ABOUT IRACS

Promoting Competence. Ensuring Safety. Advancing Professionalism.

IRACS is an independent personnel certification body dedicated to the certification of persons in rope access and related areas of competence, operating through defined requirements, independent examination and impartial certification decisions.

Our Approach

The purpose of IRACS is to provide confidence that certified persons have demonstrated the competence required by the applicable IRACS Certification Scheme. IRACS also operates membership frameworks for organizations involved in rope access training and services.

Competence

Certification is based on defined competence requirements.

Impartiality

Certification activities are conducted through arrangements designed to maintain impartiality.

Consistency

Certification and examination activities are conducted through controlled and documented processes.

Confidence

Certification information is made available so relevant interested parties can verify certification status.

Vision

To contribute to the development of competent personnel, professional organizations and safe rope access practices through credible certification and membership activities.

Mission

To develop and maintain credible certification and membership frameworks that support competent personnel, professional organizations and safe rope access practices through impartial processes, effective governance and continual improvement.

Our Values

  • Impartiality Maintaining independence and objectivity in certification activities and managing potential threats to impartiality.
  • Integrity Conducting activities responsibly, ethically and transparently.
  • Competence Supporting the recognition of competence against defined certification requirements.
  • Safety Promoting competence and practices that support safe rope access operations.
  • Professionalism Encouraging responsible professional conduct, accountability and continual improvement.
  • Confidence Providing reliable certification information that supports confidence among certified persons, employers, clients and other interested parties.

Why Choose IRACS?

Independent Certification

IRACS certification is based on an independent certification process rather than completion of training alone.

Defined Competence Requirements

Each certification is based on defined requirements for the relevant area of competence.

Independent Examination

Where examination is required by the applicable certification requirements, it is conducted through controlled examination arrangements.

Impartial Certification Decision

Certification decisions are made through the established IRACS certification process and are not determined solely by the examiner.

Industry-Focused Certification

IRACS certification requirements are developed for specific rope access and related professional activities.

Transparent Verification

Certification status can be verified through the IRACS verification system.

Governance Framework

IRACS maintains a governance structure designed to support impartiality, technical integrity, accountability and effective oversight of its certification activities. IRACS uses committees and advisory arrangements to obtain appropriate technical, industry and stakeholder input while maintaining independence.

Provides oversight and input concerning certification activities and impartiality.
Provides oversight and technical input concerning examination arrangements and examination-related matters.
Provides an independent mechanism for review of appeals in accordance with the applicable IRACS procedure.
Provides industry and safety-related input relevant to rope access activities.
Provides technical input concerning rope access equipment and related requirements where applicable.
Provides technical and stakeholder input concerning development and maintenance of certification requirements.
Provides input concerning organizational membership and member-related matters.

IMPARTIALITY

IRACS recognizes impartiality as a fundamental principle of personnel certification.

IRACS maintains arrangements to identify, evaluate and manage risks to impartiality and to ensure that certification decisions are made independently of inappropriate commercial, financial or other interests.