IPAF 3a & 3b training — the most popular combination, covering scissor lifts (3a) and cherry pickers (3b) in one course. Leads to an IPAF PAL Card for both categories, valid 5 years — at our Croydon centre or on site across London and the South East.
IPAF 3a and 3b training is our most popular operator course, covering both mobile vertical machines (scissor lifts) and mobile boom machines (cherry pickers) in a single course. Because most sites use both machine types, covering the two categories together is more efficient and better value than taking them separately — and it suits first-time operators as well as those renewing an expired PAL Card.
Delegates learn to prepare, inspect and safely operate both machine types, covering pre-use checks, machine categories, hazard identification, safe operating and manoeuvring, and emergency descent for each. 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 on both machine types, with a blended option available where the theory is completed online first.
Assessment is by a theory test and practical assessments on both categories. Once you pass, you'll receive an IPAF Certificate of Training and the IPAF PAL (Powered Access Licence) Card endorsed for both 3a and 3b, valid for 5 years and recognised worldwide. If you also use static booms, ask about our 1b, 3a & 3b triple-category course.
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 one category? See IPAF 3a training or IPAF 3b 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 both mobile vertical (scissor lift) and mobile boom (cherry picker) MEWPs: pre-use inspection, hazard awareness, safe operation and manoeuvring, and emergency descent for each type, plus employer/operator responsibilities under the Work at Height Regulations and PUWER.
Most sites use both scissor lifts and cherry pickers, so covering both categories in one course is more efficient and better value than booking them separately — and you carry one PAL Card for both.
Typically one day (larger groups may need a little longer), ending in an IPAF Certificate of Training and a PAL Card endorsed for both 3a and 3b, valid 5 years. A blended option lets you do the theory online first.
No formal prerequisites, but reasonable fitness and enough English to complete the theory and practical assessments safely are needed.
Yes — ask about our 1b, 3a & 3b triple-category course to cover static booms as well.
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.
