AWPT Categories

The AWPT training program adopts new AWP categories in 2008. The category change does not affect the training received and existing PAL Cards (Powered Access Licensed-Registration Cards) remain valid as specified. Existing PAL Card holders do not need to get their cards changed.

AWPT has revised the categories in its training program and is moving to align with the international standards ANSI, prEN 280 and ISO DIS 16368, standards that regulate the design and manufacture of access platforms worldwide.

The new AWPT categories, with abbreviations and brief explanations, are:

Static Vertical (1a): Vertical personnel platforms (static)

Static Boom (1b): Self-propelled booms (outriggers), trailers/push-arounds, vehicle-mounted platforms

Mobile Vertical (3a): Scissor lifts, vertical personnel platforms (mobile)

Mobile Boom (3b): Self-propelled booms

Special (SPECIAL): Specialist machines

The following courses continue unchanged:
• Mast Climbing Work Platforms (MC)
• Insulated Aerial Devices (IAD)
• Telehandler Platforms – Integrated (TPI)
• Harness Use and Inspection (H)
• Loading and Unloading (LOAD)
• AWPs for Managers (MM)

Current PAL Card holders who need to replace lost cards will be issued duplicate cards with the original categories they have been trained in. This is because the categories listed on the PAL Card reflect the training received. Those who re-train or do upgrades from 2008 onwards will be issued with the new categories.

Site managers can check the validity of PAL Cards by calling the AWPT office.

See Frequently Asked Questions.