Frequently asked questions

• Does everyone need to be trained to operate a MEWP?

  ARA promotes safety and best practices ...

  ARA promotes safety and best practices in all our education and training resources. Everyone who operates a MEWP at your facility is required to be trained according to federal regulations. At most rental companies, this would include service technicians and mechanics who repair and maintain MEWPS and delivery drivers who transport them.

  We also recommend sales representatives take the training (even if they don’t operate them personally) so they can be better prepared to recommend units that meet the needs and safety requirements of different jobsites.

• I want to become a MEWP Operator. What is the process for registering for and completing the training (online and in-person).

  Register for an in-person, hands-on ...

  • Step one: Register for an in-person, hands-on training. This can be arranged directly through your rental company if you have ARA Certified MEWP trainers on staff. You can also find an operator training on RentalHQ.com.
  • Step two: Purchase the ARA Certified – MEWP Operator course from the MEWP trainer hosting the training. The trainer will enroll you in the course and send you instructions for accessing the online course in RentalU.
  • Step three: Complete the self-paced online (theory) course in RentalU. The online course will take you approximately 4 hours to complete.
  • Step four: Complete the in-person, hands-on training portion (4-5 hours).
• I want to become a MEWP Trainer. What is the process for registering for and completing the training (online and in-person).

  Register for an in-person training session ...

  • Step one: Complete the online application.
  • Step two: Your application will be reviewed and ARA will email you instructions on how to purchase the online (theory) course. This course must be completed 48 hours prior to the in-person, hands-on training.
  • Step three: Purchase the ARA Certified – MEWP Train-the-Trainer course. Log in to RentalU, select the ARA Certified programs button. Find the course you’re looking to purchase (ARA Certified - MEWP Train- the-Trainer) and complete the checkout process. You do not need a PayPal account to complete the transaction.
  • Step four: Complete the self-paced online (theory) course in RentalU. The online course will take you approximately 4 hours to complete.
  • Step five: Complete the in-person, hands-on training portion (4-5 hours).
• What are the prerequisite requirements to become a MEWP Operator?

  Be at least 18 years old ...

  • Be at least 18 years old.
  • Have the capacity to speak and read English.
  • Have the physical and mental ability to operate a MEWP.
• What are the prerequisite requirements to become a MEWP Trainer?

  Be at least 18 years old ...

  • Be at least 20 years old at time of training (at least 18 years old plus 2 years of experience).
  • Work for a company with ARA membership.
  • Hold certification as a MEWP operator for at least two years, with no significant lapses in operating a MEWP during that time.
  • Have experience with the kind(s) of MEWP(s) used during the training.
  • Have sufficient knowledge of the regulations, manufacturer’s requirements, and safe use practices.
  • Have the ability to identify and avoid hazards associated with MEWPs and worksites.
  • Ability to speak and read in English.
  • Be physically capable of operating MEWPs and free from any disabilities, infirmities, or incapacities that could impede their ability to operate or train others in MEWP operation.
• How do I assign my employees to a MEWP training?

  You must be a RentalU administrator to ...

  You must be a RentalU administrator to assign a MEWP online course to staff. Go to Course Management (under the Admin menu) and search for MEWP Operator Training OR MEWP Train-the-Trainer. Then, click on 'seats available', and assign the seat to the appropriate user. Not a RentalU administrator? Contact our Education team at education@ararental.org.
• How do I assign my customers to a MEWP Operator training?

  You must be a RentalU administrator to ...

  You must be a RentalU administrator to assign a MEWP online course to customers. Go to Course Management (under the Admin menu) and search for MEWP Operator Training for Customers. Then, click on 'seats available', and assign the seat to the appropriate user. Not a RentalU administrator? Contact our Education team at education@ararental.org.
• What do I need to complete before the in-person MEWP training portion?

  All learners must complete the self ...

  All learners must complete the self-paced online (theory) course that is available for purchase through RentalU. The course takes approximately 4 hours to finish and must be completed 48 hours prior to the hands-on training. This applies to the MEWP Operator Training and MEWP Train-the-Trainer.
• What do I need to bring and/or wear to the in-person MEWP training portion?

  All participants must bring the following ...

  All participants must bring the following:

  • Personal Fall Protection Equipment (PFPE): safety harness and lanyard
  • Safety glasses
  • Close-toed shoes or boots
  • A pen or pencil
  • Driver’s license
  • Dress for anticipated weather conditions since the hands-on training will be outside (hat, sunscreen, raincoat, gloves, etc.)
• After completing the training, when will I receive my MEWP Operator or MEWP Trainer card?

  Certification cards will be mailed to ...

  Certification cards will be mailed to participants within 3-4 weeks after completing the hands-on portion of the training. Questions or concerns regarding certification cards can be emailed to education@ararental.org.
• I want to host an in-person MEWP training at my facility. Who should I contact?

  If you or your ARA state association ...

  If you or your ARA state association would like to host a MEWP training, please contact education@ararental.org for more details.
• I want to host an in-person MEWP training at my facility. What do I need to have on-site?

  In order to host a MEWP training ...

  In order to host a MEWP training, you must have the following at your facility:

  • Room for instruction
  • Tables and chairs for participants
  • A TV or screen for the presentation
  • AV cables to connect the presentation
  • Extension cord/power strip
  • A scissor lift and boom lift that have been inspected and are in good working condition.
• Does ARA’s MEWP training program apply in Canada?

  ARA’s MEWP training programs are valid ...

  ARA’s MEWP training programs are valid in Canada, but members should understand their providence’s specific requirements.