Some of the most common questions we get are, “Is your forklift certification OSHA-approved”, “Is your training OSHA-certified”, or “Are you an OSHA-accredited forklift training provider”? This is understandable since OSHA is the regulatory organization in the United States that oversees and enforces forklift safety in the workplace. So does OSHA Approve Forklift Training?

To put it simply, No. OSHA does not approve, accredit, certify, promote, or endorse forklift training programs or providers.

OSHA does, however, define forklift training requirements, including what training must include, and holds employers responsible for making sure operators are properly trained and evaluated, but it does not “stamp” individual programs.

This guide is for individuals looking to get a forklift certification and employers who need to train their forklift operators. It explains where the “OSHA‑approved/certified/accredtied” myth comes from, why that language is misleading, and what actually matters when choosing a forklift training program that meets OSHA’s requirements. 

“OSHA-Approved” Forklift Training & Accredited Providers

A common misconception is that forklift training classes, online courses, and programs must be formally “OSHA-Approved”, “OSHA-Certified”, or accredited by OSHA. There are many reasons that contribute to this confusion, including:

• OSHA-Authorized Providers: OSHA does authorize providers to deliver OSHA outreach training courses, including OSHA-10 Hour and 30-Hour training for general industry and construction. Individuals may see the “authorized” term used for outreach training and believe that it applies to all training that OSHA requires. This isn’t true; it only applies to outreach courses. It’s also important to note that providers cannot use the terms “approved” or “certified” even for outreach training. This is because, while they do “authorize” providers to deliver the training, they still do not certify, approve, or endorse specific programs or providers.

• Confusing “OSHA-Compliant” with “OSHA-Approved”: Some providers state that their forklift training is “OSHA‑compliant” or “meets OSHA 29 CFR 1910.178 requirements.” That’s accurate if the content actually aligns with the standard, but many people mentally associate “compliant” with “approved” and assume OSHA has reviewed and endorsed the training. In reality, OSHA expects employers to choose or build training that complies with the standard; it does not pre‑approve those programs or keep a list of compliant courses.

• Misreading OSHA’s Use of “Certify”: OSHA’s forklift standard requires the employer to “certify” that each operator has been trained and evaluated, and to document that certification. When people see the word “certify” in the regulation, they often assume OSHA is the one issuing that certification. In truth, “certification” typically refers to the document issued by a provider or employer indicating that a worker completed training. It’s not an OSHA‑issued or OSHA‑approved credential.

• Forklift “License” Terminology: In everyday language, workers and supervisors talk about getting a “forklift license” or an “OSHA forklift license,” the same way you get a driver’s license from the state. That wording makes it sound like a government agency is issuing and approving forklift cards. What operators actually receive is training and a certificate or record, not a government-issued forklift license or OSHA‑approved card.

• Misleading Marketing Claims: Unfortunately, some training providers use phrases like “OSHA‑approved,” “OSHA‑certified,” or “OSHA‑accredited” in their marketing even though OSHA does not approve or endorse forklift courses or providers. These claims are flat‑out inaccurate and misleading. Over time, this language gets repeated by sales reps and customers, which spreads inaccurate information and makes it harder for employers and operators to tell the difference between ethical providers and those relying on false authority.

In short, it’s easy to see why people assume there must be such a thing as “OSHA‑approved” or “OSHA‑certified” forklift training. The terminology around authorization, compliance, certification, licenses, and marketing all point in that direction, even though OSHA does not approve or accredit specific forklift courses or providers.

What OSHA actually does is set the requirements for training and evaluation under 29 CFR 1910.178 and hold employers responsible for meeting them—which is what we’ll look at next.

What Does OSHA Actually Require?

OSHA does not approve or accredit forklift training, but it does define what compliant forklift training must include under 29 CFR 1910.178. A complete forklift training program has two essential parts, each of which must include an evaluation:

• Part 1: General Training (formal instruction covering forklift fundamentals and safety)
• Part 2: Workplace-Specific and Practical Training (hands-on training at the workplace on actual equipment)

Together, these components ensure operators understand both the principles of safe forklift operation and how to apply them in their specific work environment.

Part 1: General Training (Theory/Classroom/Online)

The general training provides the foundational knowledge employees need before they ever operate a forklift.

• Covers how forklifts work, stability basics, load handling, general hazards, and safe operating practices.
• Can be delivered in a classroom or through structured online training, as long as it includes OSHA’s required topics.
• Must include knowledge evaluation to verify operators understand the material.

Many employers choose to complete part 1 through online forklift training to provide consistent, up-to-date instruction while reducing scheduling complexity and operational disruption.

Part 2: Workplace‑Specific and Practical Training

After operators complete general training, they must receive instruction specific to their job environment and actual equipment they’ll be using. This ensures they can apply what they learned safely and correctly in the field.

• Training should take place at the workplace, using the same types of trucks and attachments operators will use on the job.
• It should cover site layout, traffic patterns, docks, ramps, racking, workplace procedures.
• A competent trainer or evaluator demonstrates proper use, supervises practice, and then conducts and documents a practical evaluation that you document.

Each part of the training serves a distinct purpose. General training builds foundational knowledge and confirms understanding of forklift fundamentals and safety principles. Workplace-specific training and evaluation connects that knowledge to actual operating conditions and verifies that the operator can apply everything competently.

Training Language and Comprehension

It’s also important to note that forklift training must be provided in a language and vocabulary that workers can understand. This means that, when employers train Spanish-speaking operators, they need to provide them with Spanish forklift training. Providing English-only training to workers who don’t speak English does not meet OSHA’s requirements.

For a detailed breakdown of OSHA requirements, including required topics, common mistakes, training language, and training options, see our complete [OSHA Forklift Training Requirements Guide].

Forklift Certification for Individuals

Individuals often search for forklift certification because they want to improve job prospects, meet employer requirements, or prepare before starting a new role. While OSHA does not issue or approve forklift certificates, individuals and job-seekers can complete valid forklift training that employers commonly accept as the foundation of certification.

Here’s how forklift certification typically works for individuals.

Step 1: Complete General Forklift Training

The first step is completing general forklift training, which covers forklift fundamentals, safety principles, and common hazards. This training is the same foundational instruction required under OSHA’s standard and is often completed online.

For individuals, online forklift certification training is the most practical option due to its popularity and convenience, and because it:

• Can meet OSHA requirements when choosing the right program and provider.
• Covers required forklift safety and operational topics and includes the required knowledge evaluation.
• Provides a certificate of completion that can be added to resumes and shared with employers.

This certification shows that you’ve completed the formal instruction portion of forklift training.

Step 2: Provide Proof of Training to an Employer

When applying for forklift-related positions, individuals can present their training certificate to demonstrate they’ve completed forklift training. Employers often prefer candidates who already have this step done because it reduces onboarding time and shows initiative.

Step 3: Employer Completes Practical Training and Evaluation

Before you operate a forklift on your own, your employer will complete the remaining required components:

• Workplace-specific training on actual equipment and company safety requirements.
• Practical evaluation to confirm you can operate safely.
• Documentation confirming competence.

This step must always be completed by the employer, regardless of where or how you completed general training.

What Individuals Should Look for in Forklift Training

If you’re completing forklift training on your own, look for programs that:

• Clearly align with OSHA’s forklift training requirements
• Include a structured knowledge evaluation
• Issue a certificate of completion with verifiable records
• Avoid misleading claims like “OSHA-approved” or “OSHA-certified”

A legitimate forklift training training program prepares you for employer evaluation and real-world operation. It does not claim to replace workplace-specific training or promise authorization to operate equipment on its own.

Forklift Training for Employers

For employers, forklift training is about building a defensible training process that meets OSHA forklift training requirements, supports safe operation, and works within real operational constraints.

While OSHA places direct responsibility on the employer to ensure operators are trained, evaluated, and competent, it does not force employers to use a particular method, process, or provider.

That means employers are free to choose a training approach that not only covers all required components, but also fits their specific operational requirements.

Choosing a Forklift Training Method

In addition to having flexibility with training options, employers are also not required to use external trainers or live training centers. 

Because of the resources now available, a growing number of companies are successfully managing forklift training programs internally. This is especially true for companies with multiple locations, frequent onboarding, or limited access to external trainers.

The two main approaches being used include:

• Traditional instructor-led programs, where internal forklift trainers deliver classroom sessions using forklift training materials and conduct practical evaluations.
• Blended training programs, where general training is completed online and workplace-specific training and evaluation are handled by deemed internal trainers made up of managers, supervisors, and even experienced operators.

The right approach depends on factors such as workforce size, turnover, number of locations, scheduling constraints, and internal resources. What matters most is that all required training components are completed and properly documented.

What Employers Should Look for in Forklift Training Solutions

When selecting training programs or providers, employers should prioritize solutions that:

• Clearly support OSHA’s full training requirements
• Allow flexibility for different equipment, locations, and shifts
• Enable internal trainers to conduct and document practical evaluations
• Provide reliable training records and certificate management
• Avoid misleading claims about OSHA approval or certification

Effective forklift training for employers is not about finding an “approved” provider or outsourcing responsibility. It’s about selecting tools and methods that allow you to consistently train, evaluate, and document operator competence across your operation. When the training approach fits your environment and resources, compliance becomes easier to maintain and safety outcomes improve as a result.

If you’re switing forklift training methods or providers, you can view our full guide on [How to Switch Forklift Training Providers].

Conclusion

There is no such thing as OSHA-approved, OSHA-certified, or OSHA-accredited forklift training. OSHA does not endorse training programs or providers. What it does is set clear requirements and hold employers accountable for meeting them.

Once that misconception is removed, the path forward becomes much clearer.

For individuals, forklift certification starts with completing legitimate general training that aligns with OSHA’s requirements and prepares you for employer evaluation. For employers, forklift training is about building a complete, defensible process that includes proper instruction, workplace-specific training, practical evaluation, and documentation.

The method you choose matters far less than whether all required components are completed correctly and consistently. Whether training is delivered online, instructor-led, blended, or internally managed, compliance and safety come from how the program is structured and executed, not from misleading labels or claims of approval.

At ForkliftTraining.com, we’re committed to accuracy and transparency around OSHA requirements, which is why that commitment is reflected consistently across our training programs and educational resources.

Does OSHA approve forklift training?

No. OSHA does not approve, certify, accredit, endorse, or promote forklift training programs or providers. OSHA sets the forklift training requirements under 29 CFR 1910.178 and holds employers responsible for meeting them, but it does not review or endorse forklift training courses and programs.

Does OSHA accredit forklift training providers?

No. OSHA does not accredit forklift training providers. Any claim that a provider is “OSHA-accredited” is inaccurate.

Instead, employers are responsible for selecting training that meets OSHA’s requirements under 29 CFR 1910.178. Reputable providers focus on clearly aligning their content, evaluations, resources, and documentation with the standard, rather than claiming approval or accreditation that OSHA does not grant.

If a provider relies on terms like “OSHA-accredited” or “OSHA-approved” instead of explaining how their training meets the actual requirements, that should be treated as a red flag.

Does OSHA issue forklift licenses?

No – OSHA does not issue forklift licenses. There is no such thing as a government-issued or OSHA-issued forklift “license”. What employers and training providers issue is documentation in the form of a certificate or forklift certification confirming training, not a license granted by OSHA.

Is online forklift training OSHA-compliant?

Yes, online forklift training through a legitimate training provider can meet OSHA’s general forklift training requirements if it meets certain criteria such as including required topics, a knowledge evaluation, and interactivity.

Can employers train operators In-house?

Yes. Employers are permitted to train and certify forklift operators, as long as all OSHA training and evaluation requirements are met and properly documented. Many employers use either a traditional instructor-led approach or a blended forklift operator training method that combines online forklift training with practical evaluations conducted by internal trainers, made up of manager, supervisors, or experienced forklift operators.