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The IPAF CAP (Competent Assessed Person) course helps platform engineers stay compliant with safety rules. It teaches how to plan, manage, or carry out full inspections of powered access machines like MEWPs and MCWPs. 

The CAP qualification proves that an engineer is trained, experienced, and safety-focused. It is well respected in the powered access industry. 

This course builds on IPAF’s operator training. While operator courses focus on using machines safely, the CAP course focuses on inspecting and maintaining them. It supports a strong safety culture for everyone working with powered access equipment. 

IPAF Competent Assessed Person Programme Details

IPAF CAP Programme & Assessment

Our experienced and award-winning instructors guide each candidate through the IPAF CAP training. The course includes a clear presentation covering the legal responsibilities of a CAP Assessor. It also explains the key safety laws, including LOLER, PUWER, and other important HSE regulations. These regulations are needed to carry out thorough machine inspections. 

 

The training day is an assessment, not just a lesson. It checks that each candidate has the right level of theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and hands-on experience with the types of machines they will be examining. 

Candidates will take several theory tests during the day. Each test must be passed to move on. 

If the candidate passes the theory section, they will complete a practical assessment. This involves performing a full examination of a MEWP (Mobile Elevating Work Platform) while being observed by the CAP instructor. 

Teaching Method 

The IPAF CAP Programme is practical and classroom-based with a maximum of four delegates per session. 

Duration 

This programme will take one full day at one of our IPAF approved training centres.  

Who Should Attend 

This course is ideal for: 

 

• Platform engineers 

• Maintenance staff 

• Anyone responsible for the safety and inspections of powered access equipment 

 

It’s designed for those who need to carry out thorough examinations of MEWPs (Mobile Elevating Work Platforms) and MCWPs (Mast Climbing Work Platforms). 

Candidates for the CAP programme will need to hold a valid IPAF PAL (Powered Access Licence) Card. Examinations can only be carried out on the categories of machines which are on the PAL Card. 

 

Candidates must have sound knowledge of powered access. Any previous examination or inspection qualifications need to be verified by the CAP Instructor.  

Candidates must be out of their apprenticeship for two years before an application can be considered for profile by the Instructor. 

 

Candidates should submit the following before the course: 

 

• An up-to-date CV 

• Copies of relevant technical qualifications (e.g. NVQs, City & Guilds) 

• Certificates from manufacturer training (e.g. Genie, JLG) 

• Proof of any other related training, such as: 

• Welding courses 

• Hydraulics 

• Electrical Diagnostics 

• LEEA qualifications. 

 

The CAP Instructor requires all the above information to proceed and carry out a Candidate Profile. This is to ensure the correct IPAF criteria is achieved before the candidate can attend the course. 

 IPAF CAP Certification

Successful candidates will receive the: 

• Competent Assessed Person qualification 

• IPAF Certificate of Training 

These will both be accessible via the IPAF ePAL app, available on Android and iOS smartphones. The app also includes a logbook and safety information. If a physical PAL card and certificate are required, this must be arranged with the training department prior to the course start date. This requires an additional charge of £15 plus VAT. 

Who is a Competent Assessed Person?

The HSE’s Approved Codes of Practice and Guidance for LOLER and PUWER 98 clearly define who qualifies as a competent person. 

A competent person must: 

• Have the relevant practical and theoretical knowledge. Have experience of the lifting equipment to be thoroughly tested. 

• The person must be independent and impartial enough to make objective decisions. This doesn’t mean they must come from an outside organisation. In-house staff can carry out examinations, as long as they meet this requirement and it complies with the legislation. 

• Be able to carry out both thorough examinations and interim inspections. 

• Decide on the need for interim inspections between through inspections. 

• Carry out an ongoing review of the periods between thorough inspections. 

• After completing a thorough inspection, the examiner must immediately inform the employer of any defect found in the lifting equipment. A defect is anything that is or could become a danger to people. 

• An authenticated written report must be completed as soon as possible after the thorough examination. Ideally within 28 days. 

A competent person may also additionally: 

• Be required to draw up and authenticate an examination scheme and subsequently modify it in the light of changes. 

What is a Thorough Examination?

According to the HSE Thorough Examination of Lifting Equipment guidance, a thorough examination is: 

 

“...a systematic and detailed examination of the lifting equipment by a competent person to detect any defects that are, or might become, dangerous.” 

 

A thorough examination of lifting equipment includes checking parts and systems through visual inspection and testing. If needed, it may also involve: 

 

• Dismantling parts 

• Removing paint 

• Taking measurements 

• Carrying out tests 

 

Some components may need a more detailed inspection at longer intervals. This can include dismantling or using methods like Non-Destructive Testing (NDT). 

More information on how to make lifting equipment safe via thorough examinations is available in the HSE leaflet INDG422. 

Course Objectives

Course Content Programme & Assessment

Our experienced, award-winning instructors will guide candidates through the IPAF CAP training presentation. 

 

The course covers: 

 

• The legal duties of a CAP Assessor 

• Detailed information on LOLER and PUWER regulations 

• Related HSE guidance needed to carry out Thorough Examinations 

 

The training day is an assessment of the candidate. The assessment ensures they have the appropriate theoretical knowledge, practical knowledge, and experience of machines to be examined. 

 

This is achieved by setting out several theory tests during the training day which must reach the required pass level. 

On successful completion of the theory test, the candidate will then be required to carry out a practical assessment. This will be a Thorough Examination on a MEWP, observed by the CAP Instructor. 

Who Should Attend

• Platform engineers 

• Maintenance personnel 

• Health and safety staff 

• Anyone responsible for the inspection, safety, or upkeep of: 

• MEWPs (Mobile Elevating Work Platforms) 

• MCWPs (Mast Climbing Work Platforms) 

• Those looking to carry out thorough examinations of powered access equipment in line with legal requirements 

IPAF Training from Nationwide Platforms

As Europe’s largest provider of IPAF training we have the knowledge, experience and expertise to help you work more safely and productively at height. We also offer IPAF courses such as the IPAF 3a and 3b Operator Training Course which as well as covering mobile vertical & mobile booms includes static booms.