This post was originally named SPRAT level 3 Conversion. Since August 2022, SPRAT is now referring to this procedure as the SPRAT level 3 direct entry.
If you are an active L3 rope access technician and you don't hold a SPRAT certification, but would like to have one, you can consider the SPRAT L3 direct entry program. You can only apply for the L3 SPRAT conversion procedure if you have adequate experience (more info below) working on a two-rope system, and if you’ve never previously held a SPRAT certification (ex. Once upon a time you had a SPRAT L1 certification but it's now expired).
The SPRAT L3 Direct Entry is similar to the SPRAT L2 Direct Entry. It involves submitting a series of documents to their evaluations committee (must be done no less than 5 weeks prior to your scheduled assessment), participating in a 4-day training with a recognized TMC (like us), and completing a one-day evaluation.
ELIGIBILITY
To be eligible for the L3 SPRAT conversion, you’ll need 500 hours of logged two-rope experience and hold or have held a Level 3 certificate from a recognized rope access association. If attempting to upgrade from an Level 2 certification, you must have ≥500 hours of L1 experience, ≥1000 total hours, and hold or have held your L2 certification from a recognized rope access association for a minimum of 6 months to be considered for Level 3 Sprat Direct Entry.
The logbook you present must be of work as a Level 2 or 3 respectively, and you need to have at ≥1000 total hours of work on a two-rope system. SPRAT considers the following organizations to have equivalent L3 certifications:
- Australian Rope Access Association (ARAA)
- German Association for Rope Access (FISAT)
- Industrial Rope Access Trade Association (IRATA)
- IRATA Brasil Associação Comercial de Acesso por Cordas Industrial (IRATA Brasil)
- Norwegian Association for Rope Access (SOFT)
- Singapore Rope Access Association (SRAA)
Here’s a list of the documentation you’ll need to submit (ideally in an electronic format) to their evaluations committee to prove your eligibility.
- Your work at-height resume, plus two professional references.
- A log book or equivalent record of work experience using a two-rope system. A sample log for hours is on the last page of the SPRAT conversion application form. Each entry should include:
- The date(s) you were working (could list consecutive days, but be specific. Ex. March 5-8th)
- The hours from that work day you were in suspension (your log-able hours).
- Details of the type of work (ex. washing windows).
- The form of access (descending, ascending, rope transfer, hauling, rigging, etc)
- Signature of your supervisor, the manager or client, as validation of the work you did.
Your Work at-Height Resume
Make your resume as detailed and succinct as possible. It should include all relevant past employers, the position you held within each of those companies, your responsibilities, and any previous training. Please include any experience in a supervisory or foreman type role.
SUBMISSION
To apply, please download and fill in this SPRAT application form. Once you're completed the application form and have collected all the supporting documentation, please email it all to: info@sprat.org. You will also need to pay a non-refundable fee of $300 US dollars to process the application. This does not include your training.
The review process will take up to 5-6 weeks. So make sure you get this application in well before your preferred training dates. When you receive your confirmation letter, please submit the letter to us when you sign up for your SPRAT conversion training session.
TRAINING & ASSESSMENT
Once you've been approved for your SPRAT conversion, contact us to confirm your training dates and registration. We will take you through all aspects of the syllabus relevant to the certification you’ll be assessing for. It will be a very physical 4 days. Your endurance and strength will be tested, but if you have proper conditioning and climb using the proper method, you’ll be in good shape.
The assessment will take place over one day with a certified SPRAT evaluator, who is independent of you, your TMC, and your employer.
You will have two attempts at your SPRAT level 3 direct entry. If you are unsuccessful both times, you'll need to reapply for the level 3 direct entry again.
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