Posted On: January 9, 2025

How To Get Forklift Certified

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 obtain forklift certification. 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 to get a forklift certification or how to obtain forklift certification, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll explore the importance of forklift certification 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 an official forklift license. Unlike a government-issued license for driving cars, forklift certification is granted through a training program conducted by a certified provider. This training ensures you have the skills and knowledge required to safely operate a forklift. Employers often mandate this certification to comply with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations.

Core Duties of a Forklift Operator

Forklift operators play a crucial role in 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.

Understanding OSHA’s Forklift Standards

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 Much Do Forklift Operators Make?

Forklift operator salaries vary based on factors like location, industry, and experience. For example, operators in manufacturing or logistics industries often earn higher wages.

According to Salary.com, certified forklift operators typically earn between $34,027 and $52,306 annually, depending on their employer and geographic region. In fact, Zippia highlights that operators in states like North Dakota, Wyoming, and Alaska tend to have the highest salaries, reflecting regional demand and cost of living differences. Hourly wages also provide insight: the median hourly rate is around $18 to $23, but those with extensive experience or certifications can command higher rates, often upwards of $25 per hour.

What Does Forklift Certification Include?

Some topics in forklift certification courses can be different because not all providers create their courses the same way.

However, core aspects of forklift certification training may 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: Mastering safety 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.

How To Become Forklift Certified

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

1. Enroll in a Training Course

Find an accredited provider, such as an OSHA-authorized program like OSHAcampus.Choose your preferred format: in-person, online, or blended learning.

2. Complete Training Modules

Classroom instruction covers safety regulations and operating procedures.
Hands-on training provides supervised practice with a forklift.

3. Pass Your Quizzes and Final Exam

Quizzes featured throughout the course will test your knowledge of forklift operating procedures.
You’ll need to pass your final exam in the course in order to officially complete the program.

How Old Do You Have To Be To Get a Forklift Certification

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 applies to both training and certification processes.

Where Can I Get My Forklift Certification 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 typically be arranged through employers or training centers. This flexibility means you can find a certification course "near you" from virtually anywhere.

How To Get OSHA Forklift Certified

First things first, there is no such thing as getting “OSHA forklift certified.” Instead, OSHA requires operators to receive training tailored to the specific type of forklift they’re going to use while on the job. Examples include:

The certification specifies which classes of forklifts you are qualified to operate, ensuring you meet the safety requirements unique to each machine.

Where Can I Get My Forklift Certification

Ready to start operating forklifts on the job? The next step is getting enrolled! At OSHAcampus, we make it easy for you to get started. Head to our website and view our entire catalog of forklift operator courses. 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.

Our courses are completely online and mobile-friendly, so you can learn anywhere, anytime, as long as you’re connected to the internet. These programs are also self-paced, so you can log on and off as many times as you need to, and your progress will be automatically saved.

Don’t wait – get started by enrolling today!