blended option lets you do the theory online first.
No formal prerequisites, but you'll need reasonable fitness and enough English to complete the theory and practical assessments safely.
Yes — the IPAF PAL Card is recognised internationally and meets HSE, CITB and Work at Height Regulations requirements.
Yes — at our Croydon centre or on site at your premises (minimum delegate numbers apply for onsite). Call 0208 665 1181.
Book your place online, or call our team for honest advice and the next available dates. Group discounts and onsite training available.
