If you’re looking to start a career in rope access—or take your skills to the next level—IRATA certification is the key. It’s the gold standard in the industry, trusted worldwide by companies working on wind turbines, oil & gas platforms, bridges, and high-rise infrastructure.
In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about IRATA certification: what each level means, how the training works, and what kind of investment to expect for IRATA courses in Europe.
IRATA stands for Industrial Rope Access Trade Association. Founded in the UK, it’s now the global authority for rope access safety and training. Whether you’re working on a wind turbine in Lithuania or an offshore platform in Norway, IRATA certification tells employers you’re trained, competent, and ready to work at height.
At Gridinta, we only work with IRATA-certified technicians because we know they meet the highest safety and technical standards in the field.
IRATA certification is broken into three progressive levels. You must complete each level in order, with real working hours logged between upgrades.
Entry-level qualification
No previous rope access experience required
Teaches basic rope maneuvers, safety checks, and simple rescue techniques
Ideal for those looking to enter the rope access industry
After certification, you’ll be qualified to work under supervision on real rope access jobs.
Requires 1,000+ hours and at least 12 months as a Level 1
Focuses on advanced rigging, rescues, anchor systems, and risk assessments
Allows you to take on more complex tasks and assist in team coordination
This level opens the door to better pay and higher responsibility.
Requires 1,000+ hours and 12+ months as a Level 2
Covers leadership, job planning, team safety, emergency response, and rescue management
Qualified to supervise rope access operations and sign off documentation
Every rope access team must have at least one Level 3 on-site for safety and compliance. It’s a leadership role in the field.
Each IRATA training course typically lasts 5 days, followed by 1 day of assessment by an independent IRATA assessor. You must pass both practical and theoretical exams to receive certification.
Training centers offer refresher sessions if needed, especially if you’re returning to rope access after a break.
Prices vary by country and training provider, but here’s a rough guide:
Level 1: €900–€1,300
Level 2: €1,000–€1,400
Level 3: €1,200–€1,600
The cost often includes equipment use, manuals, and assessment fees. Accommodation and travel may be extra, depending on the location.
We recommend checking with official IRATA training centers in your area for current prices. In Lithuania and nearby regions, we highly recommend Novikontas – trusted provider offering IRATA-approved courses.
After passing your assessment, you’ll receive an IRATA logbook, ID card, and certificate. You’re officially ready to work on rope.
If you’re based in Europe and looking for real rope access work—Gridinta is always on the lookout for IRATA-certified professionals. From offshore wind farms to industrial projects, we’re building elite teams for some of the most challenging and rewarding work at height.
Whether you’re training for your first rope access job or preparing to level up to IRATA Level 2 or 3, the certification process is your gateway to a high-demand, high-skill career.
Got your IRATA cert and looking for work? Get in touch with Gridinta. We’d love to hear from you.
