FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHY TRAIN AT HEADS UP?
Training Centre
Our new, state-of-the-art training facility in central Christchurch is the largest, highest (9m) and most realistic training venue in New Zealand. It is the largest, and most realistic IRATA training venue in New Zealand. The vast facility can cater to large courses and offers realistic New Zealand rope access scenarios. It is located close to local amenities, the airport and the CBD.
Qualified and experienced Instructors
Heads Up only uses the most experienced and qualified instructors in the country. All training courses are led by IRATA level 3i’s and IRATA Assessors, giving candidates the best experience and knowledge about passing their assessment.
Free Re-Assessment
At Heads Up, we offer free re-assessment and a week of free training if you fail your first assessment.
Price
Our course price is set to a sustainable level. At Heads Up you will get the best training and value for money in the country. As they say, "you get what you pay for".
I'M AFRAID OF HEIGHTS, SHOULD I DO A ROPE ACCESS COURSE?
No, probably not. Ask yourself a similar question. ‘If you were afraid of animals would you apply for a job in the zoo?’
ARE THERE AGE RESTRICTIONS FOR THE COURSE?
Yes. Minimum age for a level one course is 18.
HOW FIT AND STRONG DO I NEED TO BE?
A good level of fitness is required as the course is quite physical.
95% of the course is practical, involving pulling your own body weight up multiple times. Being able to perform pull-ups helps but is not a necessity.
HOW LONG IS THE TRAINING COURSE?
The training course is 4 full days (Monday to Thursday) followed by an assessment on Friday. (and Saturday if over 8 candidates). An independent IRATA assessor, who is not employed by Heads Up carries out the assessment/s.
HOW LONG DOES THE CERTIFICATE LAST FOR?
IRATA certificates last for 3 years. After just 12 months and 1000 logged hours candidates are eligible for enrol on a level 2 course.
WILL I NEED TO BRING ANYTHING TO THE COURSE?
Just yourself and some form of ID. Heads up will supply everything else.
IF I PASS THE COURSE WHAT DO I GET?
If you pass you will receive a certificate, ID card and logbook from IRATA through the post.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I FAIL MY ASSESSMENT?
Heads Up won't penalise you for failing your assessment. We offer a training guarantee. If you fail your assessment we let you come back for more free training and another free assessment.
WHAT WORK OPPORTUNITIES ARE THERE?
Our instructors are some of the most experienced technicians in the business, with over 50 years of experience between them. They also work at the forefront of New Zealand rope access and have great links and connections for work opportunities.
I'M AN IRAANZ TECHNICIAN BUT WANT TO CHANGE TO IRATA?
In New Zealand it is no longer possible to do a direct entry course to IRATA level 2 or 3. Watch this space for updates!
I'VE GOT LOADS OF EXPERIENCE; CAN I GO STRAIGHT FOR LEVEL 2 OR 3?
In New Zealand, it is no longer possible to do a direct entry course. Watch this space for updates!
MY TICKET HAS EXPIRED, WHAT CAN I DO?
All details about certification expiry can be found on the PDF below.
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I'VE LOST MY LOGBOOK
If you’ve lost your logbook don’t wait until the day before your next assessment. Contact IRATA and arrange a replacement immediately irata.org
​Heads Up recommends that you keep regular scanned digital copies of logbooks.
IRATA ICOP (INTERNATIONAL CODE OF PRACTICE)
Download the latest copy here
Download - IRATA ICOP
IRATA TACS (TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION SCHEME)
Download the latest copy here
Download - IRATA TACS