Locations

• Birmingham (HVO)
• Bristol (HVO)
• Cardiff
• Dundee
• Durham (HVO)
• Edinburgh (HVO)
• Glasgow (HVO)
• Leeds
• Leicester
• Manchester (HVO)
• Norwich
• Southampton (HVO)

IPAF 3A3B1B Key Info

• Duration: 1 day (classroom theory and practical training)
• Certification: IPAF 3A, 3B and 1B operator certification. Valid for 5 years, internationally recognised
• Delivery: In-person at any of our UK wide training centres, or on your site
• Max delegates: 2 per instructor for hands-on, quality training
• Accreditation: Fully accredited by IPAF (International Powered Access Federation)

IPAF 3A3B1B Course Programme

The course runs over two full days and is split between classroom-based theory and practical machine operation across all three categories.

Day 1: Registration, Theory and Initial Practical Training

On arrival, you will be welcomed by your IPAF-certified instructor and given an overview of the two days ahead. A short pre-course knowledge check helps the instructor gauge the group's experience level and tailor the sessions accordingly.

The first day covers the essential classroom theory you need to operate MEWPs safely. Topics include:

• Health and Safety at Work Act and Working at Height Regulations
• Accident prevention and the importance of personal protective equipment (PPE)
• MEWP machine categories (3A, 3B, and 1B) and their structural components
• Pre-use inspection and handover requirements
• Safe operating methods, hazard awareness, and emergency procedures
• The IPAF Operator Safety Guide (provided as a take-home reference)

Following the theory session, you will begin practical training on the first machine categories under the supervision of your instructor.

Day 2: Practical Training and Assessment

The second day is dedicated to completing hands-on practical training and assessment across all three categories. You will:

• Perform pre-use machine inspections and safety checks on each machine type

• Learn to correctly wear and adjust a safety harness
• Practise manual and auxiliary descent procedures
• Operate scissor lifts (3A), boom lifts (3B), and static boom lifts (1B) safely, including driving, positioning, and manoeuvring
• Learn to set up and stabilise static boom lifts using outriggers
• Navigate typical workplace hazards while operating at height

Theory Assessment

During the classroom session, you will complete an open-book, multiple-choice theory exam. The assessment is based on the content covered during the tutorials. You must pass the theory assessment before progressing to the practical training and assessment.

Practical Assessment

During the practical training, you will be assessed against IPAF's practical test standards on all three machine categories. You must demonstrate that you can safely and competently prepare, inspect, and operate MEWPs in the 3A, 3B, and 1B categories. The assessment is carried out by your IPAF-certified instructor.

What if I don't pass? If you do not pass the theory element, you can return another day to re-sit. If you fail an element of the practical, you can return for a half day to re-sit.

Certification and What You Receive

On successful completion of the course, you will receive:

• IPAF 1B, 3A, and 3B Certificate of Training
• Certification added to your digital PAL Card, accessible via the IPAF ePAL app on iOS and Android
• Digital logbook for recording your operating hours and experience
• IPAF Operator Safety Guide and safety resources within the ePAL app

Your certification is valid for 5 years from the date of training. All IPAF qualifications are now issued digitally via the ePAL app as standard. If you require a physical PAL Card and printed certificate, these can be arranged for £20 + VAT — please contact the training team before your course start date.

What to Bring

All delegates must bring appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to the course:

• Hard hat (chin strap preferred)
• Safety harness with short restraint adjustable lanyard
• Hi-vis vest
• Safety footwear (steel or composite toe cap boots)
• Eye protection

Don’t have a harness? Harness kits and lanyards are available to purchase on the day for £89 + VAT. Contact the training team to order in advance.

IPAF 3A3B1B FAQs

What is IPAF 3A3B1B?

IPAF 3A 3B 1B refers to the three machine categories covered by this combined operator training course. 3A covers Mobile Vertical platforms such as scissor lifts, 3B covers Mobile Boom platforms such as cherry pickers and articulated boom lifts, and 1B covers Static Boom platforms such as van-mounted and trailer-mounted lifts. This course trains you on all three types of MEWP over two days.

What is the difference between the IPAF 3A3B course and the 3A3B1B course?

The IPAF 3A 3B course covers scissor lifts and mobile boom lifts only and takes one day. The IPAF 3A 3B 1B course adds static boom lift (1B) training, covering van-mounted and trailer-mounted platforms as well. This makes it a two-day course, but you leave with all three categories on your PAL Card.

Does IPAF 3A and 3B cover 1B?

No. The IPAF 3A and 3B course covers mobile vertical platforms (scissor lifts) and mobile boom platforms (cherry pickers) only. It does not include 1B, which covers static boom lifts such as van-mounted or trailer-mounted platforms. If you need all three categories, you should book the IPAF 3A, 3B and 1B Combined Operator Training Course, which covers all three in a 2-day programme.

Does IPAF 3A 3B 1B cover 1A?

No. The IPAF 3A, 3B and 1B course does not include the 1A category. IPAF 1A covers Static Vertical platforms, which are fixed-position scissor lifts that cannot be driven while elevated. These are less common than the mobile and boom categories and require separate training. If you need 1A certification, contact our training team on 01455 552800 to discuss your requirements.

What does IPAF 3A3B1B cover?

The course covers everything you need to safely operate three types of Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP). The classroom theory covers the Health and Safety at Work Act, Working at Height Regulations, accident prevention, hazard awareness, and pre-use inspection requirements. The practical element covers safe operation and manoeuvring of scissor lifts (3A), cherry pickers and articulated boom lifts (3B), and static boom lifts such as van-mounted and trailer-mounted platforms (1B), including outrigger setup and stabilisation. You will complete both a theory assessment and a practical assessment across all three machine categories.

How much does IPAF 3A3B1B cost?

The IPAF 3A, 3B and 1B Operator Training Course starts from £395.00 per person when booked online. Prices may vary by training centre location. The course fee includes all training, assessment, and your digital certification via the IPAF ePAL app, added to your PAL Card. If you require a physical PAL Card and printed certificate, there is an additional charge of £20 + VAT.

How long does the IPAF 3A3B1B course take?

The course is delivered over 1 day. Your IPAF PAL Card is then valid for 5 years from the date of training.

Do I need the 1B category if I already have 3A and 3B?

If you only operate scissor lifts and mobile boom lifts (cherry pickers), the 3A and 3B course is sufficient. You need the 1B category if you operate or plan to operate static boom lifts such as van-mounted or trailer-mounted platforms. If you already hold a 3A and 3B PAL Card and want to add 1B, contact our training team to discuss your options.

Is IPAF 3A3B1B a legal requirement?

There is no specific law that says you must hold an IPAF qualification. However, under the Work at Height Regulations 2005, employers have a legal duty to ensure that anyone operating a MEWP is properly trained and competent. The IPAF PAL Card is the most widely recognised proof of this training, and most UK construction sites and employers will require it before you can operate any type of MEWP.

What safety helmet is required for IPAF 3A3B1B?

You must bring a safety helmet to the course. A helmet with a chin strap is preferred, as it is more secure when working at height and operating MEWPs. Standard hard hats without a chin strap are generally accepted, but a chin strap helmet is recommended best practice and is increasingly required on UK construction sites. Your helmet should meet EN 397 or equivalent standards.

Have more questions? Call our expert team on 01455 552800 or send us an email.

Related courses

Looking to expand your qualifications or add to your team’s skills? These courses complement the IPAF 3A3B1B training:

• IPAF Harness Awareness and Harness User Course – Essential for anyone who needs to wear a safety harness while operating boom lifts. Combines online Harness Awareness training with a practical Harness User assessment at one of our centres. From £170.00 per person.
• IPAF MEWPs for Managers – Designed for anyone who plans, supervises, or manages work at height with MEWPs. Covers job planning, risk assessment, and equipment selection. Available in-person or as a virtual classroom. From £200.00 per person.
• PASMA Towers for Users Course – Learn to safely assemble, dismantle, move, and inspect mobile access towers (scaffold towers). PASMA certification is valid for 5 years and widely required across construction and maintenance. From £215.00 per person.
• Harness Use/Inspection Course - IPAF accredited course designed for any operator, supervisor or manager required to select, pre-use check, adjust and inspect harnesses and lanyards.

Course Objectives

IPAF 3A3B1B Course Overview

The IPAF 3A, 3B and 1B Operator Training Course teaches you how to safely operate the full range of Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs), including scissor lifts (3A), cherry pickers and boom lifts (3B), and static boom lifts such as van-mounted and trailer-mounted platforms (1B). Delivered over 1 day the course combines classroom theory with hands-on practical training across all three machine categories.

On successful completion, you will receive your IPAF 3A, 3B and 1B operator certification, which is added to your IPAF PAL Card — the digital wallet that holds all your IPAF qualifications. Your PAL Card is valid for 5 years and is accepted on construction sites and workplaces worldwide.

This course covers three IPAF machine categories:

• IPAF 3A – Mobile Vertical: Scissor lifts and mobile vertical personnel platforms. These machines elevate the operator straight up and down.
• IPAF 3B – Mobile Boom: Self-propelled boom lifts, articulated booms (cherry pickers), and telescopic boom lifts. These machines can reach upward and outward for greater range.
• IPAF 1B – Static Boom: Vehicle-mounted, van-mounted, and trailer-mounted platforms. These machines remain in a fixed position during use and are typically stabilised with outriggers.

This is the most comprehensive IPAF operator course available, and is ideal if your work involves multiple types of powered access equipment. Nationwide Platforms is Europe's largest provider of IPAF training, with award-winning instructors across a network of accredited training centres throughout the UK.

Who Should Attend

This course is suitable for anyone who operates or will operate scissor lifts, boom lifts, and static boom lifts in the workplace. It is ideal for:

• Operators who need certification across all three MEWP categories in one course

• Construction site operatives who use a range of powered access equipment

• Industrial and maintenance contractors working at height with different machine types

• Electricians, painters, facilities teams, and other trades who use multiple types of MEWP
   
• First-time operators who want the widest possible range of categories on their PAL Card
   
• Experienced operators whose IPAF PAL Card has expired and needs renewing across all categories

No formal qualifications or prior experience are required. Delegates must be at least 16 years old, physically fit, and able to read and understand safety notices and manuals.

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.