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Forklift License Renewal & First Time Certification Training – OSHA Aligned

Forklift Practical Test and Written Test Included

 

We Offer Five Types of Sit-Down Forklift Safety Trainings

Whether you want safety consulting and forklift training in as little as two hours with our online training or a more robust, customizable option like you get with our DIY training kits or on-site training, we can help you get the training you want in the way you want it and at a price, you can afford. Rest assured all of our forklift awareness training options meet all OSHA forklift driving training requirements. After taking our forklift safety awareness course, you will be prepared to confidently answer all the forklift test questions as well as complete the forklift practical test (the forklift written exam, as well as the forklift practical test marking sheet, are both included with your training).

Get your forklift driving certification of competency upon completing the course and passing the included exam. Thorough forklift operator training ultimately results in reducing the risk of accidents to forklift drivers and those who work near them. This course can be used for beginner operator training or for forklift license renewal (forklift ticket renewal if you’re in Canada).

 
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Online Training

Online training is for those who prefer self-paced training from any location and/or for employers who need to assign and monitor employee training progress and exam scores.

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Training Kits

The training kit is for those who want the freedom of doing the training themselves. It is an PowerPoint Presentation (PPT) that you can present yourself to a group of trainees.

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Train the Trainer

Train the Trainer courses are online and meant to certify a individual to use the training kit to train others. Training kit and materials are included with the Train the Trainer online course for no additional cost.

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Video + Kit Training
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Video + Kit Training

Our video courses come with informative training videos as well as a DIY kit that includes a copy of the full training presentation.

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Pre-Op Videos

This this not a certification course. It is an information training video on how to correctly conduct a pre-shift inspection. It covers how to correctly conduct a pre-shift excavator inspection.

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What’s in the Sit-Down Forklift Training Course?

Our Sit-Down Forklift Safety Training course is OSHA Aligned, and our online version fulfills OSHA’s classroom training requirements.

Training Scope: Each class contains the following information:

  • Anatomy
    • Interior
    • Exterior
    • Pre-shift Inspections
  • Stability
  • Personal Safety
  • Know Your Machine
  • Know Your Worksite

This presentation includes intermittent practice quiz questions to prepare for the final written exam included with the course. In addition to the written exam, this course also includes a checklist for employers to use when administering a practical exam as required by OSHA.

Estimated Training Length: Because everyone learns and progresses at different speeds, the amount of time you spend taking this training will vary. However, the estimated time for this training is 2 –2.5 hours.

Intended Audience:

While this training encompasses many important safety standards, you will still need to familiarize yourself with any other federal, state, and local standards that apply to your specific workplace.

 

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For most courses, we offer OSHA trainings in English and Spanish, CAL/OSHA trainings in English, and Canada trainings in English. See all of our options!

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Forklift Certification Standards

U.S. Standards

  • OSHA 29 CFR 1910.178 – Powered Industrial Trucks
  • OSHA 29 CFR 1910.178 APP A
  • OSHA 29 CFR 1926.451, 452, 454 – Applicable Scaffolding Standard
  • OSHA 29 CFR 1926.602(c)(2)(v) – Scaffold Platforms
  • Canada Standards

  • Encompasses these Canadian Standards
  • CAN/CSA-B335-04 – Safety Standard for Lift Trucks
  • CAN/CSA-B335-94 – Lift Truck Operator Training
  • CAN/CSA-B352.0-09 – ROPS, FOPS
  • International Standards

  • ANSI/ITSDF B56.1 – Low Lift and High Lift Trucks
  • ANSI/ITSDF B56.6 – Rough Terrain Forklift Lift Trucks
  • ANSI/ITSDF B56.6 -2005 (5.15, 5.16, 8.24)/ANSI A92.5-2006 – Boom Supported Elevating Work Platforms
  • Why Do I Need Forklift Safety Training?

    In line with regulations, anyone who operates heavy equipment must receive training prior to operating the machine on their own. Requirements for refresher training and other processes are very specific. Most other equipment doesn’t have such specific OSHA training requirements, but it’s wise to follow the same guidelines.

    When it comes to refresher health and safety training, the standards in some instances (like forklifts) are very specific: operators must be re-evaluated every three years to see if they are still competent to operate the equipment. Best practices say to apply this same rule to all types of equipment. A so-called “free-pass” cannot be awarded based on experience, age, or time on the job. The extent of the evaluation is to be determined by the employer, but should include a written and practical examination that prove continued competency. Check out our related article to learn What PPE is required to operator a forklift.

    Stay Informed On All Things Forklift

    Did You Know?

    Each year in the U.S., almost 20,000 workers are seriously injured in accidents associated with forklifts. (Source: CDC)

    Forklift overturns are the most common cause of deaths related to forklifts. (Source: CDC)

    If companies implemented more stringent forklift training policies, the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) estimates that about 70% of forklift accidents in the U.S. could be prevented. (Source: MCCUE.com)

    Before modern forklifts were invented, hoists were utilized to lift heavy materials in the late 1800s. (Source: Archive.org)

     
     

    Frequently Asked Questions

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    How often does a forklift license have to be renewed?

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    OSHA requires sit down forklift truck training for forklift operators–on that, there is no question. Where confusion exists is how often operators need forklift refresher training or recertification. Outside of the initial safety training class, OSHA requires forklift operators to be re-evaluated every three years to determine if they are still competent enough to operate.

    However, this every-three-year forklift evaluation is the maximum time that is allowed to pass before an operator receives forklift recertification. According to OSHA, there are several instances that will require additional forklift safety training and observation before the three year period is up:

      • Forklift operator/fork truck operator is observed in an accident or a near miss
      • Forklift operator/fork truck operator received a poor evaluation or is observed driving in a dangerous manner
      • The forklift operator/fork truck operator is assigned to drive a different type of forklift or the workplace has changed significantly enough to require additional forklift safety training (such as being transferred from a warehouse to a dock or a construction site)

    Should forklift drivers wear hard hats?

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    Bottom line, yes, forklift drivers definitely should wear hard hats. Check out the related article Should Forklift Drivers Wear Hard Hats. This article explains exactly why forklift drivers should wear hard hats and references OSHA’s specific regulations on the matter.

    What other health and safety training OSHA requires do you offer?

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    Personal Protective Equipment Training, Forklift Training, Skid Steer Training, Rigger Training, Driver Safety, HAZWOPER Training (24 hour course), Crane Safety Training, Chemical Hazards, Confined Spaces Training, Electrical Hazards Training, Hazardous Waste (HazCom, HAZWOPER 8, HAZWOPER 24), Respiratory Protection, Fire Extinguisher and Hazardous Communication Training are among our most popular courses. We have been providing training solutions for 10+ years. Rest assured, that all of our training requirements and safety standards, and are 100% OSHA Aligned. Safety and health training does not have to be difficult and confusing. Let us help. View our Course Catalog to find everything you might need to complete employee training, get aligned and create a safety culture at your company, preventing injury and illness.

    I’ve received sit down forklift truck training/fork truck training OSHA requires. Can I operate a telescopic handler?

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    Not likely. OSHA requires forklift operators to receive forklift safety training for each type of forklift. On this term, “type,” there is much confusion. Generally speaking, by “type,” OSHA means sit down forklift vs. stand up forklift vs. telescopic handler vs. truck mounted forklift, etc. For example, say you have always operated a stand-up forklift in a warehouse but have suddenly been asked to operate a telehandler. In this case, you would need additional sit down forklift truck training specific to telescopic reach forklifts.

    If you have received sit down counterbalance forklift safety training in a warehouse and have always operated a Toyota forklift, but then are asked to operate a Cat forklift, you should be just fine to operate under the same forklift certification/fork truck certification and forklift license (wallet card) received previously. Keep in mind though, controls can differ greatly from brand to brand, so in some cases, you may need additional instruction or a quick refresher training forklift course to make sure you are clear on what each control does.

    I’ve operated forklifts for 30 years. Do I need to take a forklift course/class, a written exam, and a practical exam still? Or can I just take a written forklift operator test?

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    Yes, you need to take a forklift operator safety training course. No matter how long you’ve been on the job, OSHA requires forklift safety training, a forklift written exam, and a practical forklift evaluation. There is no way around it. The extent of the classroom training can be adapted by the instructor according to student needs. The written exam proves mental competency and understanding of the safety principles taught. And the practical evaluation proves the forklift operator not only understands but is capable of operating safely. In the opinion of many, the practical evaluation is of the greatest overall value.

    I received forklift safety training/fork truck training OSHA requires at a different job. Do I need to be trained again by my new employer?

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    This is a common question, especially among laborers-for-hire who may sub out from job to job. Technically, it is your current employer who is responsible for saying whether or not you have been trained specifically for the type of forklift and job. If you bring a counterbalance forklift certificate or counterbalance forklift license (wallet card) to your new employer, they do not have to accept it. It is their right to require you to take their own training class. This is because if there is an accident, they will likely be responsible and need to prove to OSHA that they trained you on forklift operations.

    Can you explain forklift certification/fork truck certification? Who can train, evaluate, and certify operators?

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    This, above all, causes a lot of confusion. Bottom line, OSHA states that employers are responsible to train their employees. Generally speaking, there are three ways they can do this:

    In terms of using 3rd party safety training materials (like our sit down forklift truck training kits on USB or our forklift online training classes) OSHA does not recognize one company over another. They simply state that ‘training needs to occur’ and ‘here are the things a forklift operator should be trained on.’

    When we do live training or offer forklift safety training online, people often assume we are the ones certifying the trainees. This is not true for any training company. We are simply assisting the employer by providing live forklift safety training or the training materials needed to help them forklift certify their employees.

    Can you explain forklift certification/fork truck certification? Who can train, evaluate, and certify operators?

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    This, above all, causes a lot of confusion. Bottom line, OSHA states that employers are responsible to train their employees. Generally speaking, there are three ways they can do this:

    In terms of using a 3rd party safety training materials (like our sit down forklift truck training kits on CD or our forklift online training classes) OSHA does not recognize one company over another. They simply state that ‘training needs to occur’ and ‘here are the things a forklift operator should be trained on.’

    When we do live training or offer forklift safety training online, people often assume we are the ones certifying the trainees. This is not true for any training company. We are simply assisting the employer by providing live forklift safety training or the training materials needed to help them forklift certify their employees.

    How do I take the forklift practical evaluation if I take forklift safety training online?

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    The online forklift course covers OSHA’s training requirements for the classroom portion. Many employers prefer online training because they know exactly what forklift safety training the operator will receive. In live classes, the training sometimes varies. A written exam is included at the end of our online training courses. After the forklift class and exam are finished, you and your safety managers will have immediate access to a practical evaluation checklist. This can be printed off and used by your supervisor to help him or her evaluate you on the forklift. When done, they can sign it and file it with your exam. This will satisfy OSHA’s training requirements for forklift certification/fork truck certification.

    Can I use any forklift attachment with my forklift?

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    No. OSHA states that the forklift manufacturer must approve the use of a specific forklift attachment. Too often we see forklift operators using personnel work platforms (man baskets) or other attachments that are made by different manufacturers. They assume that because their forklift is equipped to use such an attachment, it is okay to use any brand. Not true. If you are operating a Toyota forklift then you must contact Toyota and get their written approval to use any attachment, especially if they are of another brand. New capacity plates must be issued with any addition. Your operator’s manual will tell you if your forklift can handle certain kinds of attachments or not.

    My trainee scored 80% on the exam. Did he pass or fail?

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    Contrary to popular belief, OSHA does not dictate what a passing score entails. That is ultimately up to the employer whose responsibility it is to certify, or authorize, their employee to operate a boom truck. If you want to pass him at 80%, fine. But what if a question or two among the 20% missed could lead to an accident or death? Is it worth it? Our recommendation is that you always go over any missed questions with your trainees—even if they just missed one. Once they understand the principle missed, have them write their initials by the correct answer. That way, you are protecting them and those around them from potential accidents in the future.

    What do I get when I finish this forklift training?

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    Upon completing the forklift training/fork truck training online you will then take the included forklift test and upon passing it with a score of 80% or higher (you get two chances) you will immediately have access to your printable forklift certification/fork truck certification and forklift license/fork truck license (wallet card). If you choose the training kit, the certificate template comes with the kit materials.

    Did you know safety tips can be found on our blog?

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    Yes, they can! View our blog here

    Do you offer a forklift practice test?

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    No, we do not offer a forklift practice test. However, we do allow a second try on the test.

    How can I get my forklift license for free?

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    You can’t, there are free forklift training options out there but they generally do not result in a license or certificate of any kind.

    How do I get my forklift license?

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    You will have access to your forklift license (wallet card) *immediately upon passing the included exam in the training kit. The person conducting the training will then get you your license (wallet card) and certificate. For online courses, you will have access to printable versions of both the forklift license and certificate upon passing the exam.

    How often does a forklift license have to be renewed?

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    OSHA requires forklift operators to be re-evaluated *every three years. However, this every-three-year forklift evaluation is the maximum time that is allowed to pass before an operator receives forklift recertification. There are several instances that will require additional forklift safety training and observation before the three year period is up. Learn More

    How often is forklift training required?

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    Forklift training is required every three years. However, there are circumstances that would require additional training before the three year mark. Learn what they are here.

    How much does a forklift weigh?

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    The weight of a forklift varies depending on the machine you use, any added attachments, and the amount of weight it can lift. Typically, forklifts weigh between 5 to 10 thousand pounds

    Do forklifts tip over easily?

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    An unstable forklift can tip over easily, though normally this issue is accounted for to prevent a rollover. A forklift ( lift truck) is more likely to tip over if the corners too fast, brakes too fast, drives too fast on uneven ground, or is influenced by other dynamic conditions.

    What are the extensions on the front of the forklift called?

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    Forks, or tynes, are the attachments on the forklift carriage. They are used to make direct contact with a load for transport. They are designed to carry a load from the bottom of the stack.

    Where can forklifts be parked?

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    Forklifts will usually have designated parking areas. Do not park an industrial lift truck near doorways, switches and electricity boards, firefighting equipment, blind corners, on inclines, on soft ground, in the middle of an aisle, or near fire exits or pedestrian walkways” so that it agrees with the rest of the sentence.

    Is forklift driving difficult?

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    Driving a forklift is very different from driving a car or other work site vehicles. An operator must have the proper certification and be observed driving the lift truck carefully by a supervisor before being permitted to drive one of these vehicles.

     

    See Purchase Options

    For most courses, we offer OSHA trainings in English and Spanish, CAL/OSHA trainings in English, and Canada trainings in English. See all of our options!

    View Purchase Options

    The Ultimate Guide to Forklift Licenses and Certifications

    Why Training?

    Every work environment is filled with hazards. Whether it be dangerous machinery or simply the physical strain that comes from sitting hunched over a desk all day, there are always hazards that employees should be aware of.

    Sadly enough, safety often takes a back seat during the onboarding process and is rarely discussed in the work environment after employment. This means workplace hazards are a serious threat across the world. Every day, we receive reports involving broken bones, deep cuts, loss of hearing, and even death. Workplace incidents account for over 5,000 deaths and tens of thousands of injuries annually.

    Here at Hard Hat, we believe that the best way to decrease these mortality rates is by providing employees with safety training that is thorough, memorable, engaging, and entertaining. It’s our mission to leave a strong impression on your employees and make safety a regular part of your workplace culture.

    What is a Forklift?

    A forklift has many names; sometimes, people refer to them as lift trucks or fork hoists. However, the Occupational Safety and Health Association’s (OSHA’s) term for forklifts is “powered industrial trucks.” We will be using these terminologies interchangeably throughout this article

    According to OSHA, a powered industrial truck, or PIT, is “any mobile, power propelled truck used to carry, push, pull, lift, stack, or tier materials, whether ridden by the operator or controlled by a walking operator” (OSHA).

    PITs can be used for a variety of tasks throughout many industries. Many of these tasks are related to moving objects or loads, excavation, or construction.

    Different Types of Forklifts

    There are many different types of forklifts that can be used to complete many different types of tasks. However, it is important to remember that each type of forklift presents health hazards and safety risks that may be unique to the specific type of powered industrial truck.

    Forklifts have seven different classifications. We will discuss them in detail throughout the next sections.

    Class I: Electric Motor Rider Trucks

    Class I forklifts are electric motor riders. These electric forklifts are ideal for loading and unloading tractor-trailers, handling pallets, and a number of other applications throughout all industries.

    Due to their electric battery, Class I forklifts are much quieter and don’t create emissions, making them a great choice for indoor tasks. The batteries on these forklifts also function as the counterweight to help maintain their lifting capacities.

    Class II: Electric Motor, Narrow Aisle Trucks

    Class II forklifts are electric, narrow aisle models. These forklifts are designed with maneuverability that allows them to operate in tight spaces. This class of forklift provides the operator with the ability to increase space between loads.

    Class III: Electric Motor Hand Trucks or Hand/Rider Trucks

    This class of equipment comes in both rider and walk-behind models, which is perfect for unloading deliveries and moving loads due to the accessibility. Class III forklifts include vehicles such as:

    Class IV: Internal Combustion Engine Trucks (Solid/Cushion Tire)

    This type of sit-down forklift is specifically designed to use indoors because of the design of the tire. The solid, cushioned tires provide a smooth ride on indoor surfaces. Because they are not air-filled, they are puncture-proof. Class IV forklifts are powered by engines that run on:

    Class V: Internal Combustion Engine Trucks (Pneumatic Tires)

    Forklifts that fall under the Class V category are similar to the ones found in Class IV, but are designed primarily for outdoor use. These powered industrial trucks are very durable. The design of the tire makes them ideal to use in:

    Class VI: Electric and Internal Combustion Engine Tractors

    The equipment and vehicles that fall under the Class VI category include electric and internal combustion engine tow tractors. These PITs are used to tow loads rather than lift them. Trucks in this class are commonly used at airports and assembly line areas.

    Class VII: Rough Terrain Forklift Trucks

    Rough terrain forklift trucks feature large, tractor-style tires and are powered almost exclusively by diesel engines for outdoor use. Class VII trucks are most commonly used at lumberyards or construction sites to lift building materials.

    Our Training

    Here at Hard Hat Training, we break our forklift trainings into two different general courses. Both courses comply with the associated OSHA Requirements, and together, they cover all the different classifications. Here are our two general courses:

    1. Sit-Down Forklift
    2. Stand Up Forklift

    However, we also offer courses that are specific to certain types of powered industrial trucks. For example:

    How Do I Get a License To Operate a Forklift?

    A forklift license is actually just called a certificate. If you are an employee, you can receive a certificate by successfully completing an OSHA Aligned training course specific to the type of forklift you intend to operate. For example, an employee who will be operating a sit-down forklift will need to complete a course that complies with the operating standards of a sit-down forklift.

    Once the course has been completed, the certificate indicates that you have been trained and evaluated by your employer and are able to safely operate the forklift.

    Forklift Training

    OSHA’s operating standards require that your employers provide you with forklift training for vehicle inspection and maintenance. The training your employer provides should include training topics such as:

    OSHA Requirements also state that operators must be at least 18 years of age in order to operate any type of powered industrial truck.

    What OSHA Has to Say About Employers and Forklift Certification

    Under the OSH Act, employers have the primary responsibility to provide a safe workplace that is free from hazards. Other key employer responsibilities include:

    When it comes to forklifts, OSHA requires employers to ensure that the PIT operator is competent to operate their vehicle safely. Employers have the responsibility to ensure that operators receive refresher training when their certification expires.

    How Long is a Forklift Certification Valid?

    Operators must be over the age of 18 and must be recertified at least once every three years. Generally, it’s not necessary for an employee to receive additional forklift operator training during that three-year period. However, under certain circumstances, operators would need to be re-trained. Some examples of these situations include:

    Our Forklift Training and Certification

    After reading about the training standards and certificates, you must be wondering how to get started. You can start here at Hard Hat Training, where our teams work hard every day to provide you with the best and most affordable training courses!

    Our Description of Safety

    Here at Hard Hat Training, our goal is to make safety training accessible and affordable. Our vision is to help companies minimize accidents and fatalities through consistent, in-depth training. Our training materials are frequently updated, enabling us to offer the most thorough, up-to-date, and easy-to-use OSHA Aligned training options on the market today.

    Online and Other Formats: Forklift Certification

    We offer our courses in different learning formats. We offer in-person courses, online courses, and training kits, as well as our unique, train-the-trainer courses. Our course catalog presents companies with over 200 training topics, with each course being fully narrated and organized to keep the mind engaged. Our narration reads exactly what is written to help any employees who have visual or hearing impairments. We also offer courses in Spanish!

    Forklift Certification and Wallet Card

    OSHA Requirements require proof that you have completed the necessary safety training. Our training