Direct Entry (DE) refers to a rope access candidate bypassing SPRAT or IRATA level 1 certification in an effort to become a certified SPRAT or IRATA level 2 technician. Attempting direct entry is a large undertaking and is reserved for qualified individuals with varied industrial rope access experience.

 

When attempting DE to either SPRAT or IRATA, it is a requirement to complete each skill at the level you are attempting as well as the level or levels below. This makes for a very long and hard evaluation day and candidates that are not appropriately prepared are not successful in their goal. 

 

Skala generally discourages direct entry but we do understand the need for it. In order to provide our candidates with the opportunity to absorb the incredible amount of information and practice the various skills, we have established a policy that requires DE candidates to attend a full week long level 1 training course prior to attending a level 2 or level 3 training course, in preparation for their certification. Both SPRAT and IRATA have specific requirements in order to qualify for direct entry.

 

Rope access is applied in numerous industries throughout the world, allowing access to various structures and difficult locations. Therefore, the respected certification programs require candidates to be versed in multiple techniques, applications and scenarios. Even technicians with the proper experience and logged hours are rarely proficient in all aspects of rope access. Many technicians use only one or two techniques regularly in their line of work and take full advantage of a week long training course in order to hone their skills prior to upgrading certification or re-certifying.

 

Skala has been training rope access candidates since the mid 1990’s and is known as one of the industries’ leading training companies. We’ve maintained one of the highest candidate success rates with our conceptual and systematic training programs.

 

This experience has taught us many things over the years and inspired policies that consistently provide our candidates with the best chance of success, in the field and in certification.

 

The requirements currently in place to qualify for direct entry into either organization, SPRAT or IRATA, can make it difficult for newer or startup companies to establish a proper rope access program. Many choose to outsource level 3 technicians (supervisors) until they are able to have a certified level 3 technician in-house.

 

Tuition fees and course dates can be found on our Course Calendar.