IRATA Course
The oldest and largest rope access association in the world — a certificate honoured on every continent.
IRATA International (Industrial Rope Access Trade Association) is an international professional association of rope access technicians, registered in the United Kingdom in 1988. It is the oldest and largest rope access association in the world, setting professional and safety standards globally — by 2016, more than 95,000 technicians had been trained within this system.
The IRATA rope access technician competence certificate is honoured worldwide as evidence of the highest professional qualifications and confirmation of the highest standards of safety and work culture — it opens the door to a career in the most technically advanced industries using rope access.
Training levels
IRATA Level 1
5 days + 1 exam day
For those starting a career in rope access. Basic theory and techniques: setting up stations, installing guide ropes, climbing with fall arrest devices, basic rescue techniques.
IRATA Level 2
5 days + 1 exam day
Requires a minimum of 12 months as Level 1 and 1,000 working hours in the Logbook. Rope hauling and transport techniques, plus rope self-rescue.
IRATA Level 3
5 days + 1 exam day
Requires a minimum of 12 months as Level 2 and 2,000 working hours. Advanced self-rescue and team rescue techniques, anchor point installation.
Direct Entry Level 2
5 days + 2 exam days
For individuals with a minimum of 1,500 hours in a similar rope system, approved by an IRATA Moderator.
Direct Entry Level 3
5 days + 2 exam days
For individuals with a minimum of 2,000 hours in a similar system, employed by a Polish company affiliated with IRATA.
Who is it for and what are the requirements?
Who is this course for?
Industrial technicians
People wanting to start a career in rope access on industrial installations.
Offshore companies
Teams working on offshore platforms and wind farms.
Climbers and mountaineers
People with a climbing background looking for a professional application of their skills.
Supervisory staff
People aiming to advance to a rope access supervisor role.
Requirements for participants
- At least 18 years old
- Physical and mental fitness ensuring safe work at height
- Resistance to difficult weather conditions
- No medical contraindications (including fear of heights, epilepsy, balance disorders, heart disease)
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the IRATA course last?
The standard course lasts 5 training days plus 1 exam day (Level 1–3). For the Direct Entry course, it’s 5 training days plus 2 exam days.
How long is the IRATA certificate valid?
The IRATA certificate is valid for 3 years, after which it requires recertification at the same or a higher level.
Do I need prior experience?
No prior rope access experience is required for Level 1 — the course teaches from scratch. Subsequent levels require documented working hours in the Logbook.
Where does the training take place?
We run our training at our certified centre in Opole, at the training facility on ul. Firmowa 10.
Check the Nearest IRATA Course Dates
Training takes place at our certified centre in Opole.