What MEWP categories does IPAF cover (1B, 3A, 3B)?

Key facts

• The IPAF category code combines a number (machine type) and a letter (chassis movement). 1 = static, 3 = mobile; A = vertical, B = boom.
• 1A – Static Vertical: push-around or trailer-mounted, stabilisers down, vertical-only platform.
• 1B – Static Boom: outriggers down, boom that articulates or telescopes; vehicle-mounted and trailer-mounted booms sit here.
• 3A – Mobile Vertical: scissor lifts. Driven from the platform, vertical movement only.
• 3B – Mobile Boom: boom lifts and cherry pickers. Driven from the platform, articulating or telescoping boom.
• PAV – Push-Around Vertical: non-powered chassis with a powered platform.
• MR / MO – Mast Climbing Work Platform: rigger (MR) and operator (MO) endorsements.
• The PAL Card records each category the operator has trained on. A 3A card does not authorise the operator on a 3B.

How IPAF category codes are structured

Every IPAF category code has two parts. The number indicates how the chassis moves: 1 means static (the machine does not travel under its own power with the platform elevated; some are towed, some are vehicle-mounted), 3 means mobile (the chassis drives under operator control with the platform elevated). The letter indicates how the platform moves: A means vertical only (straight up and down), B means boom (the platform reaches up and out via an articulating or telescoping boom). Specialist categories sit alongside this grid for push-around vertical platforms (PAV) and mast climbers (MR rigger / MO operator). The category code on the PAL Card tells a site induction team exactly what the operator is signed off on.

1A Static Vertical and 1B Static Boom

Category 1 machines do not travel while the platform is elevated. The chassis is static, usually on outriggers or stabilisers.

• 1A Static Vertical. Trailer-mounted vertical platforms, push-around verticals that deploy stabilisers, some smaller vehicle-mounted lifts. Used by sign and lighting installers, telecoms engineers and facilities teams.
• 1B Static Boom. Vehicle-mounted and trailer-mounted booms. The chassis stays put on outriggers; the boom articulates or telescopes. Common for tree surgery, electrical line work, faade access and high-level construction tasks where the platform needs to reach over an obstacle.

Category 1 training focuses heavily on chassis stability, ground assessment, outrigger deployment and wind-speed limits. The risks here are different from a 3B because the chassis cannot move out of trouble once set up.

3A Mobile Vertical (Scissor Lifts)

Category 3A covers scissor lifts: the most common MEWP on UK construction sites. The chassis drives under operator control from the platform, including with the platform elevated within the manufacturer’s travel rules. Vertical movement only. Used for internal fit-out, ceiling and services work, external maintenance, and assembly tasks where the operator does not need to reach over an obstacle. Most operators who hold a single IPAF category hold 3A first. MPTT delivers IPAF Access Platform Operator training to the 3A standard at our Cannock centre and on-site across England.

3B Mobile Boom (Boom Lifts and Cherry Pickers)

Category 3B covers boom lifts and cherry pickers. Chassis driven from the platform; the boom telescopes or articulates so the operator can reach out and over obstacles. Higher reach than a typical scissor and far more flexible at height, which makes 3B the workhorse for steel erection, facade work, external fit-out and high-level maintenance. 3B is also the category that carries the highest catapult-ejection risk; this is why IPAF Harness Awareness training is normally taken alongside or before 3B. Detail in our harness-on-a-MEWP FAQ.

PAV, MR and MO specialist categories

• PAV – Push-Around Vertical. A non-powered chassis (manually pushed into position) with a powered vertical platform. Common in low-rise retail and warehouse maintenance, signage and facilities. PAV is lower-risk than 3A and is increasingly offered as a separate short course.
• MR – Mast Climbing Work Platform Rigger. The endorsement for personnel who install, dismantle and alter mast climbing platforms. Mast climbers are used on faade work and external repair on tall structures.
• MO – Mast Climbing Work Platform Operator. The endorsement for personnel who operate (rather than rig) a mast climbing platform.

MR and MO are specialist categories. If your operators need them, send us the site and equipment details and we will confirm scheduling.

Which category do my operators need?

Choose the category by the machine, not by the working height.

• Scissor only? 3A.
• Boom only? 3B (and consider IPAF Harness Awareness alongside).
• Both scissor and boom? 3A + 3B on the same PAL Card. Combined courses are typically 1.5 days.
• Vehicle-mounted access (cable installers, tree surgeons, line workers)? 1B.
• Push-around units only? PAV.
• Mast climbers? MR (riggers) or MO (operators), specified by role.

If you are unsure, list the equipment your team actually uses and call 01543 899706. We will match category to machine.

One card, multiple categories

The PAL Card carries every category the operator has trained on. Adding a category does not require a new card; it requires the additional training and the existing card is reissued with the new category endorsed. Operators who only ever sign off on one machine type can hold one category. Operators working across mixed access fleets typically hold 3A + 3B, sometimes with 1B added for vehicle-mounted work. The five-year renewal cycle covers all categories on the card. You do not renew them separately.

Related questions

• What is the IPAF PAL Card?
• What’s the difference between IPAF and PASMA?
• Do I need a harness on a MEWP?
• How long do IPAF and PASMA courses take?
• How much do IPAF and PASMA courses cost?

Quick answers to related questions

What’s the difference between 3A and 3B?

3A is mobile vertical (scissor lifts, straight up and down). 3B is mobile boom (boom lifts and cherry pickers, reach up and out via an articulating or telescoping boom). A 3A card does not authorise the operator on a 3B.

Do I need 1B if my operators use a cherry picker?

Only if the cherry picker is on a static chassis (outriggers down, vehicle or trailer-mounted). If the chassis drives while the platform is elevated, the category is 3B. The IPAF instructor will confirm the category against the make and model.

Can I add 3B to an existing 3A card?

Yes. Operators with a current 3A PAL Card can add 3B by taking the 3B training. The card is reissued endorsed with both categories. Combined 3A + 3B courses run 1.5 days from new.

Last updated: 2026-05-21. Reviewed by the MPTT work-at-height training team, IPAF- and PASMA-approved instructors.