How long do IPAF and PASMA cards last?

Both cards last five years. IPAF and PASMA each say the period can vary by country or region, so go by the expiry date on the card or certificate.

The PAL Card is IPAF's Powered Access Licence, for operating mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs), mast climbing work platforms and construction hoists. Operators get it by completing an IPAF course and passing a test at an IPAF Approved Training Centre. In the UK and Ireland it has been issued digitally through IPAF's ePAL app since June 2021, and a printed card is still available.

The MEWP operator course takes one to three days, depending on experience and the machine categories. Operators whose PAL Card is about to expire, and who took the IPAF MEWP Operator course before, can take a shorter renewal course. The card lists the categories each person is trained on, so record each one.

PASMA trains people to work safely with mobile access towers and low-level access equipment, such as podium steps. Its Towers for Users course takes one day, and the qualification lasts five years, though PASMA says this may vary regionally.

Every PASMA qualification has an expiry date. To renew it, the person takes the same course again with a PASMA Approved Training Centre before the expiry date on their certificate, including a written and practical test. A virtual card in PASMA's TowerSure app updates when the card is renewed.

IPAF's online PAL Card verification tool checks whether a licence is genuine, and IPAF suggests checking the expiry date and machine categories first. PASMA's check a card page confirms a PASMA qualification from the person's first name, last name and certificate number. Record the result and the date you checked.

Keep one record per person, so the renewal course is booked before the card runs out rather than found on site.

SkillProof records IPAF and PASMA cards as training requirements with their expiry dates, alongside CPCS, CSCS and SMSTS, with a copy of each card as evidence. Training records, role requirements and evidence uploads are on every plan.

Starter shows basic due dates and sends standard automated training due and overdue email reminders. Growth adds configurable reminder schedules, recipients and templates, so a site manager hears before a card runs out.

SkillProof doesn't check IPAF or PASMA records, verify cards or deliver training. The CPCS card guide covers plant operator cards, and the construction page shows how teams set requirements by role.