How do I become a Rope Access Technician?

In the UK, the standard route into rope access is completing your IRATA Level 1 qualification, although there are a few alternative pathways that are less widely recognised. There are no formal entry requirements for the Level 1 course—just reasonable physical fitness, no medical issues that would prevent you from working at height, and a solid head for heights!

Everyone begins at Level 1, and with time and experience you can work your way up through Level 2, eventually becoming a Level 3 rope access supervisor. Moving up isn’t mandatory, though. If you enjoy Level 1 work, you’re free to stay at that level indefinitely—you’ll just need to redo the assessment every three years.

The initial course typically runs for four days of training followed by an assessment on the final day, though this can vary by provider. What matters is that it includes at least 30 hours of training plus the assessment. After passing, you’ll receive a logbook, which a Level 3 technician will sign off as you accumulate rope hours. Keep in mind that if you go more than six months without logging any hours, you’ll need to do refresher training. When you first start working, your employer and supervising Level 3 should be informed that you’re newly qualified so they can give you the appropriate support and mentoring.

All IRATA technicians, regardless of level, must re-validate their qualification by completing the training and assessment every three years.

To move from Level 1 to Level 2, you must have held your Level 1 for at least 12 months and logged a minimum of 1,000 rope hours, after which you can take the Level 2 training and assessment. The same applies for progressing to Level 3: at least 12 months at Level 2 and another 1,000 logged hours, followed by the Level 3 training and assessment.

Working as an IRATA technician can be an extremely fulfilling career, taking you to remote corners of the world and allowing you to be part of all kinds of interesting and varied projects—from film and entertainment work to urban and industrial sites, renewable energy installations, and offshore oil and gas platforms.