One of the most common questions people ask is: how long does PASMA training last? However, many workers also want to know what PASMA training covers, whether it is a legal requirement, how much it costs, and which course is right for them.
This guide explains everything you need to know about PASMA training, including course types, duration, validity, and funding options.
Book your PASMA Training here
What Is PASMA Training?
PASMA stands for the Prefabricated Access Suppliers' and Manufacturers' Association. It is the leading authority on mobile access towers in the UK and develops industry-standard training for anyone who assembles, dismantles, moves, inspects, or uses mobile tower scaffolds.
PASMA training helps reduce accidents associated with working at height and ensures workers understand how to use tower systems safely.
Working at height remains one of the leading causes of workplace fatalities and serious injuries according to the Health and Safety Executive.
Official HSE guidance can be found here:
https://www.hse.gov.uk/work-at-height/
There are several PASMA courses available depending on your job role and responsibilities.
Common PASMA training courses include:
PASMA Towers for Users
The most popular PASMA qualification.
This course is designed for people who:
- Assemble mobile access towers
- Dismantle towers
- Alter towers
- Move towers safely
- Inspect towers before use
It is widely recognised throughout the construction, facilities management, maintenance, and industrial sectors.
PASMA Low Level Access
Designed for workers using podiums, folding towers, and low-level access equipment.
This course is commonly completed by:
- Electricians
- Decorators
- Facilities maintenance teams
- Retail maintenance contractors
PASMA Combined Towers and Low Level Access
This qualification combines multiple access systems into one training programme and is suitable for workers who regularly use different types of access equipment.
PASMA Tower Inspector
A specialist course designed for supervisors, managers, and those responsible for inspecting mobile access towers.
What Does PASMA Training Cover?
PASMA training combines classroom theory with practical exercises.
Course content typically includes:
- Working at Height Regulations
- Tower components and terminology
- Hazard identification
- Safe assembly methods
- Tower stability principles
- Inspection procedures
- Safe dismantling techniques
- Preventing falls from height
- Manufacturer guidance
- Practical tower assembly exercises
Delegates must successfully complete both practical and theory assessments to achieve certification.
No.
Although PASMA is often associated with scaffolding, PASMA training specifically focuses on mobile access towers rather than traditional tube and fitting scaffolding.
Workers who use mobile tower systems, podiums, and low-level access equipment can benefit from PASMA training even if they never work with conventional scaffolding structures.
Industries that regularly require PASMA training include:
- Construction
- Facilities management
- Property maintenance
- Warehousing
- Retail
- Local authorities
- Education
- Manufacturing
Is PASMA Training a Legal Requirement?
PASMA training itself is not specifically required by law.
However, UK legislation does require employers to ensure anyone working at height is competent.
The Work at Height Regulations 2005 state that people involved in work at height must be appropriately trained and competent for the task being carried out.
Employers commonly use PASMA training to demonstrate compliance with these legal requirements because it is an industry-recognised qualification.
How Long Is a PASMA Course?
Most PASMA courses can be completed in a single day.
Typical durations include:
| Course | Duration | PASMA Towers for Users | 1 Day
| PASMA Low Level Access | 1 Day
| PASMA Combined Course | 1 Day
| PASMA Tower Inspector | 1 Day
The exact duration may vary slightly depending on delegate numbers and course format.
How Long Does PASMA Training Last?
One of the most searched questions online is:
How long does PASMA training last?
A PASMA qualification is valid for:
5 years
After five years, delegates are required to complete refresher training to maintain their certification and ensure they remain up to date with current regulations and best practices.
Many employers monitor certification expiry dates to ensure workers remain compliant.
How Much Does PASMA Training Cost?
PASMA course costs vary depending on:
- Training provider
- Course location
- Number of delegates
- Open courses or private bookings
In general, PASMA training typically costs between:
£130 - £165
Group bookings can often reduce the cost per person.
For current PASMA course prices, it is always best to check directly with an accredited training provider.
Can You Get Funding for PASMA Training?
In some circumstances, businesses may be able to access funding through the employer network.
Why Is PASMA Training Important?
PASMA training provides workers with the skills and confidence needed to use mobile access towers safely.
Benefits include:
- Reduced risk of falls from height
- Improved site safety
- Legal compliance
- Greater employee confidence
- Industry-recognised certification
- Improved employability
For employers, PASMA training demonstrates a commitment to health and safety while helping reduce the likelihood of accidents and downtime.
PASMA Training at One Stop Safety Training
At One Stop Safety Training, we provide accredited PASMA training courses across the UK from our training centres in Manchester, Blackburn, Wirral, Sunderland and Erith
Whether you need PASMA Towers for Users training, refresher training, or courses for your workforce, our experienced instructors can help you gain the knowledge and certification required to work safely at height.
If you're looking to book a PASMA course or find out more about course availability, our team is always happy to help; Contact Us
