Step By Step Guide

Pre-training requirements: health and fitness

• Candidates shall be at least 18 years of age at the start of the course.
• Candidates should be physically fit and unaffected by any disability or medical condition that may prevent them from working safely. They shall ensure that they have an adequate level of fitness, are physically able to perform the tasks expected in terms of strength, agility and co-ordination, and are able to withstand the stresses of the working environment, such as heat, cold, and other inclement weather.
• Candidates are required to provide a declaration that they do not have any known medical disabilities or contraindications that may prevent them from working safely.
• If a candidate has a contra-indicated condition, he/she shall obtain a medical certificate before commencing any rope access activities.
• Candidates should consider their experience carefully before attempting to progress to a higher level. Candidates without appropriate competence, adequate pre-assessment training and knowledge of the syllabus are unlikely to meet the requirements.

A map of all training member companies can be found here, separated by region. Contact details and addresses are also listed in order for them to be contacted and a course arranged.

Course availability can be found under our training course section or by contacting the TMC directly. Once the course is booked the candidate is ready for training.

Training courses take a minimum of 30 hours over 4 days followed by a one-day assessment, however training length may vary between training centres. There may be a gap between training and assessment (this can be no longer than 60 days). During training candidates shall be taught all Level 1 topics in preparation for their assessment.

The assessment will be carried out by an IRATA International Assessor. Level 1 Candidates are assessed on all elements of the Level 1 syllabus, additionally they shall demonstrate their theoretical knowledge of applicable ‘TACS’ [TC-101] syllabus items. These theory elements are designated as ‘Awareness’ items on the ‘Technician Assessment Form’ [FM-025]. The Assessor will grade the candidate to ensure they carry out all tasks in a safe manner in accordance with the requirements of the certification scheme.

Should the candidate fail the assessment they have 60 days to retake from the date of the failed assessment before they will have to retake the training course in full. Candidates shall provide a copy of their previous assessment form at the time of reassessment. Candidates unable to provide a copy of their previous assessment form are required to attend a training course in full before re-assessment.

IRATA certification shall be granted once all certification requirements are fulfilled. Undertaking the assessment is one part of the certification process. Successful completion of training or passing the assessment does not in itself guarantee that all certification requirements have been met. Certification will only be granted by IRATA upon verification that all prerequisites and all relevant parts of the certification process have been successfully fulfilled.

Successful technicians shall receive a certificate of competence, a photo identification card (ID card) and IRATA Logbook upon initial registration, stating the level and type of certificate awarded and the expiry date.

Following approval by IRATA, the Technician can practise as an IRATA level 1 for a period of three years. Technicians may progress annually to Level 2 & 3 on the accrual of the pre-requisite 1000 on-rope working hours at each level.

IRATA Technicians are required to take re-validation training and assessment every three years to ensure that they remain current and maintain safe working practices. Rope access Technicians not engaged in rope access work for 180 days or more shall attend refresher training.