IRATA Training

Congratulations on choosing an Industrial Rope Access Trade Association (IRATA) Member Company for your training needs.

All IRATA training is delivered by 5th Point Operations Pty Ltd at our audited and certified training venues.

IRATA International’s rope access system is a safe method of working at height, where ropes and associated equipment are used to gain access to and egress from the work place, and to be supported at it. Like any other method of working at height, the application of rope access should be regarded as a complete system, in which planning, management, competence and suitable equipment should be treated with equal importance, as each is dependent on the other to ensure a safe system of work.

IRATA remains the only internationally recognised rope access qualification; and the Training, Assessment and Certification Scheme (TACS) has been developed by IRATA to provide training and assessment criteria to develop, maintain and test competency.  As an IRATA member company, 5th Point is regularly audited to ensure the training syllabus is delivered to the required standard, in a safe and controlled environment by competent and experienced Instructors.

Training courses are thorough, and there are different levels of qualification reflecting increasing levels of responsibility.

 IRATA Level 1

This is a rope access Technician who is able to perform a specified range of rope access tasks under the supervision of a Level 3 rope access safety supervisor. He/she is:

• Able to understand and follow the rope access procedures, method statements and associated risk assessments;
• Responsible for pre-use checks of his/her own rope access equipment;
• Able to assist in rigging and other operations, under the guidance of a higher grade;
• Able to undertake a simple rescue in descent, and assist in rescue operations.

Course pre-requisites: A minimum age of 18 years, physically fit and an aptitude for working at heights.

 IRATA Level 2

This is an experienced rope access Technician who is able to perform more complex tasks under the supervision of a Level 3 rope access safety supervisor. He/she is:

• Able to demonstrate the skills and knowledge required of Level 1;
• Capable of more complex rigging, including re-belays, deviations and tensioned lines;
• Able to undertake rescues from a variety of situations;
• Able to assemble and implement hauling systems.

Course pre-requisites: Current Level 1, held for a minimum of 12 months and 1000 hours logged in an IRATA Logbook.

IRATA Level 3

This is an experienced rope access Technician who is responsible for understanding and implementing the rope access procedures, method statements and associated risk assessments, and:

• Is able to demonstrate the skills and knowledge required of Levels 1 and 2;
• Understands the elements and principles of IRATA International’s safe system of work;
• Is conversant with relevant work techniques and legislation;
• Has an extensive knowledge of advanced rope access rigging and rescue techniques;
• Holds an appropriate and current first-aid certificate.

Course pre-requisites: Current Level 2, held for a minimum of 12 months and 1000 hours logged at Level 2 in an IRATA Logbook.

A Level 3 can become a rope access safety supervisor: see ICOP Part 2, 2.6.2 for guidance.

Training Requirements

All levels of the IRATA International training syllabus consist of a minimum of 30 hours / four days of training, followed by one day of assessment by an independent IRATA Assessor. The purpose of the assessment is to ensure that each candidate demonstrates the required tasks in a safe manner, in accordance with the requirements of the TACS.

From 16th November 2023, IRATA have introduced an IRATA Level 3 Online Theory Exam.  The online exam is for Level 3 technicians ONLY. All Level 3’s (upgrade and revalidation) will be required to complete this theory exam on Assessment Day, invigilated by an IRATA Assessor. For more information, please read this IRATA document Candidate’s Guide to IRATA Assessments. (If you have any questions regarding the online exam, please contact us).

All existing IRATA technicians re-validating or upgrading their qualification must must also attend a minimum of 30 hours / four days of training and MUST present an up-to-date IRATA LogBook, with all entries verified and countersigned by the appropriate supervisor, or company director.

If you require a replacement IRATA LogBook, visit the IRATA website to order a new one PRIOR to booking on to a course.

Important Information

The IRATA qualification must be re-validated every 3 years, irrespective of what level qualification is held.

If a technician lets their qualification expire, they must re-validate it and log 150 hours over a minimum of three months before they can upgrade to the next level. All technicians can re-validate their existing qualification up to 6 months prior to the date of expiry.

Within Australia, you can not apply for Direct Entry into the IRATA system.

If you hold an Australian Rope Access Association (ARAA) qualification, please contact the 5th Point office for information about Accelerated Entry in to the IRATA system.

Please visit our frequently asked questions (FAQ) page for more information, or feel free to Contact Us.