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tower climber safety training

NATE Authorized Tower Climber Training & Certification

Safety is a Heavy Responsibility. We Help You Carry It.

MAKE US YOUR FIRST CHOICE

Protecting Lives at Height Starts with the Right Training

Every time your team climbs, their lives are in your hands. At First Choice Safety Solutions, we get it and we’re here to help you meet that responsibility with confidence.

That’s why we deliver NATE Authorized and Competent Person Training Programs, built for the real-world risks your crews face every day. From first climbs to complex rescues, our hands-on, high-standard instruction prepares climbers to pass certification and survive their worst day on the job.

NATE Certification.
(The) "Telecommunications Safety Standard"

NATE: The Communications Infrastructure Contractors Association is the benchmark for safety and skill in tower climbing. Certification from NATE isn’t a box to check—it’s a statement that your team is trained to the highest level in the industry.

NATE Certification, often referred to as "The Telecommunications Safety Standard," is a recognized safety standard within the telecommunications industry. NATE, aims to ensure the safety of tower and communications infrastructure personnel through uniform standards, training, and accountability. This certification emphasizes safety, training, accountability, and reliability (NATE STAR Initiative) for companies adhering to higher standards.

What It Means for You:

Climber ascending
Industry-Wide Trust:
NATE-trained crews are recognized and respected on every job site.
tower inspection
Prevention First:
Courses are built around hazard recognition, risk mitigation, and emergency response.
Climber ascending cellular tower
Up-to-Date Knowledge: Curriculum reflects current OSHA standards and best practices.

Our NATE-Certified Training Tracks

Authorized Climber/Rescuer (NATE CRTS Compliant)

Course designed for climbers with less than 90 days of climbing experience

NATE_Full_Color
  • Fall protection fundamentals and PPE use
  • Basic tower climbing and descent techniques
  • Self and assisted emergency rescue training
  • Hazard ID in telecom environments
  • Equipment maintenance and inspection
  • ANSI Z359 Compliant
  • NATE CRTS Compliant
  • This course meets or exceeds the minimum requirements outlined in the NATE Climber/Rescuer Training Standard (NATE CRTS). Meets/exceeds OSHA and ANSI standards (29 CFR 1910 Subpart D, 29 CFR 1926 Subpart M, and ANSI Z359).

Competent Climber/Rescuer (NATE CRTS Compliant)

For experienced climbers ready to lead

Ascending-cell-tower
  • Comprehensive Site Safety and Risk Analysis
  • Advanced rescue techniques
  • Weather related hazard management and decision-making
  • Small Team leadership under pressure
  • Specialized equipment applications in telecommunications
  • This course meets or exceeds the minimum requirements outlined in the NATE Climber/Rescuer Training Standard (NATE CRTS). Meets/exceeds OSHA and ANSI standards (29 CFR 1910 Subpart D, 29 CFR 1926 Subpart M, and ANSI Z359).

Why Safety Managers Trust Us

We built this program with your burden in mind:

  • Small Class Sizes: More hands-on time, more feedback, more confidence.
  • Built-for-Purpose Training Towers: Practice on structures that mimic real worksites.
  • Certified Instructors with Field Time: Learn from those who’ve lived the risks—not jus,  read about them.
  • Complete Documentation: Stay audit-ready with clear records of every qualification earned.
Climber on cell tower

Safety Training That Mirrors the Real World

Our safety training process goes beyond classroom theory.
We train your crew like their lives depend on it—because they do.

Assessment
Assessment

Step 1 Assessment

We identify current skill levels and needs.
Classroom Instruction
Classroom Instruction

Step 2 Classroom Instruction

Learn the latest NATE,ANSI/OSHA requirements.
Tower-Based Training
Tower-Based Training

Step 3 Tower-Based Training

Practice on training towers, under instructor supervision.
Live Scenarios
Live Scenarios

Step 4 Live Scenarios

Emergency drills. Real pressure. Real skills.
Skills Evaluation
Skills Evaluation

Step 5 Skills Evaluation

Demonstrate proficiency through written and comprehensive practical assessments
Certification
Certification

Step 6 Certification

Recognized credentials that go wherever your team does.

Why Choose First Choice Safety for NATE Training?

First Choice Safety Solutions delivers NATE training programs designed with real-world safety and long-term success in mind. Our courses are led by certified instructors who bring years of field experience to every session—not just theory, but practical knowledge from the job site.

Trainees practice in purpose-built facilities that replicate the challenges of working on various tower types and configurations, ensuring they're prepared for what they’ll face in the field. With small class sizes, each participant receives hands-on guidance, personalized feedback, and more opportunities to master critical skills.

We also provide comprehensive documentation, helping safety managers maintain detailed, audit-ready records for regulatory compliance. And as standards evolve, our commitment to continuing education ensures your team has access to refresher courses and advanced training options to stay sharp and up to code.

 

Build A Safety Culture with Tower Training Beyond Certifications

We offer ongoing education and support for your team beyond the initial NATE certification:

Telecommunication tower
      • RF Awareness & Safety: Understanding and mitigating radiofrequency exposure risks
      • Weather Hazard Management: Responding to changing environmental conditions
      • Tower Structural Awareness: Recognizing potential structural issues while climbing
      • First Aid for Remote Locations: Emergency medical response for tower teams
      • Equipment Inspection Certification: Detailed inspection protocols for climbing gear

Let us help you build not just compliant climbers, but a resilient safety culture.

Ready to Advance Your Tower Climbing Career?

Whether you're entering the industry or looking to enhance your existing qualifications, our NATE authorized training programs provide the foundation for safe, efficient work on telecommunications structures.

  • Schedule a training assessment
  • Request company-specific training options
  • Learn about our equipment packages for tower professionals

The Climb is Hard.
Make It Safer.

If you’re responsible for a crew that climbs, NATE certification isn’t optional—it’s essential. Let’s build a safer team, one climber at a time.

  • Explore Training Program
  • Schedule an Assessment
  • Talk to a NATE-Certified Expert

FAQs

What is NATE certification and why does it matter?
NATE certification verifies that your team meets the highest safety and technical standards in the tower industry. It’s not just about compliance—it’s about ensuring your crew is trained to perform safely in high-risk environments.
What do I need to maintain my NATE Certification?

Stay current with evolving industry standards through our recertification programs:

  1. Skills Refreshers: Review and update essential climbing and rescue techniques
  2. New Equipment Training: Learn about innovations in climbing and safety equipment
  3. Standard Updates: Stay informed about changes to NATE and OSHA requirements
  4. Advanced Certifications: Build on your foundation with specialized qualifications

 

How long does NATE training take?
  1. Authorized Climber / Rescuer - 2 day
  2. Competent Climber / Rescuer - 1 day*
    1. Requires 90 Days of supervised climbing and completion of an approved Authorized Climber / Rescuer
Who should take these training courses?

Our NATE-authorized training programs are designed for anyone who climbs, supervises, or supports tower work. We serve professionals across the telecommunications ecosystem, including:

  1. Tower Technicians starting out or leveling up their skills
  2. Safety Managers are responsible for crew readiness and compliance
  3. Site Supervisors oversee tower operations
  4. Telecom Contractors qualifying their workforce for job site access.
  5. Wireless Carriers ensuring their teams meet industry standards
  6. Broadcast Engineers working on or near tower structures

Whether you're onboarding new hires or upskilling experienced climbers, we provide the training your team needs to work safely at height.

Can training be done on-site at our location?
Yes. We offer both in-house and on-site training.
Is the training compliant with OSHA and ANSI requirements?
Absolutely. Our NATE-authorized programs align with OSHA and ANSI standards for fall protection, climbing, and rescue procedures.
What happens after certification?
You’ll receive detailed training records, certification documentation, and access to our ongoing education and recertification programs to ensure your team stays current and compliant.

Our team takes pride in your safety. Let us make your next outage or shutdown as smooth as possible.

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