How To Get Forklift Training

Operating a forklift can help you land a job in a variety of different industries. However, before you can safely and legally operate this machinery, you need to complete forklift training. This credential not only complies with legal requirements but can also keep you safe while on the job and help boost your career prospects.

So, if you’re wondering where and how to get forklift training, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll explore the importance of forklift training and explain how you can achieve it.

How To Get a Forklift License

This may come as a surprise to many, but there actually isn’t such a thing as a forklift license.

Unlike a state-issued license for driving cars, forklift training is offered by OSHA-aligned training providers who provide a certificate of completion after finishing the course. This certificate is sometimes inaccurately referred to as a forklift license.

Forklift training ensures you have the skills and knowledge required to safely operate a forklift. Employers often require this certificate to comply with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations.

What Does a Forklift Operator Do and How Much Do They Make?

If you’re considering a career as a forklift driver, you’ll want to know what to expect from your job and how much money you can expect to make. Before we get into how to become a forklift operator, let’s answer these questions.

The Core Duties of Forklift Operators

Forklift operators play a crucial role in safely moving heavy materials across worksites such as warehouses, factories, and construction sites. Their responsibilities typically include:

• Transporting, stacking, and arranging heavy materials efficiently.
• Safely loading and unloading trucks or shipping containers.
• Performing routine equipment inspections and maintenance.
• Reporting machinery issues to supervisors promptly.
• Adhering to OSHA guidelines to maintain a safe work environment.

Essential Skills for Forklift Operators

Operating a forklift requires a combination of technical skills and physical abilities. Key traits include:

• Strong attention to detail and excellent communication skills.
• Physical fitness, including the ability to lift, stand, and move repetitively.
• A solid understanding of machinery and mechanical aptitude.
  Additionally, federal law prohibits minors under 18 from operating powered industrial trucks due to safety concerns.

How Much Do Forklift Operators Make?

Forklift operator salaries vary based on factors like location, industry, and experience.

According to Salary.com, forklift operators have a median annual income of $43,726. Most forklift operators make between $36,607 and $50,715 annually, depending on their employer and geographic region​. According to Zippia, states like North Dakota, Wyoming, and Alaska tend to have the highest salaries, reflecting regional demand and cost of living differences. 

Forklift operators often work for an hourly wage at a national median of $21 an hour. Most forklift drivers make between $18 and $24 an hour​.

Understanding OSHA’s Forklift Standards

Safety is one of a forklift driver’s most important considerations. While there are many sources of information about forklift safety, it’s important to understand the safety requirements set by OSHA, since these are the primary regulations you’ll need to follow.

OSHA’s regulations for forklifts are outlined in 29 CFR 1910.178, known as the Powered Industrial Truck Standard. This includes guidelines for training, equipment inspections, and safe operation practices.

Daily Forklift Inspections: What You Need to Know

OSHA requires forklifts to be inspected daily before or after each shift if they operate continuously. During these checks, operators should look for defects or conditions that could compromise safety. Forklifts with issues should not be used until repairs are made.

While OSHA doesn’t mandate written inspection records, maintaining documentation can demonstrate compliance and due diligence, especially during an OSHA audit. Some jurisdictions, like California, may require maintaining safety logs for up to one year.

How To Become a Forklift Driver

What else do you need to know to become a forklift operator?

How Old Do You Have To Be To Become a Forklift Operator?

The dangers and risks associated with forklift operation make it illegal for minors to operate them in the United States. OSHA mandates that only individuals 18 years or older can operate forklifts. This age limit also applies to training processes.

What Are the Necessary Steps for Becoming a Forklift Driver?

The steps on how to get your forklift training can vary depending on where and how you get your training. Here’s how the process typically works:

1. Enroll in a Training Course: To get started, you’ll need to make two decisions.
   1. Choose your preferred learning format: in-person training, as in a classroom, or online training, which offers privacy and flexibility.
   2. Find an accredited provider, such as an OSHA-aligned program like OSHAcampus.
2. Complete Training Modules: There are two parts to forklift training:
   1. Classroom instruction covers safety regulations and operating procedures.
   2. Hands-on training provides supervised practice with a forklift.
3. Pass Your Assessments: To prove your competence, you’ll need to pass three types of assessments.
   1. Quizzes featured throughout your coursework will test your knowledge of forklift operating procedures and prepare you for the final exam.
   2. To earn your course certificate of completion, you’ll need to pass the course’s final exam.
   3. Once you’ve undergone hands-on training and practice, you’ll be assessed on your practical skills.

You’ll only be allowed to operate a forklift independently once you’ve completed all of these steps and passed all of these assessments.

How Long Does It Take To Learn How To Use a Forklift?

The length of time it takes to learn how to use a forklift will depend on a few things, including:

• The Type of Program: Vocational school, for example, often takes longer than company-provided training. In-person training often takes longer than online training due to scheduling considerations, commutes, discussions, and mandatory breaks.
• The Type of Forklift: Certain kinds of forklifts, like rugged terrain forklifts, take longer to safely master than others.
• Your Learning Speed: Some students will pick up the theory or skills behind forklift driving faster than others. This is why self-paced instruction can be helpful for everyone.

That said, most people can learn how to use a forklift within a few days.

How To Get OSHA Forklift Trained

Now that you understand the job, the regulations, and the general process, let’s look  at some common questions about forklift training, specifically.

What Does OSHA Forklift Training Include?

Forklift course topics may vary by provider, but there are a few OSHA-mandated topics they all have in common.

Core aspects of forklift training include:

• Forklift Operation: Developing the ability to safely operate various forklift types, such as electric and gas-powered models.
• Load Management: Learning how to load, transport, and unload materials efficiently and securely.
• Safety Practices: Understanding safety hazards and precautionary measures, including wearing proper protective gear, performing equipment inspections, and identifying workplace hazards.
• Pre-Use Inspections: Conducting thorough checks for mechanical defects or potential malfunctions before using the equipment.
• Emergency Response: Preparing for incidents like equipment malfunctions, tip-overs, or fires with appropriate protocols.

What Kind of Forklift Training Do I Need?

OSHA requires operators to receive training tailored to the specific type of forklift they’re going to use while on the job. Examples include:

• Sit-down forklifts
• Stand-up forklifts
• Aerial lifts
• Pallet jacks
• Powered industrial trucks
• Truck-mounted forklifts
• Utility cranes

The training you choose should specify which classes of forklifts you are qualified to operate, ensuring you meet the safety requirements unique to each machine.

How Much Does Forklift Training Cost?

The cost of a forklift training course will depend on the format and the provider, but generally speaking, online courses are the most cost-effective option.

Our forklift operator courses start at $79.99!

Where Can I Get My Forklift Training Near Me?

Did you know you can take forklift training courses right from the comfort of your own home?

Many training providers, such as OSHAcampus, offer online courses, allowing you to complete the educational portion remotely. Practical evaluations can then be arranged through employers or training centers. This flexibility means you can find a course "near you" from virtually anywhere.

Sign Up for Online Forklift Training Now!

Ready to start operating forklifts on the job? The next step is getting enrolled! Luckily, you’re in the right place.

OSHAcampus has been an OSHA-authorized training provider for 25 years, and we’ve helped millions get the OSHA training they need. We offer a full catalog of forklift operator courses, all of which are self-paced and available on any device with internet. You can log on and off as many times as you need to, and your progress will be automatically saved.

Remember, the course you’ll take will depend on the type of forklift you’ll be operating. Be sure to check in with your employer to ensure you’re choosing the right product before purchasing.

Don’t wait. Get started by enrolling today!