Forklifts are used to lift and move cargo across many industries. They are some of the most common powered industrial trucks (PITs) found on construction sites, warehouses, factories and more. To qualify as a certified forklift operator, workers must complete OSHA-aligned safety education, get hands-on practice and pass an employer-led evaluation.
This two-hour online forklift certification course will prepare you to work with all major forklifts, including Class I through Class VII lift trucks. The six self-paced lesson modules comply with all OSHA forklift operator training standards for construction and general industry. Once you finish all lessons and pass the final exam, you can instantly download and print your forklift certificate and wallet-sized certification card.
About Forklift Training
Our online course provides a variety of benefits, including:
- Full Audio Narration
- Available 100% Online 24/7
- Unlimited Attempts to Pass
- Includes Downloadable Forklift Operator Evaluation Form
- Designed to Satisfy OSHA 1910.178(l) and 1926.602(d) Training Requirements
- Certification Valid for Three Years
- Certificate Accepted Nationwide
This course provides the formal instruction needed to earn a nationally accepted forklift certification. This training is suitable for operators aged 18 years or older working in construction or general industry roles.
Students will become certified to operate all types of forklifts:
- 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 course does not apply to:
- Agricultural work
- Farm vehicles
- Compressed air forklifts or nonflammable compressed gas-operated PITs
- Earthmoving equipment or road hauling vehicles
After you complete your training, your employer must provide on-the-job training. Your employer will demonstrate how to use the equipment you will operate, explain major hazards on the jobsite and evaluate your skills as a forklift operator using the form included with this course.
What You Get
This course offers everything you need to earn your forklift certification. In addition to the two hours of high-quality forklift operator training required by OSHA, this online course includes the following materials:
- Employer Operator Evaluation Form
- Forklift Certificate
- Printable Forklift Certification Card
Learning Objectives
This course provides all the safety training you need to become a responsible forklift operator. By the time you complete your education, you will be able to:
- Name the appropriate uses for different types of forklifts.
- Explain the importance of forklift stability.
- Describe operational procedures for forklifts, including load handling.
- Prevent forklift accidents through safety procedures and practices.
- State the importance of regular forklift inspections and maintenance.
- List OSHA and government resources that support worker safety.
Course Topics
Our nationally recognized forklift training program includes six lesson modules. You can complete your forklift certification online in approximately two hours. Course topics include:
Module 1: Introduction to Powered Industrial Trucks
- Powered Industrial Trucks 101
- When to Use a Powered Industrial Truck
- When Not to Use a Powered Industrial Truck
Module 2: Operating a Powered Industrial Truck
- Right-of-Way
- Safe Loading Procedures
- Driving Under Hazardous Conditions
Module 3: Powered Industrial Truck Hazards
- Accidents
- Case Studies
- Workplace Hazards
- Hazards Caused by the Operator
- Incident Reporting
Module 4: Inspections and Maintenance
- Before You Operate
- During Operation
- When to Remove a Powered Industrial Truck from Service
- Maintenance
Module 5: Related Regulations and Resources
- OSHA and Powered Industrial Trucks
- When Do I Need Refresher Training?
- Resources for Powered Industrial Truck Operators
Module 6: Forklifts
- Forklift 101
- Forklift Data Plates
- Forklift Stability
- Operating a Forklift
- Tip-Overs
Course Testing Requirements
As you progress through your formal training, you must pass a short quiz at the end of each module. You must score at least 80% on each quiz to pass. You may attempt each one as many times as needed to earn a passing score.
The training ends with a final exam covering all course topics. You must earn a score of at least 70% on the 20-question test to earn your certificate and wallet-sized certification card. You are guaranteed to pass thanks to an unlimited number of test attempts.
After printing your certificate, there is one last step to complete before you become officially forklift certified. OSHA requires your employer to provide job-specific hands-on training and perform an in-person skills evaluation. Using the provided form, your employer will rate your proficiency in the following tasks:
- Equipment inspection
- Picking up and putting down cargo
- Traveling while the forklift is loaded
- Parking
- Fueling the lift truck (including battery charging or fuel canister exchanges)
Your employer must sign your completed evaluation before you can operate a forklift as part of your job duties.
How Long Is Forklift Certification Valid?
Your forklift certificate is valid for three years from the date of issue. After it expires, you must complete another employer-led forklift evaluation. Forklift refresher training is encouraged before completing your renewal evaluation.