Forklift Certification Near You: How to Get Forklift Certified

Forklift Certification Meaning, Requirements, and Training Programs

A forklift is a huge asset. It’s efficient. It keeps your products safe. It can lift and place materials on even the highest racks in your warehouse. But, a forklift is only as good as its operator. If you’re interested in operating a forklift, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires you to complete a forklift certification program. In this article, we’ll discuss:

What it means to be forklift certified
Who can get forklift certified
How long a forklift certification lasts
How much it costs to get forklift certified
What a usual forklift certification process involves
What to look for in a forklift training program

What Forklift Certification Means

Forklift certification is a form of physical proof that an operator has been trained to use the machine. If you plan to operate a forklift or lift truck, you are required by law to have a forklift certification.

Forklift Training (FLT) Requirements

OSHA regulation 29CFR1910.178 is the federal standard for forklifts. It requires every operator to receive both classroom instruction and hands-on training, followed by an evaluation of their performance in the workplace. This regulation also requires employers to provide refresher training if there’s an accident or a change in workplace conditions (like the purchase of a new lift truck).

Who Can Get Certified?

Beyond the basics, we often see two main questions: (1) Do you need a driver’s license to operate a forklift? and (2) How old must you be to operate a forklift? OSHA requires forklift operators to be 18 years or older. You don’t need a state-issued driver’s license, but you do need OSHA certification to use a forklift at work.

How Long Does It Take to Get Forklift Certified?

Most forklift certification sessions take about two hours from start to finish. You’ll cover the classroom portion, take the quiz, and complete a supervised driving test.

Do Forklift Certifications Expire?

Yes, forklift certifications expire after three years. Refresher training may be required sooner if there’s an accident. The expiration date is ultimately in place to keep you and your crew safe.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Forklift Certified?

There isn’t a single flat rate for forklift training because pricing depends on your location and the number of employees you’re certifying. Cost can also be affected by what type of forklift training program you choose (such as Basic Operator Training or Train-the-Trainer).

When you’re researching FLT course costs and comparing FLT course prices online, be cautious of programs that advertise bargain pricing. These will either skip hands-on evaluations or only provide online modules. A solid provider will offer hands-on evaluation, host in-person training, and give you a reasonable quote for the size of your team.

Keep in mind: For companies that need ongoing training, Train-the-Trainer often makes the most financial sense. It reduces the long-term FLT course cost because it allows you to certify new hires in-house.

Can We Use Our Own Machines for a Forklift Training Course?

Yes! A good FLT course will train your crew using the machines that you have. For example, at Berry Material Handling, our trainers come to you, eliminating all extra costs for transportation or rental equipment.

Step-by-Step: What to Expect from Forklift Training

Kickoff and sign-in – The trainer arrives at your facility and meets your team. Everyone taking the course signs in, and the trainer explains how the session will run.
Classroom sessions – Operators gather for an OSHA-certified presentation on forklift safety. Topics range from accident prevention and operator responsibilities to fueling and charging, stability, and hazard awareness. The trainer answers questions and leads the discussion.
Written quiz – Each participant takes a short quiz to show they understand the key concepts.
Hands-on driving test – This is where operators get behind the wheel of your company’s forklifts. The trainer observes each person using a driving skills checklist. Skills like turning, stopping, lifting, lowering, and parking are all evaluated.
Certification card and records – Once operators pass both parts, they’re officially certified. The trainer provides documentation for company records.

What to Look for in a Training Program

Not all programs cover the same topics. Strong certification courses should:

Address forklift Classes I–V
Address all forklift brands
Teach safe operating techniques
Include critical safety topics such as stability, load centers, data plates, and accident prevention
Provide clear documentation for employer records
Offer support for Spanish-speaking employees

Options for Businesses

If you own or manage a business, you have two main options for forklift training: Basic Operator Training (BOT) and Train-the-Trainer.

Basic Operator Training: This is the standard course for employees who operate forklifts. BOT is the right fit for companies who need to certify a handful of operators or want an outside trainer to handle everything from start to finish.

Train-the-Trainer: Instead of certifying every operator through an outside instructor, this program certifies a few key employees to train and evaluate the rest of your team. Train-the-Trainer is a great choice for fast-growing teams because it gives you the flexibility to train new hires in-house.

Where to Get Forklift Certification Near You

With the right training, you and your crew can use forklifts to lift, move, and place materials around your warehouse. If you’re located in Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Texas, or the surrounding states, our team at Berry Material Handling will bring OSHA-compliant forklift training directly to your site. We do everything we can to make the forklift certification process as convenient and beneficial as possible for your team.

Get started with Berry Material Handling’s operator training program today!

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