Build on your Level 1 experience with advanced rope access training at Dangle Academy. Our Belfast course combines five full days of practical training with an independent IRATA assessment on day six, helping eligible technicians prepare for the next level.
£809.10 including VAT
Book 4 weeks or more before your course starts and save £89.90 on the standard £899 price. Select the Early Bird option when booking. The offer applies to IRATA Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 training.
View dates & book IRATA Level 2
Why choose Dangle for your upgrade? Practise rigging, manoeuvres and rescue skills with experienced instructors in a purpose-built Belfast training centre. Our instructors and technical team connect the syllabus with the demands of industrial rope access work.
Check the certificate, time-in-grade and logged-hours requirements below before booking. Returning to revalidate rather than upgrade? Ask our Belfast team about the right training option. You can also verify our IRATA membership, 8313/OT.
This guide by David, our IRATA lead instructor, explains the Level 2 syllabus, entry requirements and assessment at Dangle Academy in Belfast.
Choosing your level? Compare our rope access courses. Check IRATA's training requirements, then read the detailed guide below.
IRATA Level 2 is for experienced technicians ready to develop more complex rope access, rigging and rescue skills.
A Level 2 technician works under a Level 3 supervisor. The role includes:
Level 2 builds controlled, consistent skills while the Level 3 retains responsibility for rope access safety.
Level 2 follows the IRATA training syllabus. It covers:
The course also covers the ACWAHT work at height syllabus.
The IRATA Rope Access Level 2 course has been registered by CITB NI for grant assistance to registered in scope employers, terms and conditions apply.
Training combines theory with repeated practice.
Theory covers:
Practical sessions cover:
Realistic scenarios help you apply the theory and demonstrate safe skills.
A typical Level 2 course follows this structure:
• Duration: Five training days plus a separate assessment day with an independent IRATA assessor.
• Structure: Mornings cover theory and review; afternoons focus on advanced rope techniques, rigging, and scenario-based practice.
• Learning methods: Instructor demos followed by supervised practice; complexity increases from single manoeuvres to combined sequences using repetition to build confidence and consistency.
• Discussion and Q&A: Daily review of performance, safety behaviour, and real-world application, with opportunities to clarify syllabus and assessment criteria.
Level 2 training builds on Level 1 by introducing advanced rope manoeuvres, rigging, and rescue techniques. It covers equipment inspection, safe system of work procedures, risk assessment, and the application of IRATA safety principles such as redundancy, edge protection, and fall-factor control.
Most IRATA Level 2 courses run over five consecutive training days plus a separate assessment day. The exact timetable can vary, but this structure aligns with IRATA’s expectations for contact time and skills development.
Safe work depends on consistent checks and controlled movement. Level 2 technicians must:
Follow the supervisor’s instructions. Do not change the work system on your own.
Learn to spot and report hazards such as:
Anchor selection must follow the approved work plan and applicable requirements. Support the controls set by your Level 3 supervisor.
Know how to use, fit and check your PPE. Typical equipment includes:
Correct fit, compatible equipment and regular inspection are essential.
Build on the rope skills learned at Level 1. Practise:
You need to perform these skills consistently during assessment and on site.
Understand how the rope system works. Training covers:
Work within the system approved by your Level 3 supervisor.
Good work positioning helps you stay in control:
718
IRATA member companies worldwide
32,715
rope access technicians employed in 2024
The Level 3 supervisor leads rescue planning. Level 2 technicians develop more complex rescue skills and work within that plan.
Training includes recovery of a technician who cannot move on the ropes, controlled hauling and aid-climbing rescue.
You may carry out a rescue under supervision, prepare equipment or help support a casualty. The steps depend on the site rescue plan.
Rescue skills need regular practice. Take part in drills, listen during briefings and ask questions if the plan is unclear.
Treat each drill as a real event. Follow the agreed procedure without shortcuts.
Level 2 includes intermediate rope access techniques such as:
• Ascending and descending.
• Changeovers between up and down.
• Passing deviations and re-anchors.
• Advanced traverses and horizontal movement within Level 2 scope.
• Complex rigging tasks conducted under direct supervision.
By maintaining continuous secure attachment, keeping slack to a minimum, using backup devices correctly, and working strictly within the limits of the system designed by the supervisor.
To upgrade to Level 2, you normally need:
Check your logbook and eligibility with Dangle Academy before booking.
IRATA certificates are normally valid for three years. Revalidate through training and reassessment before your certificate expires.
Keep your skills current through supervised work and practice. Record working hours accurately in your IRATA logbook.
An upgrade to Level 3 requires the minimum time and working hours at Level 2. Check the current requirements before planning your next course.
An independent IRATA assessor checks your practical skills and knowledge.
Practical assessment includes:
Knowledge checks cover:
You need to show both safe skills and an understanding of why each method is used.
Firstly a candaditate must meet entry criteria (age, medical fitness, language ability). 1,000 logged hours and 12 months as a Level 1 before they complete an approved IRATA Level 2 course and pass both practical and theoretical elements of the independent assessment.
Level 2 is valid for three years, with revalidation required before expiry.
Yes prior rope access experience is required before Level 2.
Technicians should:
The Level 2 course is physically and mentally demanding. Assessment day can feel intense, but with five days of preparation, aspiring technicians are typically ready. The IRATA Assessor will look for:
Pass, and a certificate, ID card, and logbook entry will confirm progression or reval to IRATA rope access level 2.
Level 2 certification confirms advanced rope access competence, including complex rescues, mechanical advantage systems, and work under minimal supervision.
It enables technicians to take a leading role as part of a rope access team, manage rescue operations under supervision, and take on higher-responsibility, significantly enhancing career progression, employability, and international recognition.
Accumulate substantial rope access experience, and develop proficiency in mechanical advantage systems, advanced rescue scenarios, casualty lowering, and complex rigging.
Practice efficient, safe decision making under minimal supervision, as assessments test both technical skill and judgment.
The most successful Level 2 candidates:
• Listen carefully and follow instructions precisely.
• Ask questions when unsure, especially about safety.
• Accept feedback and apply it immediately.
• Focus on control and consistency rather than speed.
Look for an IRATA-approved training centre with experienced instructors, suitable facilities and a strong safety culture.
(For example, Dangle® in Belfast is an IRATA-approved provider, but whichever centre you choose, always verify their current IRATA status.)
Typically a Level 2 has: a certified full body harness, suitable helmet with chin strap, correctly configured rope access devices, lanyards, appropriate boots and gloves, plus any environment-specific PPE defined in the risk assessment and method statement.
Assisted rescue: Raising/lowering an incapacitated technician using mechanical advantage systems.
• Self-rescue: Escaping or transferring on the rope system independently.
• Mechanical hauling systems: 2:1, 3:1 pulleys for personnel/equipment.
• Fall recovery: Rescuing suspended technicians, managing blocked descenders or stuck personnel.
• Equipment & planning: Efficient use of rescue kits, ascenders, pulleys, with redundancy, anchor management, and team coordination.
Emergency understanding is assessed through:
• Practical drills observed by instructors.
• Questions during the course and assessment.
• Your behaviour in simulated scenarios (communication, control, adherence to the plan).
Level 2 technicians work in offshore wind, oil and gas, construction, industrial maintenance, inspection, infrastructure, theatre and concert rigging
maintenance and repair work, surveying and NDT (non-destructive testing),
window cleaning, wind turbine blade reapair and many more - all across the world.
Level 2 provides:
• A solid technical base in movement on ropes and basic rigging.
• Early exposure to rope access hazards and control measures.
• Understanding of team roles and rope access rescue procedures.
• Logged experience which is mandatory for progression to Level 3.
Ready to progress to IRATA Level 2? Check your current certificate, logbook hours and time at Level 1. Then view available course dates or contact Dangle Academy for guidance.
