What Happens During the 5-Day IRATA Level 1 Training Course?
Blog | March 11, 2026
MCL
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IRATA Level 1 Training
This guide explains exactly what happens during the IRATA 5-day training course, including the daily schedule, practical training exercises and final assessment.
At a glance:
What Happens During an IRATA 5-Day Training Course?
An IRATA training course usually runs for five days:
- Day 1–4: Practical rope access training and safety procedures
- Day 5: Independent IRATA assessment
Trainees learn rope access techniques, equipment use, rescue procedures and safe movement at height.
If you’re considering a career in rope access, one of the first questions you’ll probably ask is:
“What actually happens during the IRATA training course?”
IRATA (Industrial Rope Access Trade Association) training is the global standard for rope access technicians, used across industries including construction, offshore energy, inspection, maintenance and wind energy.
The course is intensive, practical and highly respected across the industry. But for many trainees, the unknown structure of the week can make booking feel intimidating.
In this guide, we’ll explain what happens during a typical 5-day IRATA training course, what you’ll learn each day, and what to expect from the final assessment.
How the IRATA 5-Day Course Works
IRATA courses must be conducted over a minimum of five days:
- 4 days of training
- 1 day of independent assessment
Training focuses on hands-on practical rope access skills, supported by theory sessions and safety procedures.
Courses are delivered by IRATA-approved training centres, such as our MCL Height Safety centre in London, and all assessments are completed by an independent IRATA assessor.
Day 1: Introduction and Basic Rope Access Skills
The first day focuses on building the foundations of safe rope access work.
You’ll start with:
- Safety briefings and course overview
- Introduction to rope access equipment
- Harness fitting and safety checks
- Basic rope access systems
- Controlled ascent and descent techniques
- Rigging & rope handling
- Rope-to-rope transfers
- Passing knots and deviations
- Changeovers between ascent and descent
Trainees begin learning how to move safely on ropes while maintaining correct positioning and equipment management.
For many candidates, this is the first time using professional rope access equipment, so instructors ensure everyone progresses at a comfortable pace.
Day 2: Rope Access Movement and Positioning
On day two, training develops the core movement skills rope access technicians rely on daily.
You’ll practise:
- Rigging & rope handling
- Re-anchoring techniques
These skills simulate real workplace scenarios, helping trainees understand how rope access is used on structures such as buildings, towers and industrial installations.
By the end of day two, most trainees feel far more comfortable working at height on ropes.
Day 3: Advanced Techniques and Safety Procedures
The third day introduces more complex rope access techniques and safety procedures.
This typically includes:
- Climbing using fall protection systems (Fall arrest)
- Aid climbing methods
- Passing Edge obstruction at top & rope protection
- Rescue procedures
- Rigging & rope handling
- Legislation & Theory presentation (Afternoon)
Rescue training is a critical part of IRATA certification. Technicians must be able to assist or recover a colleague safely if an incident occurs at height.
Instructors will demonstrate and supervise rescue from descent scenarios to ensure trainees understand the correct procedures
Day 4: Practice and Assessment Preparation
Day four is designed to consolidate everything learned during the week.
Trainees will:
- Rig for lowering & Hauling awareness
- Practise all required techniques
- Complete simulated work scenarios.
- Prepare for the IRATA assessment
Instructors focus on helping candidates refine technique, improve efficiency and correct any mistakes before the final assessment.
By this stage, trainees usually feel confident performing the full range of Level 1 tasks.
Day 5: The IRATA Assessment
The final day is the official IRATA assessment, carried out by an independent IRATA assessor who has not been involved in the training.
Candidates must demonstrate their ability to safely complete all syllabus items which they were taught in the first 4 days.
The assessor will evaluate both technical skill and safety awareness.
Once successfully completed, candidates receive their IRATA certification and logbook, allowing them to work as a qualified rope access technician. These are issued by IRATA, directly to the candidate.
Is the IRATA Course Difficult?
IRATA training is physically demanding but achievable for most people with a reasonable level of fitness.
Many trainees come from backgrounds such as:
- Construction
- Engineering
- Maintenance
- Utilities
- Wind energy
- Inspection services
No previous rope access experience is required for IRATA Level 1, which makes it an ideal starting point for anyone entering the industry.
Progressing through the three Levels of IRATA.
In order to upgrade from Level 1 to Level 2, technicians must meet the following requirements:
- Have been a Level 1 for a minimum of 1 year AND
- Have a minimum of 1000 hours of experience signed off in their logbook by their IRATA level 3 supervisor.
Start Your IRATA Training with MCL Height Safety
At MCL Height Safety, our IRATA training courses are delivered by experienced instructors in a professional training environment designed to replicate real rope access scenarios.
Our courses include:
- IRATA Level 1, 2 and 3 training
- Small group sizes for better instruction
- Modern rope access training facilities
- Full equipment provided
If you’re ready to start a career in rope access, IRATA certification is the recognised first step.
Get in touch with MCL Height Safety today to book your IRATA training course.
Email info@mclheightsafety.com
Phone 020 8558 5688
Online: https://mclheightsafety.com/courses/irata-training/
FAQ
How long is the IRATA training course?
IRATA training courses usually last five days, including four days of training and one day of independent assessment.
Do you need experience for IRATA Level 1?
No previous rope access experience is required for IRATA Level 1 training.
Is IRATA training difficult?
The course can be physically demanding but most trainees with a reasonable level of fitness can complete it successfully.
What happens after you pass IRATA training?
Once you pass the assessment, you receive your IRATA certification and logbook and can begin working as a rope access technician.