IPAF training in Northampton
Do you live in Northampton or the surrounding area and want to develop your skills in working at height? Do you need to gain both competence and the appropriate certification? We cordially invite you to attend licensed IPAF training at our training centre near Northampton. We offer a wide range of International Powered Access Federation courses and the opportunity to obtain a licence. All this at affordable prices! You will find more detailed information about our courses below.
Why choose our IPAF courses?
CPTS LTD is an accredited IPAF training provider throughout the United Kingdom. Our headquarters are located very close to Northampton. IPAF training courses are conducted by experienced trainers with many years of experience. They always take an individual approach to each student in order to tailor the training perfectly to their needs and requirements. In addition, we make every effort to ensure that the courses take place in a pleasant atmosphere so that everyone feels comfortable with us.
What is IPAF training and who is it for?
IPAF stands for International Powered Access Federation. In plain English: it’s the organisation that sets the standard for training and safe use of powered access equipment.
So what does that mean for you?
It means that when you complete an IPAF course, you don’t just “get a card”.
You gain industry-recognised proof that you can operate Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) properly.
IPAF training is for you if you are:
- starting work on sites in Northampton or nearby and need the right licence fast
- already operating MEWPs but need certification for compliance
- switching roles and want to stay employable
- renewing your PAL Card and want to avoid last-minute panic
- managing teams and need to understand legal duties and planning
Whatever your background, IPAF training gives you structure, safety habits, and confidence that stays with you long after the course.
Why Northampton workers choose IPAF training?
Let’s be real: Northampton has plenty of construction, industrial, logistics and maintenance work. And on those sites, MEWPs are everywhere.
But here’s the uncomfortable truth:
A MEWP is not “just a machine”. It’s a piece of access equipment that can hurt you fast if you get lazy, rushed, or distracted.
That’s why IPAF training focuses on the stuff that actually matters on site:
- correct category selection (so you don’t use the wrong machine for the job)
- stability, ground conditions, and set-up awareness
- pre-use inspections (the ones people skip… until something fails)
- emergency lowering procedures
- hazard spotting (overhead obstructions, drop zones, tight spaces)
- safe manoeuvring and positioning
- basic regulations and site responsibilities
And yes, you also walk away with the certification that employers want to see.
Where is the training held?
Our Northampton Training Centre Address:
50 Byfield Road Northampton NN5 5HG
Phone number
0777 18 12 418
Email address:
northampton@cpcs-training-courses.co.uk
What will you actually learn on an IPAF course?
You want practical value. So let’s talk about what happens during training.
1) Pre-use checks and inspections
You will learn how to spot faults before they become incidents.
This includes:
- tyres, outriggers, guardrails, emergency controls
- hydraulic leaks and damage checks
- control panel functions
- operator manual awareness
If you can’t inspect a MEWP properly, you shouldn’t operate it. Simple as that.
2) Safe operation and positioning
You practise using the machine the right way, including:
- travelling and steering
- safe elevation procedures
- working near obstacles
- correct positioning for the task
3) Risk awareness and site hazards
This is where people often get nervous, because they suddenly realise how many risks they’ve been ignoring.
You’ll cover:
- overhead hazards and exclusion zones
- uneven ground and surface conditions
- wind exposure and stability factors
- pedestrians, traffic routes, site segregation
- entrapment risks
4) Emergency lowering and rescue awareness
You learn what to do when something goes wrong.
Because on site, things DO go wrong.
And when they do, you need calm steps, not panic.
5) UK regulations and responsibilities
You will also understand the legal side of working at height and operating access equipment, including:
- safe system of work principles
- operator responsibilities
- manager/supervisor responsibilities (where relevant)
- compliance expectations on UK sites
Which IPAF course do you need?
Choosing the right category matters, because different MEWPs require different training.
1. IPAF Operator 3A (Mobile Vertical / Scissor Lift)
Designed for scissor lift operators working on construction sites, warehouses, maintenance jobs and industrial projects. You learn safe manoeuvring, positioning, inspections and emergency procedures.
2. IPAF Operator 3B (Mobile Boom / Cherry Picker)
Ideal if you operate boom lifts or cherry pickers. Training covers pre-use checks, safe controls, tight-space operation, hazard awareness and emergency lowering.
3. Combined IPAF Operator 3A/3B (Most popular)
If you want maximum flexibility on site, the combined course is often the best option. You gain certification for both scissor lifts and mobile booms in one go.
4. IPAF Operator 1B (Static Boom)
For static or vehicle/trailer-mounted booms. You focus on correct set-up, daily checks, hazards and safe operation.
5. IPAF PAV (Push Around Vertical)
Great for low-level indoor work, often used in facilities management, cleaning, and M&E environments.
6. IPAF Load & Unload Course
For anyone transporting MEWPs and handling loading/unloading. Covers legal duties, restraints, ramps, risk assessment and safe team procedures.
7. Harness Use & Inspection
A practical course for anyone using harnesses. You learn fitting, adjustment, inspection routines, fault recognition, storage and correct use of fall protection.
8. IPAF PAL Plus (Advanced Operator)
For experienced operators who want to improve performance in more demanding scenarios and prove higher competence on site.
9. MEWPs for Managers
For supervisors and managers responsible for planning MEWP operations. Covers legal responsibilities, risk assessment, equipment selection and safe work planning.
10. IPAF Demonstrator Courses
For experienced operators moving into a demonstrator role (3A, 3B, 1B or combined). You learn how to demonstrate safely, communicate properly, and manage responsibilities.
How long does IPAF certification last?
Most IPAF training courses are typically 1 day, depending on the category.
Certificates are usually valid for 5 years.
Your IPAF PAL Card is valid for 5 years, then you renew.
PAL Card renewal (important update)
From 1 January 2025, renewing your PAL Card requires proof of 40 logbook entries via ePAL during the validity period.
This increases to 60 entries from 2026.
If you’re unsure whether you qualify for renewal or need the full course again, it’s worth checking early rather than leaving it until the last minute.
IPAF training Northampton: who books this most often?
In reality, we see people from all over Northamptonshire booking IPAF training, including:
- construction workers and trades
- warehouse and logistics staff
- maintenance engineers
- facilities management teams
- electricians and M&E contractors
- supervisors and site managers
- plant and access operators
If you work around height, access equipment, or site safety responsibilities, this course fits your career like a glove.
Why choose our IPAF training near Northampton?
We keep training simple, practical, and focused on real site work:
- Affordable prices without cutting quality
- Flexible dates, including weekend options
- Hands-on practical training with real MEWPs
- IPAF-approved certification delivered by CPTS (Approved Training Centre ID 1337)
You leave ready to work safely, confidently, and in line with UK expectations.
Ready to book IPAF courses near Northampton?
If you want to gain a recognised qualification, improve safety on site, and open up better work opportunities, book your course today.
Choose your category, secure your date, and get your IPAF PAL Card with confidence.
If you need help picking the right course (3A, 3B, combined, PAV, Load/Unload, harness or manager), contact us and we’ll point you in the right direction. Live outside Northampton? No problem. We welcome learners from nearby towns and villages such as Duston, Hardingstone, Wootton, Roade, Blisworth, Earls Barton, Great Billing, Moulton, Cogenhoe and Bugbrooke. If you’re local, you can still get the same IPAF-approved training and certification without travelling far.
