You may already know that just having your driver’s license won’t cut it when it comes to operating a forklift.
To comply with OSHA requirements and to protect yourself from the dangers of forklifts, you’re going to need to attend a forklift operator training class and have a hands-on evaluation to get your certification.
But how do you actually get certified and what do you need to know to meet the license requirements?
Luckily for you, this guide is going to minimize your confusion and get you all the right information to get you started today.
Let’s go.
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OSHA’s Training Requirements
COMPLYING WITH OSHA’S TRAINING REQUIREMENTS
Some requirements of forklift certification training fall on you as an individual.
Other requirements are on your employer to either check that you have completed training or that you need to go through it.
Either way, you’ll need to know the rules.
Fortunately OSHA outlines all of the necessary requirements in section 1910.178(l), but we’ll list some of the important items for you to know in this chapter.
YOUR FORKLIFT TRAINING CLASS MUST INCLUDE:
- Formal Instruction. This may include lectures, discussions, interactive computer learning, video tape, written material or any combination thereof. Your formal training does not need to take place in a classroom.
- Practical Training – This includes demonstrations performed by the trainer and practical exercised performed by the trainee.
- Hands-On Evaluation
YOUR FORKLIFT INSTRUCTOR REQUIREMENTS
All operator training must be conducted by a person who has the knowledge, training, and experience to train forklift operators and evaluate their competence.
Since their is no official certification for teaching forklift training to others, your best bet is to have your instructor show you their forklift certification card.
A QUICK WORD ON REFRESHER TRAINING
The rule is that you have to get re-evaluated every three years or if one of the following situations occur.
- You are involved in an accident.
- There are changes in the type of forklift you operate.
- If you work in a facility where changes are made; think layout changes.
- You are observed and notified that you are driving in an unsafe manner. This typically includes traveling with unsafe loads or speed but is not limited to just those instances.
- If there has been a deficiency in your next evaluation.
BONUS TIP: The Fair Labor Standards Act prohibits those under 18 years of age from operating forklifts in non-agricultural environments.
2. WHERE TO GET FORKLIFT CERTIFIED
Being trained to operate a lift truck helps to satisfy OSHA’s training requirements.
Fortunately for you, there are a number of ways in which you can receive training.
We’ll cover some in this chapter, then choose a learning option that is best suited to your needs.
IN-PERSON CLASSROOM TRAINING
Benefits:
- You get the benefit of having an instructor that you can ask questions to immediately and who can show you examples right away as appropriate.
- You have the ability to learn from others who are taking the same class at the same time. Sometime questions come up that another operator has experience with that may provide for an immediate learning opportunity or feedback.
Check out this forklift training video to see the kind of environment you can expect to be learning in.
WHERE TO FIND CLASSROOM TRAININGS
- Forklift dealer
Two ways to find a local dealer:
- Google – type in terms like “forklift certification near me” or “where to get forklift training” and check the local dealer’s website for availability and pricing.
- Dealer Locator – Use a manufacturer’s dealer locator webpage to find a local dealer.
2. Technical Schools
Technical schools can be another great local resource for expanding your forklift operator skill set. If they do offer a program, a good place to look is under their “professional certification & licensing” or “training & seminars” area of their website.
3. Your Employer
When you are hired to work in a facility with material handling equipment, they will typically have an on-site trainer who will be responsible for making sure you are comfortable and know what you are doing with their specific equipment. This type of training is more customized to the specific types of equipment the facility runs.
4. Staffing Agencies
With the low unemployment rate in 2019 (link to infographic?) and employers looking to fulfill open positions, staffing agencies like ___, ____ and ____ try to give people coming to them a l
If you’re looking to get hired as a material handling operator or wanting to pivot your current career into an operator, check out a staffing agency such as ___ and ___ who may just offer to pay for your class so you can learn a new skill.
ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS ANSWERED
Still have burning questions? Here are some answers…
Q: How long is training classes?
A: Training times vary depending on what specific forklift equipment is being covered. Generally class times range from 4-8 hours.
Q: What is the cost?
A: The cost generally varies greatly by who is doing the training and the location in which you live. Expect to pay anywhere from $75-$120 if you are paying for training out of your own pocket.
ONLINE CLASSROOM TRAINING
This type of training is performed through the internet, typically in webinar or pre-recorded video fashion.
Benefits:
- Most conducive to a busy schedule. If the class is pre-recorded, you can take the class at your leisure.
- You can take as much time as you want. With classroom training, it’s 4-8 hours of knowledge crammed in to one day.
WHERE TO FIND ONLINE TRAINING CLASSES
Use Google – Google may be your best bet for finding an online class suitable to your needs.
Need suggestions now? We have them. Here are our top three online training suggestions in no particular order:
- Forklift Academy
- Forklift Certification Institute
- CertifyMe.net
Still have burning questions? Here are some answers…
Q: How long is it?
A: It depends on how the class is structured. Some are pre-recorded allowing you to take as much time as you want, while others are scheduled webinars.
Q: What is the cost?
A: [placeholder]
ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS ANSWERED
[thrive_leads id=’7326′]3. WHAT YOU WILL LEAN – CLASS TOPICS
Your training program content should be as comprehensive as possible.
However, no training program is the same and can cover everything.
To get the most out of your education you should receive initial training in the topics we’re covering here in this chapter.
4. MASTERING THE PRE-OP INSPECTION
5. ACING YOUR FORKLIFT TESTS
You’ve completed the formal instruction part of class
but there are two more things standing in your way.
Take our sample written exam and overview what your hands on portion may consist of in this chaper.
6. TIPS ON HOW TO GET A FORKLIFT OPERATOR JOB
Whew, breathe a sigh of relief.
You’ve invested the time, effort and passed your tests.
Now it’s time put your new certification to use and look for you job.
Chapter 2: Where to get forklift certified
Being trained to operate a lift truck helps to satisfy OSHA’s training requirements.
Fortunately for you, there are a number of ways in which you can receive training.
We’ll cover some in this chapter, then choose a learning option that is best suited to your needs.
1. In-Person Classroom Training
Benefits
- You get the benefit of having an instructor that you can ask questions to immediately and who can show you examples right away as appropriate.
- You have the ability to learn from others who are taking the same class at the same time. Sometime questions come up that another operator has experience with that may provide for an immediate learning opportunity or feedback.
Check out this forklift training video to see the kind of environment you can expect to be learning in.
Where to find classroom trainings
1. Forklift dealer
Two ways to find a local dealer:
- Google – type in terms like “forklift certification near me” or “where to get forklift training” and check the local dealer’s website for availability and pricing.
- Dealer Locator – Use a manufacturer’s dealer locator webpage to find a local dealer.
2. Technical Schools
Technical schools can be another great local resource for expanding your forklift operator skill set. If they do offer a program, a good place to look is under their “professional certification & licensing” or “training & seminars” area of their website.
3. Your Employer
When you are hired to work in a facility with material handling equipment, they will typically have an on-site trainer who will be responsible for making sure you are comfortable and know what you are doing with their specific equipment. This type of training is more customized to the specific types of equipment the facility runs.
4. Staffing Agencies
With the low unemployment rate in 2019 (link to infographic?) and employers looking to fulfill open positions, staffing agencies like ___, ____ and ____ try to give people coming to them a l
If you’re looking to get hired as a material handling operator or wanting to pivot your current career into an operator, check out a staffing agency such as ___ and ___ who may just offer to pay for your class so you can learn a new skill.
Additional questions Answered
Still have burning questions? Here are some answers…
Q: How long is training classes?
A: Training times vary depending on what specific forklift equipment is being covered. Generally class times range from 4-8 hours.
Q: What is the cost?
A: The cost generally varies greatly by who is doing the training and the location in which you live. Expect to pay anywhere from $75-$120 if you are paying for training out of your own pocket.
2. Online Classroom Training
This type of training is performed through the internet, typically in webinar or pre-recorded video fashion.
Benefits
- Most conducive to a busy schedule. If the class is pre-recorded, you can take the class at your leisure.
- You can take as much time as you want. With classroom training, it’s 4-8 hours of knowledge crammed in to one day.
Where to find online training classes
- Use Google – Google may be your best bet for finding an online class suitable to your needs.
- Need suggestions now? We have them. Here are our top three online training suggestions in no particular order:
Forklift Academy
Forklift Certification Institute
CertifyMe.net
Additional questions Answered
Still have burning questions? Here are some answers…
Q: How long is it?
A: It depends on how the class is structured. Some are pre-recorded allowing you to take as much time as you want, while others are scheduled webinars.
Q: What is the cost?
A: [placeholder]
Chapter 3: What You Will Lean – Class Topics
Your training program content should be as comprehensive as possible.
However, no training program is the same and can cover everything.
To get the most out of your education you should receive initial training in the topics we’re covering here in this chapter.
Chapter 4: Mastering The Pre-Op Inspection
Chapter 5: Acing Your Forklift Tests
You’ve completed the formal instruction part of class
but there are two more things standing in your way.
Take our sample written exam and overview what your hands on portion may consist of in this chaper.
Chapter 6: Tips on how to get a forklift operator job
Whew, breathe a sigh of relief.
You’ve invested the time, effort and passed your tests.
Now it’s time put your new certification to use and look for you job.
