Frequently Asked Questions

Q:How do I become a PASMA approved Instructor?

The PASMA instructor course is a five module programme. For more information on each of the modules and for course entry requirements, please click on the link below. In order to be accepted onto the instructor’s course, candidates must complete the application form in full and where applicable, support qualifications or experience claimed in the form by objective evidence.

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Q:What is CPD

CPD, (Continual professional development) is an ongoing process of personal growth to enhance capability and realise full potential as an instructor. This will be achieved by obtaining and developing a wider range of knowledge, experience and skills that are not normally acquired through initial training and which can be combined develop the individual’s competence. CPD is an essential part of your personal development as an instructor and will help demonstrate a broader and deeper understanding of the knowledge and skills required when running training courses. CPD allows instructors to take all reasonable steps to maintain and develop their professional competence by taking account of, for example: New developments within the mobile access tower industry Changes in product standards and products Updates and changes in health and safety legislation affecting the use of mobile access towers Changes in Manufacturers instruction manuals Improved training and instruction methods All of your CPD activities, including the delivery of PASMA courses, should be shown on your CPD record, (refer to doc. No. 23). All events should be recorded on the CPD record and made available on request for audit purposes. Was this answer useful? yes / no

Q:How do I accrue 12 CPD points a year

Whatever you do towards your own personal development you will need to claim CPD points. Regardless of what is done a maximum of one point only can be claimed per event. A minimum total of twelve points must be accrued through the CPD cycle, which will run for one year. Note that there is no need to stop when you reach twelve points, as learning is an ongoing process. Instructors will not be permitted to claim more than six points for delivering PASMA courses. This is to ensure that other CPD courses are recorded. Other ways to maintain and improve CPD include: Writing and the publication of articles on health and safety, work at height issues, technical information etc. Attendance at training courses and other CPD events, (for example branch meetings organised by the institute of Safety and Health). Reading and reviewing other relevant articles or documents e.g. HSE guidance notes etc. Preparation of in house publications. Mentoring newly qualified instructors or tower erectors. Writing reports and making presentations in meetings Attending trade exhibitions Was this answer useful? yes / no

Q:Will my CPD record be audited?

As part of the Training Centre Audit, PASMA Auditors will check each registered instructor’s CPD record to ensure that they are being completed and updated correctly. Was this answer useful? yes / no

Q:I am a Freelance Instructor, how will I be audited?

As Freelance Instructors may be registered with several Training Centres, checks on their CPD records will made by the PASMA Training Scheme Manager. Freelance Instructors shall therefore submit their CPD Records at the end of their twelve-month CPD cycle to the Training Scheme Manager for audit. Was this answer useful? yes / no

Q:What If I do not comply with CPD guidance?

Failure on the part of any instructors to keep their CPD records up to date or to submit them for audit on request, will result in a non-compliance being recorded in respect of the registered Training Centre(s). In line with PASMA audit procedures an appeal may be made against any non-compliance raised to the Training Scheme Manager, who shall take such action as he deems appropriate in the circumstances to resolve the issue, always providing that the Training Centre or the Freelance Instructor shall have the right to appeal to the Managing Director, whose decision shall be final. Was this answer useful? yes / no

Q:Can Freelance Instructors purchase course materials?

Only Training Centres are permitted to purchase original PASMA training scheme forms- these are not available to Freelance Instructors or non-Training members. Was this answer useful? yes / no

Q:What is an Association Agreement?

An Association Agreement Covers training under the PASMA Training Scheme carried out by a PASMA Approved Instructor on behalf of a PASMA Registered Training Centre, where the Instructor is not directly employed by the registered Training Centre. A copy of the Association Agreement form can be found in the Operations Manual. Was this answer useful? yes / no