TL;DR

OSHA requires all forklift operators to be trained and evaluated before operating a powered industrial truck.
Certification covers three components: formal instruction, practical training, and an evaluation.
There is no federal age minimum for forklift operation in non-agricultural workplaces, but most employers require operators to be at least 18.
Certification must be renewed every three years or after an incident, near-miss, or observed unsafe behavior.
Online platforms like License Me make it easier than ever to complete the formal instruction portion of your training.

If you operate a forklift — or plan to — you've probably heard that you need to be "certified." But what does that actually mean, and what are the real forklift certification requirements you need to meet? Let's break it down in plain language so you know exactly what's expected and how to get there. forklift operator driving in warehouse

What OSHA Says About Forklift Certification

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets the federal standard for forklift training under regulation 29 CFR 1910.178(l). This rule applies to all powered industrial trucks (PITs) — which includes forklifts, reach trucks, order pickers, and similar equipment. According to OSHA, every operator must be trained and evaluated by someone with the knowledge, training, and experience to do so. The employer is ultimately responsible for making sure no one operates a forklift without completing this process. For a broader look at heavy machinery licensing across different equipment types, check out our parent guide on heavy machinery licensing requirements.

The Three Components of Forklift Training

OSHA breaks forklift certification into three distinct parts, and you need all three to be considered properly certified. 1. Formal Instruction — This is the theory side: lectures, videos, written materials, or online courses covering topics like load handling, stability, hazard recognition, and safe operating procedures. 2. Practical Training — Hands-on exercises performed on the actual forklift (or a similar type) that the operator will use on the job. This can't be done fully online — it must happen in a real environment. 3. Evaluation — A qualified trainer observes the operator performing tasks in the workplace and confirms they can do so safely. forklift training evaluation in warehouse

forklift training evaluation in warehouse

Who Qualifies as a Certified Forklift Operator?

A forklift operator is considered certified once they've completed all three training components and their employer has documented the training. That documentation should include the operator's name, the date of training, and the name of the person who conducted the evaluation. There's no single "forklift license" issued by a government agency in the U.S. the way a driver's license works. Instead, certification is employer-driven and OSHA-compliant. That means your certification from one employer may not automatically transfer to a new workplace — each employer must evaluate operators on their specific equipment and environment.

Age and Other Basic Requirements

OSHA doesn't set a federal minimum age for forklift operators in general industry. However, the Department of Labor's child labor laws prohibit workers under 18 from operating most powered industrial trucks. In practice, employers typically require operators to be at least 18 years old. Operators should also have good vision and hearing, the physical ability to safely control the equipment, and a basic understanding of the type of forklift they'll be operating.

Types of Forklifts and Why It Matters for Certification

Not all forklifts are the same, and your certification needs to match the equipment you actually use. OSHA identifies seven classes of powered industrial trucks, ranging from electric motor rider trucks (Class I) to rough terrain forklifts (Class VII). If you move to a different class of forklift — even at the same job — you need to be retrained and re-evaluated on that specific type. It's one of the most commonly overlooked parts of the forklift certification requirements. To understand how forklift certification compares to other heavy equipment credentials, read our post on heavy equipment operator certification requirements. different types of forklifts in industrial setting

different types of forklifts in industrial setting

How to Get Forklift Certified: Step by Step

Step 1: Complete Your Formal Instruction

Start with an online or in-person course that covers OSHA's required topics. License Me offers structured online training that satisfies the formal instruction requirement, letting you learn at your own pace before heading into the practical phase. Check out the License Me Forklift Operator Certification course to get started.

Step 2: Complete Hands-On Practice

Work with a qualified trainer to practice operating the specific forklift you'll use. This includes maneuvering, load handling, refueling or recharging, and pre-operation inspections — also known as a forklift pre-operation inspection.

Step 3: Pass Your Evaluation

A qualified evaluator — usually a supervisor or trainer — watches you operate the forklift in your actual work environment and signs off that you're competent. Once complete, your employer documents everything.

Step 4: Recertify Every Three Years

Forklift certification isn't a one-and-done deal. According to OSHA standard 1910.178(l)(4), operators must be re-evaluated at least every three years. Retraining is also required after an accident, a near-miss, an unsafe operation observation, or when assigned to a new type of truck. forklift safety certificate and training documents

forklift safety certificate and training documents

Quick Knowledge Check: Are You Ready to Get Certified?

Quiz: Do You Know Your Forklift Certification Basics?

Test your knowledge before you start training:

How many components make up OSHA-required forklift training? (Answer: Three — formal instruction, practical training, and evaluation)
How often must forklift operators be re-evaluated? (Answer: At least every three years)
Does your certification automatically transfer to a new employer? (Answer: No — each employer must evaluate you on their equipment)
Which federal agency sets forklift training standards in the U.S.? (Answer: OSHA)
If you switch to a different class of forklift, do you need new training? (Answer: Yes — retraining is required for each new truck type)

Common Mistakes That Can Void Your Certification

Some employers skip steps or cut corners — and that creates real legal and safety risks. Common mistakes include failing to document training, allowing operators to use equipment they weren't trained on, and not retraining after incidents. The National Safety Council reports that forklifts are involved in roughly 85 fatal accidents and nearly 35,000 serious injuries in the U.S. every year. Proper certification isn't just a compliance checkbox — it genuinely saves lives. Also check out our blog on forklift safety tips every operator should know for practical guidance beyond the certification basics.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get forklift certified completely online?

The formal instruction portion of forklift certification can be completed online through platforms like License Me. However, OSHA requires hands-on practical training and an in-person evaluation to be completed in your actual work environment. Online training alone does not fulfill all certification requirements. You need all three components — formal instruction, practical training, and a workplace evaluation — to be fully compliant with OSHA standards.

How long does it take to get forklift certified?

The timeline varies depending on how quickly you complete your formal instruction and arrange your practical training. Online formal instruction can typically be finished in a few hours. Hands-on training and evaluation depend on your employer's schedule and your experience level. In total, most people complete the full certification process within one to three days. Some workplaces with dedicated trainers can complete everything in a single shift.

Does a forklift certification expire?

Yes. OSHA requires forklift operators to be re-evaluated at least every three years. Certification can also become invalid sooner if an operator is involved in an accident, observed behaving unsafely, or assigned to operate a new type of forklift. Employers are responsible for tracking renewal dates and ensuring operators stay current. Staying on top of recertification protects both the worker and the business from liability and safety risks. Ready to knock out the formal instruction part of your forklift certification from anywhere? License Me makes it simple with structured, OSHA-aligned online training you can complete on your own schedule. Enroll Now and take the first step toward getting certified with confidence.