SPRAT Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield SPRAT facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. After a near-miss where a carabiner was found unlocked on a rope, what should happen? → Report and review it so controls can be improved
2. What ethical standard governs applied methods and techniques practice? → Adherence to the profession's code of ethics and applicable laws and regulations
3. When should the rescue plan for a rope access job be developed? → Before any work at height begins
4. What is the typical minimum strength SPRAT and OSHA expect for each personal anchorage used for fall protection when it is not engineered? → 5,000 lbf (about 22 kN) per person attached
5. Who on a rope access team is normally responsible for overall site safety and the risk assessment? → The SPRAT Level III supervisor
6. What type of connector should be used for life-safety connections in rope access? → Self-locking or screw-locking carabiner rated for life safety
7. What is the foundational principle of industry best practices in the Society of Professional Rope Access Technicians Certification field? → Maintaining competence, integrity, and service to stakeholders
8. What should be done before each use of rope access equipment? → Visually and physically inspect it
9. Which of the following would require removing a harness from service? → Frayed webbing or broken stitching
10. A rope runs over a sharp concrete parapet. What is the correct response before loading the line? → Install edge protection or re-rig to avoid the edge
11. Which technique is used to ascend a rope? → Ascending
12. In the hierarchy of controls applied to work at height, which approach should be considered first? → Eliminating the need to work at height
13. Before loading a newly rigged system, what should a technician do? → Perform a buddy check of anchors, connectors, and device orientation
14. Why do knots reduce the effective strength of a rope? → Tight bends concentrate stress on fibers at the curve
15. What feature should a descender used on the working line have according to rope access best practice? → An auto-locking or hands-free stop function
16. Why should anchor slings be checked where they wrap around a structural member? → Sharp edges or hot surfaces can cut or damage the sling
17. What is the main hazard of a high fall factor on the safety line? → High impact forces on the technician and system
18. What is the foundational principle of applied methods and techniques in the Society of Professional Rope Access Technicians Certification field? → Maintaining competence, integrity, and service to stakeholders
19. How often must a SPRAT certification be renewed? → Every 3 years
20. What quality assurance measure supports assessment and evaluation? → Regular self-assessment, peer review, and adherence to established standards
21. What is one way to prevent rope abrasion during a job? → Use rope protectors or padding
22. What is the foundational principle of safety and compliance in the Society of Professional Rope Access Technicians Certification field? → Maintaining competence, integrity, and service to stakeholders
23. A technician working in hot, sunny conditions becomes confused and stops sweating. This indicates: → Heat stroke, a medical emergency
24. What is the minimum team size for rope access work under SPRAT practices? → Two technicians, so that one is available for rescue
25. What is the generally recommended maximum internal angle for a Y-hang anchor? → About 90 degrees, and never more than 120 degrees
26. What is the main purpose of a pre-work toolbox talk on a rope access site? → To communicate hazards, controls, roles, and the rescue plan to the whole team
27. A technician is moving between two separately anchored rope systems at height. What is this maneuver called? → Rope-to-rope transfer
28. What ethical standard governs continuing education requirements practice? → Adherence to the profession's code of ethics and applicable laws and regulations
29. A rebelay is used to do what? → Re-anchor the rope partway down to avoid an edge or rub point
30. Why must a rescue plan be in place before any rope access work begins? → A suspended technician may need prompt rescue to avoid suspension intolerance