Every three years, or sooner if the operator is in an accident or near-miss, is seen operating unsafely, fails an evaluation, is assigned a different type of truck, or if workplace conditions change in a way that affects safe operation.

The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) requires employers to provide employees, who drive powered industrial trucks, proper training to prevent accidents and injuries while operating the vehicles. OSHA 29 CFR 1910.178 requires that employees need to go through training on vehicle operation, inspections and maintenance. All drivers must be over 18 years of age.

There's no official forklift license the way there is for driving a car. Operators need a forklift certification from their employer, showing they've been trained and evaluated under OSHA's requirements. A driver's license doesn't qualify someone to operate a forklift.

Yes. There are seven classes of powered industrial trucks, and operators must be certified for each class they drive. A card for one class doesn't cover another. Watch this video for more information.

No. Certification is tied to the employer, equipment and work environment. While you may still operate the same class of equipment, a new employer means initial training and a fresh evaluation on that employer's trucks and conditions.

Yes and no. The classroom portion of the forklift training can be taken onsite at your location, in a live virtual classroom with a trainer, or self-led through our online training center. However, the proficiency and practical evaluations must be done in person to verify safe operation.

Yes. This is safety training, not basic operator training. Operators should already know how to run the equipment. Beforehand, employers confirm operators have reviewed the operator manual, had instruction on the controls and completed supervised practice.

Yes. Operators who pass receive a Powered Industrial Truck Certification Card that’s valid for three years.