IPAF 1b, 3a & 3b training — the most complete operator ticket, covering static booms (1b), scissor lifts (3a) and cherry pickers (3b) in one course. Leads to a PAL Card for all three categories, valid 5 years — at our Croydon centre or on site across London and the South East.
IPAF 1b, 3a and 3b training covers all three main MEWP categories in a single course — static booms (vehicle-mounted, trailer and spider lifts), mobile vertical machines (scissor lifts) and mobile boom machines (cherry pickers). It's ideal for operators who work across a wide range of machines, or employers who want maximum flexibility from each trained operator.
Delegates learn to prepare, inspect and safely operate each machine type, covering pre-use checks, set-up and stabiliser deployment for static booms, machine categories, hazard identification, safe operating and manoeuvring, and emergency descent. In addition, the course covers employer and operator responsibilities under the Work at Height Regulations 2005 and PUWER 1998. It's delivered as a mix of theory and hands-on practical operation across all three categories, with a blended option available where the theory is completed online first.
Because it covers three categories, the course typically runs over one to two days depending on group size and experience. Assessment is by a theory test and practical assessments on each category. Once you pass, you'll receive an IPAF Certificate of Training and the IPAF PAL (Powered Access Licence) Card endorsed for 1b, 3a and 3b, valid for 5 years and recognised worldwide.
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. Only need some of the categories? See the combined IPAF 3a and 3b course or standalone IPAF 1b training, browse all our IPAF training courses, or hire access 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 all three main MEWP types — static booms (1b), scissor lifts (3a) and cherry pickers (3b): set-up, pre-use inspection, hazard awareness, safe operation and emergency descent for each, plus employer/operator responsibilities under the Work at Height Regulations and PUWER.
It gives operators the most flexible ticket, able to work across static booms, scissor lifts and cherry pickers — ideal where a site uses a wide range of machines. It's more efficient than taking the categories separately.
Typically one to two days depending on group size and experience, since three categories are covered and each needs a practical assessment.
An IPAF Certificate of Training and a PAL Card endorsed for 1b, 3a and 3b, valid 5 years. No formal prerequisites, but reasonable fitness and enough English for the assessments are needed.
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.
