Online Forklift Certification Course – OSHA-Compliant Training for Safe Forklift Operation of Class I–VII Forklifts

Forklift Certification Course

All New Course, Updated 2024!
$68.99
$39.99
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Certificate

Instant Certificate Upon Course Completion

OSHA Compliant

OSHA, ANSI, & CSA Compliant

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Course Description

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$39.99
$68.99
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Complete our OSHA forklift training entirely online. After finishing the Forklift Certification, you can immediately download and share the certificate with your employer.
Your Employer will provide hands-on forklift training, including demonstrations and practical exercises. During this phase, you’ll learn about specific equipment and safety risks in your workplace.
You are required to pass an evaluation conducted by your employer to assess your skills as a forklift operator. You can download a Forklift Operator Evaluation Form, which outlines the specific skills you'll be tested on. After successfully passing the evaluation and having the form signed by your employer, you will be officially certified as a forklift operator.

Defining Forklift Certification and OSHA Standards

Forklift certification requires thorough training, testing, and evaluation to ensure operators possess the necessary skills and knowledge to operate powered industrial trucks safely.

Online Forklift Certification aims to prevent forklift-related accidents by confirming that operators are familiar with OSHA compliance standards, equipment handling, load management, and hazard prevention.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets essential workplace safety requirements for forklift operation under OSHA Standards 1910.178 (I) and 1926.602(d).

Forklift operators must renew their certification regularly to comply with OSHA guidelines. Certification is not a one-time process but an ongoing commitment to safe forklift operation.

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Frequently asked questions

As per OSHA standard 1910.178, employers must ensure all forklift operators are properly trained and certified. To earn certification, operators need to complete formal instruction, hands-on training, and a performance evaluation. Our Forklift Certification course, available 100% online, fulfills the formal instruction requirement. It covers all OSHA-required topics, including operational guidelines, safety precautions, steering, load capacity, inspections, and maintenance. Your employer will provide the practical training and performance evaluation. OSHA mandates that this on-site training and evaluation be conducted by a certified individual qualified to train powered industrial truck operators. Once you complete your hands-on training and pass the evaluation, you’ll be officially certified to operate a forklift.
Yes, this course is fully OSHA-compliant and covers all the required topics forklift operators must learn to achieve certification.
This course meets forklift certification training requirements for almost all industries and complies with OSHA’s general industry standard for powered industrial trucks (29 CFR 1910.178). It also adheres to OSHA's construction standard for powered industrial trucks (29 CFR 1926.602[d]), which specifies that the requirements for construction are identical to those in the general industry standard. However, this course is not applicable for workers in the agriculture industry, as the general industry and construction standards do not cover: Compressed air or nonflammable gas-powered industrial trucks Farm vehicles Vehicles primarily used for earth moving Vehicles primarily used for over-the-road hauling In addition to this training, your employer will provide hands-on training for the specific equipment used on your jobsite and address any site-specific safety hazards related to forklift operation.
Yes, our fully online course fulfills OSHA’s formal training requirement for forklift operation, which is the first step toward becoming forklift certified. Your employer will provide the remaining steps: hands-on practical training and a performance evaluation. OSHA mandates that you complete in-person training on the specific equipment you'll be using. A qualified forklift trainer, either employed by or hired by your company, will conduct your performance evaluation. Once you pass the evaluation and demonstrate safe forklift operation, you will be officially certified.
Yes, our OSHA-compliant forklift certification course is recognized in all states and territories under OSHA’s jurisdiction. However, transferring your certification to another employer or state may depend on specific circumstances. When changing employers, recertification is often required, as your new employer may have different forklift policies or require operation of a different type of forklift. Additionally, each jobsite presents unique hazards that you'll need to familiarize yourself with.
You must be at least 18 years old to drive and operate a forklift.
OSHA does not mandate that forklift operators hold a state-issued driver's license. However, employers may establish their own specific requirements for operators.
Employers and training providers may use various terms to refer to proof of forklift certification training. Upon completing our online forklift training, students receive an instantly downloadable certificate, which can be presented to employers as proof of training completion. Additionally, we will send you a durable, wallet-sized forklift certification card, which you can carry on the job to demonstrate your certification. While often referred to as a "forklift license," this card is not a government-issued license like a driver's license.
Your forklift certification is valid for three years. Once it expires, you’ll need to undergo another performance evaluation with your employer to maintain your certification. OSHA Education Center also recommends that all forklift operators complete refresher training once their certification has expired.
OSHA mandates that forklift operators retake certification training for several reasons. Recertification is required if: You are observed operating a forklift unsafely You are involved in a forklift accident You are involved in a near-miss incident An evaluation reveals unsafe forklift operation You are assigned to a new type of forklift that you haven’t been trained on Workplace conditions change, affecting the safe operation of a forklift Following refresher training, you must complete a performance evaluation to maintain certification.
The Forklift Certification course covers the safe operation of a variety of forklift types, including: Class I: Electric motor rider trucks Class II: Electric motor narrow aisle trucks Class III: Electric motor hand trucks or hand/rider trucks Class IV: Internal combustion engine trucks (solid/cushion tires) Class V: Internal combustion engine trucks (pneumatic tires) Class VI: Electric and internal combustion engine tractors Class VII: Rough terrain forklift trucks This training does not apply to compressed air or nonflammable compressed-gas operated industrial trucks, farm vehicles or vehicles used primarily for earth moving for over-the-road hauling.