IPAF or PASMA? Which one you need, and how long it lasts
IPAF is for powered machines that lift you — scissor lifts, cherry pickers, booms. PASMA is for mobile access towers you build yourself. They are not interchangeable: if you drive a scissor lift you need IPAF, if you put up a tower you need PASMA. Both qualifications last 5 years.
From ipaf.org and pasma.co.uk, checked October 2026. Course prices are set by each approved training centre — ask a few before you book.
Which one do you need?
| You will… | You need | Course |
|---|---|---|
| Drive a scissor lift | IPAF — category 3a | IPAF MEWP Operator |
| Drive a self-propelled boom | IPAF — category 3b | IPAF MEWP Operator |
| Use a boom with outriggers or a van-mounted platform | IPAF — category 1b | IPAF MEWP Operator |
| Build, move or use a mobile tower | PASMA | Towers for Users (1 day) |
| Use podiums or low platforms under 2.5 m | PASMA | Low-Level Access (half a day) |
| Fixed scaffolding (tube and fitting, system) | Neither — CISRS | See CISRS cards |
One IPAF course can cover 3a and 3b together. Your categories are printed on the PAL card.
Is it a legal requirement?
No law names IPAF or PASMA. The Work at Height Regulations 2005 say nobody may work at height, or use work-at-height equipment, unless they are competent — or are being trained under a competent person's supervision.
HSE says MEWP operators should have been on a recognised training course and hold a card or licence that lists the machine categories, and that towers must be put up by trained, competent people. IPAF and PASMA are the recognised ways most people prove that — so expect a site to ask for the card.
How to get the IPAF PAL card
Pick your categories
Most site workers need 3a (scissor lift) and/or 3b (mobile boom). No experience is needed for the entry course.
Book at an IPAF Approved Training Centre
The course takes 1 to 3 days depending on the machines. The theory part can be done by eLearning first (about 3 hours, at your own pace).
Pass the theory test and the practical test
The practical is done on the machine, with an IPAF instructor.
Get your digital PAL card
In the UK it arrives in the free ePAL app. A printed card is still available. It's valid for 5 years from the first day of the course.
How to get the PASMA card
Choose the course
Towers for Users (1 day) for mobile towers. Low-Level Access (half a day) for podiums and platforms under 2.5 m. A combined course covers both in 1 day.
Book at a PASMA training centre
No experience needed. The theory can be done by e-learning.
Pass the theory and practical
Theory is multiple choice, pass mark 80% — papers exist in several languages. Then a practical assessment building the tower.
Get the PhotoCard and certificate
The training centre gives you the certificate number. Add it in the free TowerSure app to see your digital card. Valid 5 years.
Renewing
IPAF renewal
Do it while your PAL card is still valid: the IPAF MEWP Operator Renewal course (or PAL+) takes half a day to a day — theory plus a practical test. For 3a and 3b the practical can be on a VR simulator at the centre. The new card lasts 5 years.
PASMA renewal
There's no separate “refresher card”: you retake the course at an approved centre, with the written and practical tests. Your TowerSure card updates by itself.
Expired already?
PASMA: just book the course again — it's open to people whose qualification expired. IPAF: the renewal course needs a valid card, so after expiry ask the centre which course you need.
Lost the card?
IPAF: contact the centre that trained you (small fee) — and check the ePAL app. PASMA: your digital card is in TowerSure; for a plastic one, contact your training centre.
HSE also expects you to be familiar with the exact make and model of MEWP you use, to wear a harness with a short restraint lanyard clipped inside the basket where you could fall, and for the site to have a rescue plan. Towers must be inspected after they're built and every 7 days if you could fall 2 m or more.
Graftum Pocket keeps a photo of your CSCS, IPAF, PASMA and other cards and reminds you months before each one expires. Free, in 7 languages.
Add my cards — 2 minutesCommon questions
What is the difference between IPAF and PASMA?
IPAF covers powered access — scissor lifts, booms and cherry pickers (MEWPs). PASMA covers mobile access towers and low-level platforms. Using one doesn't qualify you for the other.
Do I need PASMA to use a scaffold tower?
The law asks that towers are put up by trained, competent people and that users are trained in the dangers. PASMA's Towers for Users is the usual way to prove that, and most sites will ask for it.
How long does an IPAF card last?
5 years from the first day of your training course. Renew it with the shorter renewal course before it expires.
How long does a PASMA card last?
5 years. To renew, you retake the course with its written and practical tests at an approved training centre.
What is IPAF 3a and 3b?
3a is mobile vertical — scissor lifts. 3b is mobile boom — self-propelled booms. 1a and 1b are the static versions (vertical, and booms on outriggers or vehicles).
How long is the IPAF course?
The entry course takes 1 to 3 days, depending on the machines. The renewal course is half a day to a day.
How do I check an IPAF or PASMA card?
IPAF: ipaf.org/checkpal. PASMA: the Check a Card tool on pasma.co.uk, with the name and certificate number.
How much does an IPAF or PASMA course cost?
IPAF and PASMA don't publish one price — each approved training centre sets its own. Compare a few, and check the centre is listed on ipaf.org or pasma.co.uk.
