The Accrediting Body Association (ABA) is pleased to announce the standardisation of the Basic Operating Skills Testing for Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWP). This important change is part of the ABA’s ongoing commitment to ensuring the highest standards in operator testing and safety across the MEWP industry. With a focus on improving both the quality and consistency of assessments, the ABA aims to ensure that all operators are adequately tested to handle MEWPs safely and efficiently.
As of May 2025, all accredited training providers with an ABA member, will have the option to follow a new, more robust set of standards for the Basic Operating Skills Test. This update will involve changes to both the practical and theory components of the test, ensuring that candidates are comprehensively assessed in their operating skills and safety awareness.
Key Changes to the MEWP Basic Operating Skills Test
The ABA’s updated MEWP Basic Operating Skills Test will include several significant changes that aim to raise the overall standard of training in the industry. These updates are designed to ensure that operators are not only proficient in MEWP operation but also well-versed in safety protocols, pre-use inspections, and theoretical knowledge.
The key updates are as follows:
A More Robust Practical Test
The practical test will be enhanced to assess a broader range of skills. Candidates will be assessed on their ability to safely operate a MEWP in more varied and realistic scenarios. The revised test will place an emphasis on ensuring that operators are prepared to handle equipment confidently.
Comprehensive Pre-Use Inspection Test
The updated test will also incorporate a more detailed pre-use inspection component. Candidates will be required to demonstrate their ability to inspect the MEWP thoroughly before use. This inspection will focus on mechanical checks, safety features, and operational readiness. By emphasising the importance of pre-use checks, the ABA aims to reduce the risk of mechanical failures and incidents caused by equipment malfunctions.
Theory Test – Enhanced Format
The theory test will be updated to include 20 multiple-choice questions and 5 multiple-selection questions. These questions will assess candidates’ knowledge on key aspects of MEWP operation, including safety procedures, operational guidelines, and emergency protocols. The 5 multiple-selection questions will be designed in the same format as the updated counterbalance and reach standards, maintaining consistency across various testing standards.
Implementation Timeline
To allow sufficient time for training providers and candidates to prepare for the new standards, the ABA has established a phased implementation timeline:
- Optional Use Date: 1st May 2025
From this date, training providers will have the option to begin using the updated MEWP Basic Operating Skills Test. During this initial phase, both the current and updated test formats will be in use, allowing for a smoother transition as the industry adapts to the new standards. - Mandatory Use Date: 1st November 2025
By this date, the updated test format will become mandatory for all accredited training providers with an ABA member. After 01st November 2025, all candidates will be required to undergo the revised testing process, which will include the enhanced practical and theory assessments, along with the more thorough pre-use inspection test.
Why Are These Changes Necessary?
The ABA’s decision to standardise and strengthen the MEWP Basic Operating Skills Test is driven by the growing need for higher standards of safety and competence within the industry. MEWPs are powerful machines, and the risk of incidents is significantly reduced when operators are well-trained in both practical skills and theoretical knowledge. The updated testing process ensures that operators are prepared to handle MEWPs safely and are able to identify and address potential safety concerns before they become a problem.
Additionally, by increasing the rigor of the theory test and practical assessments, the ABA aims to enhance consistency across the testing of operators. This approach will help maintain a uniform standard of testing across the industry, ensuring that operators, regardless of where they are trained, conduct the same level of competence and safety awareness for their final assessments.
What This Means for Training Providers
The ABA will provide guidance and support to help training providers transition smoothly to the updated testing format.
We encourage all ABA accredited training member providers to begin familiarising themselves with the new requirements well in advance of the 01st May 2025 optional use date. By taking proactive steps now, providers can ensure they are ready to offer the updated training and testing standards as soon as they are implemented.
Conclusion
The ABA’s standardisation of the Basic Operating Skills Test for MEWP represents a major step forward in improving safety and testing quality within the industry. By introducing a more rigorous and comprehensive testing process, we are ensuring that MEWP operators are better prepared to perform their jobs safely and effectively.
We urge all ABA accredited training member providers to begin preparing for these changes and have the choice to implement the updated test format when the optional use period begins on the 1st May 2025. By 1st November 2025, the new standards will be mandatory, and the ABA is confident that these updates will result in safer, more competent MEWP operators across the industry.
Stay tuned for further updates from the ABA as we continue to support improvements in safety standards and operator training within the MEWP sector.
