IRATA training, assessment & certification scheme

IRATA operates a three-level certification scheme. Independent IRATA re-assessments are required every three years at all levels, following a minimum of four days of training.

Level 1 — Rope access technician

Entry: minimum age 18; no previous experience required; aptitude for working at height.
Training: minimum 4-day training course.
Assessment: 1-day independent assessment.
Validity: 3 years.

Level 2 — Rope access technician

Entry: minimum 12 months experience as Level 1 and 1000 logged working hours, before expiry date.
Training: minimum 4-day training course in rope access, rigging and rescue.
Assessment: 1-day independent assessment.
Validity: 3 years.

Level 3 — Rope access technician (supervisor)

Entry: minimum 12 months experience as Level 2 and 1000 logged working hours, before expiry date.
Training: minimum 4-day training course in advanced rope access techniques.
First-aid training required.
Assessment: 1-day independent assessment.
Validity: 3 years.

IRATA International training, assessment and certification flowchart — minimum age 18, four-day Level 1 training and one-day assessment, 12 months and 1000 hours to Level 2, 12 months and 1000 hours to Level 3, three-yearly revalidation at every level. — IRATA International training, assessment and certification scheme.

What you're assessed on

Each candidate is graded on planning & management, equipment, rigging, rigging for rescue & hauling, rope manoeuvres, climbing techniques, rope rescues and climbing rescues. Results are recorded on the IRATA Assessor Assessment Checklist (Form 060) as:

P — Pass
Dis — Minor Discrepancy
F — Fail
A — Awareness only (used under direct supervision)

Your instructor will brief you on the specific items required at your level.