Forklift Certification may be under the impression that they can get their forklift certification on their own without going through a third party training provider. While it’s true that a lot of the information needed to obtain forklift certification can be found online, there are many additional steps required in order to meet OSHA guidelines and qualify as fully certified for operating a powered industrial truck.
The first step is to receive formal instruction. This portion of the process provides the necessary theoretical foundation for safely operating a forklift and can be done via classroom or online training. However, the real test comes in the form of hands-on training at the workplace. This phase requires the assistance of someone from the forklift training company or a qualified 3rd party trainer who can provide in-person training and evaluation.
How to Get Your Forklift Certification: A Step-by-Step Guide
This part of the process includes demonstrations and practice exercises directly on the type of forklift you are going to be operating. It is during this hands-on training that the forklift operator learns skills which cannot be learned or replicated through theory alone. Additionally, this is where the knowledge gained in formal training is put to the test and the operator must pass a hands-on evaluation in order to receive their certification.
Once an operator has passed the hands-on evaluation they are then deemed to be completely certified to operate the forklift in their workplace. The forklift operator should be provided with a copy of their certification by the training company or their employer. It is also important to note that a forklift operator must be re-evaluated at least every three years in order to maintain their certification.