A forklift license is a requirement in nearly all businesses hiring forklift operators. A failure to ensure that all forklift operator employees are licensed could result in thousands of dollars in fines from the OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), and even larger sums in legal fees in the event of an accident. The steps to obtaining a forklift license, however, are fairly straightforward and can actually be completed on the job.
The Licensing Process
In order to obtain a forklift license, operators must complete a formal and practical training course. These courses generally include an instructional video covering safety and operational basics, a written or computerized test based on this instruction, and an on-site, hands-on evaluation by a licensed forklift operator. When documentation is provided for the completion of these steps, the forklift operator is then “certified,” and can receive a receive a forklift operators license.
Level 1 and 2 Licenses
A level 1 forklift license is recommended for operators with less than one year of experience. The test for a level 1 license typically includes heavier emphasis on the training manual; some companies even require that this manual be purchased. A level 2 forklift license is issued to those with more than a year of experience, and presentation of this license typically allows the bearer to negotiate for a higher salary. Both of these licenses should include training for both stand-up and sit-down forklifts; occasionally there is an added fee for one or the other.
Standard, Order Picker, and All-Terrain Licenses
Forklift licenses are assigned according to the type of machine the operator will be handling. For instance, operators using sit-down, electric-powered forklifts with front or side loaders should obtain a standard forklift license. Stand-up forklifts, typically used in warehouses, lift the operator with the load so that he or she can handle stock; these require “order picker” licenses. Finally, those operating large, heavy-equipment forklifts like those often seen at construction sites will need to be tested for an “all-terrain” forklift license.
On-site and Online Licensing
The steps necessary to obtaining a forklift license can be completed online or on a job site. Many companies require all employees to complete both the formal and practical training on-site immediately before or after hiring. This allows the company to train the employee with their own equipment, and according to their own set of particular guidelines. However, online testing (for the formal forklift training segment) is also available to those who want or need to complete training independently.
License Validity
On rare occasions, companies will only accept forklift licenses they provide; thus, it may be necessary to take a “refresher” course in order to obtain a license for a particular job. Likewise, some on-site forklift licenses are valid only at that particular site. However, these are the exceptions rather than the rules: almost all companies will accept a valid license from another job or test site or from a combination of online/on-site testing.
A forklift license can be obtained for a relatively low fee. On average the testing and licensing process costs about $50; sometimes, an employer will offer the training and license free-of-charge, to ensure that all employees complete training, testing, and evaluation promptly.