SPRAT Certification
The Society of Professional Rope Access Technicians is a non-profit agency that develops standards for both rope access work and company and worker qualification. SPRAT sets rigorous standards for technician training and evaluation. Certification is based on a three level system, where a combination of training, examination and logged work experience is required to advance between each level of Rope Access; from Rope Access Worker (Level I) to Rope Access Lead Technician (Level II) and finally Rope Access Supervisor (Level III). While each rope access candidate is trained by one of our in-house instructors, each will be independently tested by an external SPRAT evaluator on the final day of the course.
Course Overview
This standardized 4 day course and 1 day evaluation is for those looking for careers in industrial rope access or as an important adjunct for current rope rescue technicians looking to advance their capabilities. This course focuses on vertical progress on 2 rope systems to gain access to work areas that traditional means cannot support. This course requires a good base of physical fitness and includes a pass/fail evaluation to earn certification. For the first 4 days students will practice the following skills from the SPRAT Level 1 syllabus.
Fixed rope ascent and descent
Edge negotiation
Rope deviations
Rope to rope transfers
Re-anchors (also known as re-belay)
Aid climbing technique for traversing structures
Basic two rope lowering and raising systems
Ascent based rescue of a suspended casualty
The final day is an assesment conducted by a third party evaluator with no affiliation with the course or students. Evaluations are graded and allow a maximum of 3 discrepancies to pass the course. A 50 question test is also administered for certification. Candidates must pass the written exam with a score of 80% or better. With both the written exam and practical evaluation, obtaining SPRAT Level 1 is a true certification that can be applied to a variety of career pursuits including stadium maintenance, building envelop, bridge inspection and repair, CWI, wind turbine blade repair or paired with other trades such as welding to open up unique work opportunities. Rope access certification is also an excellent way to augment traditional rope rescue training and create more capable responders, especially for small team response.
Times
8:00am - 4:00pm
Each day will begin at 8:00am sharp. Lunch breaks will be provided during the first 4 training days. Lunch and snacks will be provided during the final evaluation day.
Cost
$1750 per student
Cancellation Policy
A full refund will be given to students that cancel prior to 20 days before the course start dates. Within 20 days a 50% discount will be given. Cancellations within 7 days of the class will be charged the full course fee. All registration and course fee’s will be charged on the first day of the course
Location
Life Rescue Inc. 2106 Grant Street Bellingham WA.
Our training facility is located near the heart of downtown Bellingham with numerous options for food and lodging nearby. Many within walking distance of the facility.
2025 SPRAT Certification Courses
Equipment and Dress Attire
All rope access equipment including harnesses and PPE will be provided during the course. Students are encouraged to dress in athletic attire that allows for unrestricted movement and comfort. Shorts are not recommended. Closed toed shoes are required.
Outside equipment is not permitted inside of our training facility during courses. Personal helmets may be permissible provided that they have the appropriate ANSI rating and are in good working condition.
Physical Fitness
Rope access training can be physically challenging and requires a good base of fitness and flexibility. We encourage all course participants to have had a physical screening within 6 months of the course date to ensure the rigors of the course are suitable to your level of health and fitness. A release of liability form is required prior to the commencement of the first day of class.
Those that are new to rope access tend to over-exert certain muscles groups in place of good technique. As technique develops, you’ll learn to use your body more efficiently and with less strain on your body. During the first 2 days people tend to overuse the following muscle groups: biceps, hip flexors and core muscles. Our instructor team will guide you through the process of developing the correct form and technique.
SPRAT Certification Prerequisites
There are no formal pre-qualifications required prior to taking your initial SPRAT level 1 course. However, students should be comfortable working and problem solving while at heights.
Qualification for the level 2 course requires at least 500 hours of logged rope work using rope access techniques and a minimum of 6 months as a level 1. Qualification for the level 3 course requires an additional 500 hours logged and 6 months as a level 2.
