SPRAT L1 Certification: Requirements, Expiry, Validity

Sharon Lo
2025-10-29T15:55:03-07:00

Sprat L1 certification requirements differ slightly from IRATA requirements. We've put together a simple visual to help guide you with your certification, recertification, and upgrade requirements.

All the information is taken from www.sprat.org and please refer to the documentation there for guidance. The information below is a visual representation to help understand but is not an official Sprat document.

We have compiled a comprehensive list for all the levels for you to view, and we hope to see you soon for your certification training needs!

General:

must be at least 18 years of age

must provide proof of identification

must sign an affidavit agreeing to SPRAT policies

Training Requirements:

must receive training by a competent trainer* within 6 months prior to initial certification for each respective level

recommended to receive training by a competent trainer within 6 months for any subsequent rope access evaluation (recertification, reassessments)

Rope Access Certification Validity

Initial certification is valid for three years from the date of the rope access evaluation

subsequent certification completed during the last 6 months of a current certification valid for three years from the date of the current certification expiration

Certification after Expiry of Current Certification:

when certification has expired, you are no longer able to work

2 options are available: recertification, or upgrade (unless certification was revoked by SPRAT)

If your L2 certification has expired for any given amount of time, you can register for an L2 evaluation

training within 6 months of evaluation is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, but not required for a recertification

you can attempt to upgrade to the next level if you meet all the requirements for upgrading (500 hours work done for 6+ months with a valid certification, trained by competent trainer within 6 months of evaluation)

warning: attempts to upgrade after an expired certificate have not yielded a lot of success in the past! It may be tempting and permissible, but the path of least resistance, is to re-certify as you will inevitably still be relearning many techniques that you have not utilized

Level 1 Technician Certification and Recertification:

No experience is required prior to becoming a Level 1 Technician

Training by a competent trainer REQUIRED within 6 months of evaluation for initial certification

Level 1 recertification HIGHLY RECOMMENDS training by a competent trainer within 6 months of evaluation

completion of a rope access evaluation and Level 1 written test

Evaluation must take place at a SPRAT Evaluation Session Host location

Evaluation administered by independent evaluator

Level 1 Technician Upgrading to Level 2 Technician:

at least 500 documented hours of rope access experience obtained with a valid Level 1 certification

hold a Level 1 certification level for a minimum of 6 months

Training by a competent trainer REQUIRED within 6 months of evaluation for initial Level 2 certification

completion of a rope access evaluation and Level 2 written test

Evaluation must take place at a SPRAT Evaluation Session Host location

Evaluation administered by independent evaluator

*Competent trainer: A person who, based on training, education, knowledge, and experience in rope access, can safely and effectively deliver a quantifiable educational program to others

All recertification and upgrade training sessions with us receive a FREE REFRESHER DAY!!

Register HERE to secure a spot for yourself in our training sessions.