IPAF MEWP Bridge Course

The International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) has launched PASS PAL, a new bridge course that allows holders of the CACES® R.486 licence for operating mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) in France to upgrade their certification and obtain the internationally recognised IPAF PAL Card (Powered Access Licence) – valid in more than 80 countries and regions worldwide.

Designed as a one-day course, it provides a fast, efficient and high-quality route to international certification.

IPAF has launched PASS PAL, a new bridge course that allows holders of the CACES® R.486 licence for operating MEWPs in France to upgrade their certification and obtain the internationally recognised IPAF PAL Card (Powered Access Licence) — valid in more than 80 countries and regions worldwide.

“This initiative reflects IPAF’s commitment to supporting the mobility of trained operators’ qualifications and ensuring that safe working at height is consistent across borders. The PASS PAL course gives operators the opportunity to turn their national CACES® R.486 licence into an internationally accepted qualification, opening doors to new opportunities and recognition across the global powered-access industry,” said Roger Grossniklaus, IPAF Regional Manager for Switzerland and French-Speaking Countries. 

Why upgrade to the IPAF PAL Card? 

• Work internationally: Recognised in over 80 countries and regions
• Advance your career: Accepted by global companies and contractors
• Fast and cost-effective: Full-day course delivered in France, in French or other available languages
• Globally benchmarked: Certified to ISO 18878, reflecting the highest international training standards
• Trusted worldwide: Backed by over 40 years of IPAF training expertise and recognised by MEWP manufacturers everywhere
• Digital and secure: The ePAL smartphone app lets operators store, share, and verify their IPAF PAL Card instantly

Who can take part? 

The PASS PAL course is open to:

• MEWP operators holding a valid CACES® R.486 licence who wish to work abroad
• MEWP operators holding a valid CACES® R.486 licence, involved in international projects, either within France or overseas

How does it work? 

1. Book your course at an IPAF Approved Training Centre and present your valid CACES® R.486
2. Complete your theory training (approximately two hours) via eLearning or at an IPAF Approved Training Centre
3. Pass the theory test
4. Attend the practical training upgrade session and pass the final test at the IPAF Approved Training Centre

The PASS PAL course combines refresher-style learning with international standards, helping operators gain global recognition while strengthening their fundamental MEWP safety knowledge.

Book your course today 

Contact your nearest IPAF-approved training centre in France to register and upgrade your CACES® R.486 into a globally valid IPAF PAL Card.

• For more information, visit https://www.ipaf.org/en-gb/node/15103