IPAF · Plant & Equipment

IPAF 3a & 3b (MEWP Operator)

Operator training for scissor lifts and boom lifts, with the IPAF PAL card on completion.

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Duration: 1–2 days depending on categories
Delivery: Classroom / On-site
Certification: IPAF PAL Card
Certificate validity: 5 years
Locations: Dates across the UK
Price: Price confirmed on booking

About the IPAF course

IPAF training is the industry standard for MEWP operators, and categories 3a and 3b cover the two machines most sites use: 3a is the mobile vertical (scissor) lift, 3b is the mobile boom. The course combines theory on hazards, pre-use inspection and safe operation with practical training on the machines, ending in assessment and a PAL card valid for three years.

Who this course is for

MEWP operators
Installers
Maintenance teams

Enquire about dates

IPAF · 1–2 days depending on categories

Tell us what training you need, where you need it and when. KVK will find the nearest suitable availability and arrange the booking for you.

What do you need?

Who is the booking for?

Full name

Company name (optional)

Telephone number

CSCS / CITB number (optional)

Preferred postcode or location (optional)

Preferred date or timeframe (optional)

Maximum travel distance (optional)

Training centre, on-site or either (optional)

Which IPAF categories do you need?

Additional requirements (optional)

Send me course offers and new dates. Tick this if you would like us to email you about discounted places, deals and newly released course dates. We only send these to people who tick this box, and you can ask us to stop at any time.

Subject to availability and confirmation by KVK Group. We confirm bookings during Monday to Friday, 7am – 6pm. Need it sooner? Email info@kvkgroup.co.uk.

Moving to a different course date is subject to availability, and a fee applies depending on the notice given: more than 30 days before the course — free; 12 to 30 days — 25% of the course fee; 7 to 12 days — 50%; less than 7 days — 75%.

We use what you send us to answer you and arrange the training, and we keep a record of it.See our privacy notice for what happens to your details and how to ask for them back.

Booking several courses? Add them to your basket and send one request.

What the course covers

Machine categories and selection
Pre-use inspection
Safe operating practice
Rescue procedures
Practical assessment

Entry requirements

Operators should be physically fit for the machine type. Some centres ask for a basic pre-use assessment.

All courses

Available dates

No bookable dates are currently listed for this course. Enquire about your preferred location and week; KVK will confirm availability and price before you book.

IPAF questions

Can we train on our own machines?

Often yes. On-site IPAF training on your own MEWPs is possible where the site and machines are suitable.

Do you cover Harness Use and Inspection?

Yes, it is commonly added to 3b boom training. Ask us to include it.

What is the difference between 3a and 3b?

3a covers mobile vertical platforms such as scissor lifts. 3b covers mobile boom platforms such as cherry pickers. Most operators take both together.

What card do I get?

A PAL card valid for five years, issued by IPAF after successful theory and practical assessment.

Do I need harness training too?

If you operate a boom lift you will normally need a harness and how to use it. We can add harness awareness to the booking.

Related courses

CPCS / NPORS

CPCS & NPORS Plant Training

Varies by category and experience

Appointed Person (Lifting Operations)

3–5 days

IPAF

Price confirmed on booking

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