If your IPAF PAL Card is approaching its expiry date, renewing it in good time is essential for staying compliant, employable and safe when working at height. Whether you’re an individual operator or a business responsible for a team, keeping IPAF certification up to date helps avoid site access issues, downtime and unnecessary retraining.

In this guide, we explain how long an IPAF PAL Card lasts, when you should renew, what happens during an IPAF renewal course.

How long does an IPAF PAL Card last?

An IPAF PAL Card is normally valid for five years from the date of issue. The expiry date is clearly shown on the front of your physical PAL Card and within the IPAF ePAL app, which many operators now use as their primary proof of certification.

Most operators and employers start planning renewal six to twelve months before expiry. This avoids last-minute pressure and ensures no gap in certification that could prevent you from working on site.

Before booking renewal training, you should always check:

• The expiry date on your PAL Card or ePAL app
• The machine categories you are currently qualified for (such as 3a, 3b or 1b)
• Any additional employer, client or site-specific requirements

If you’re unsure whether your card is still valid or which categories you hold, the team at Tyne and Wear Access can quickly check your details and guide you towards the correct IPAF renewal course.

When should you renew your IPAF licence?

The safest and simplest approach is to renew before your PAL Card expires. Leaving it too late can result in your licence lapsing, which may mean completing additional training rather than a straightforward renewal.

As a general guide:

• Start planning renewal 6–12 months before expiry
• Book onto a course a few weeks in advance to secure suitable dates
• Allow extra time if booking training for a team that needs internal approval

For operators and businesses across Tyne & Wear and the wider North East, Tyne and Wear Access runs regular IPAF training courses, making it easy to renew without long waits or travelling out of the region.

Can I renew my IPAF PAL Card, or do I need to retake the full course?

This depends on your current certification status, experience and how long your card has been expired (if at all). In many cases, renewal involves completing an IPAF operator course covering your required categories, including both theory and practical assessment.

Common renewal scenarios include:

• Card still in date or close to expiry: You attend an IPAF operator course covering your existing categories and complete the required assessments
• Card expired for some time: You may still be able to renew, but full training may be required, especially if you have not used MEWPs regularly
• Adding new categories: If you already hold categories such as 3a/3b and need to add 1b, renewal and additional categories can often be combined

If you’re unsure which route applies, simply share your PAL Card details with us, and we’ll recommend the most efficient and cost-effective option.

What happens during an IPAF renewal course?

An IPAF renewal course is a structured training day designed to refresh your knowledge and confirm that you can operate access platforms safely and competently in line with current standards.

Even experienced operators must demonstrate up-to-date understanding and practical ability. Courses typically include:

• Theory training: legislation, safe operation, hazard awareness, inspections, fall protection and emergency procedures
• Theory test: usually multiple-choice, confirming key safety knowledge
• Practical training: hands-on operation of relevant MEWP categories
• Practical assessment: pre-use checks, manoeuvring, positioning and safe shutdown

At Tyne and Wear Access, our IPAF-approved instructors take a supportive approach. If it’s been a while since you last trained, we focus on refreshing skills and building confidence, not just testing for the sake of it.

Do I need to log my machine operating hours for renewal?

IPAF encourages operators to record their MEWP operating experience, particularly using the IPAF ePAL app. While logged hours can support renewal decisions, many operators renewing through a standard course do not need detailed records.

In most cases, renewal requirements include:

• Holding (or having held) a valid IPAF PAL Card
• Completing the required training and assessments
• Being medically fit and capable of operating equipment safely

If you’ve had a break from operating or feel unsure about certain machines, let us know before booking. We’ll make sure the course is suited to your experience level.

How much does it cost to renew my IPAF licence?

The cost of renewing your IPAF licence depends on several factors, including:

• The number of categories required (for example, 3a/3b only vs multiple categories)
• Whether you are booking as an individual or for a group
• Whether training is delivered at our centre or on your site

For accurate pricing, contact our team and we’ll provide a clear quote based on your requirements.

How to renew your IPAF PAL Card with Tyne and Wear Access

Renewing your IPAF licence with us is straightforward:

• Check your PAL Card details: Confirm expiry date, categories and whether you use ePAL or a physical card.
• Contact our team: Let us know if you’re renewing as an individual or booking for a team.
• We recommend the right course: We’ll advise on the most suitable IPAF course and dates at our Tyne & Wear training centre, or on-site options for larger groups.
• Attend training and assessment: Complete the theory and practical elements with our experienced instructors.
• Receive your renewed PAL Card: Once passed, your updated certification is processed so you can continue working safely and compliantly.

Serving Tyne & Wear and the wider North East

We provide IPAF training for individuals and businesses across Tyne & Wear, Newcastle, Gateshead, Sunderland, Durham and the wider North East. Whether you need to renew one PAL Card or train an entire workforce, we offer flexible scheduling to suit your projects.

Our training centre features modern powered access equipment and realistic working scenarios. If you also require an access platform or machine hire, our hire service can support your site alongside your training.

Ready to renew your IPAF licence?

If your IPAF PAL Card is due for renewal, now is the perfect time to book. We’ll guide you through the process, recommend the right categories and ensure you leave confident, compliant and fully certified.

Contact Tyne and Wear Access today to renew your IPAF licence in Tyne & Wear and across the North East.

Renewing Your IPAF Licence – FAQs