You know that getting an online forklift certification could be one of the best things you can do for your career right now. There are quite a few companies out there in many fields that need to have qualified forklift operators for their operations. However, you might not understand what it takes to get their certification.

For starters, we have to think about the terminology for a moment. If you are in the United States or Canada, there is not a forklift license, per se. Rather, it is a certification. Still, many people slip into the habit of asking, “How do I get my forklift license?” when they are just getting started. However, it is important to know the distinction, especially when you are speaking with prospective employers. They know that it is a certificate, and you want them to know that you understand the correct terminology.

Let’s look at everything you will need to know so you can get your certification.

How to Get My Forklift License/Certification

When you are getting your forklift certification, you’ll find that you generally need to go through several different types of training. This includes theory training, as well as an assessment of your knowledge of the theory, hands-on training, and also a practical evaluation to determine if you are ready to operate the machine. Fortunately, the theory and the knowledge assessment can both be completed online, which can help you save quite a bit of time.

While it is possible to take a class that will go over the theory and have the exam, classroom training tends to be less than ideal for many people. You would have to find a class in your area, and then you would have to schedule your life around the class to make sure you could get there on time so you do not miss anything. In addition, the instructor might not go at your preferred speed – they could be going too fast or too slow.

With the online forklift certification, you will find that it tends to be far more convenient. You can take the course when you wish and on your own schedule. You can go as quickly or as slowly as you need to retain the information. It also tends to be a more cost-effective option.

For these reasons, choosing to get this part of the certificate completed online is becoming more and more popular.

Finding the Right Program

However, you do need to make sure you are working with the right training provider before you get started. They need to be compliant with the standards set forth by OSHA. When you start to look up programs, they will have a section of the site that says they are following the guidelines from OSHA. If the program you are considering does not have this option, you should look elsewhere for your training.

You should also look at the way the company lays out its instructions. The typical text-based courses are simply not good enough for most students because it is more difficult to retain the information. You will find that forklift training providers who can offer videos along with interactive elements to their training are a far better option. Seeing the information and interacting helps many people to learn far more effectively than just reading alone.

Consider the flexibility of the program, too. How long do you have to take to complete the training, and when are you allowed to log into the system to train? Ideally, the company will not have restrictions for these elements of your training.

You might also wonder what happens if you don’t pass the exam on your first attempt. Some training providers will make you pay for the test again. You want to find a provider that will allow you to take the test as many times as you need without charging you. In addition, you should choose a provider that will allow you to print out your certification card once you complete the training. Some will only allow you to get your certificate by mail, which simply takes too long.

Why Is Getting Certification So Important?

If you hope to operate a forklift, there is no getting around the fact that you need to have certification. It is a requirement of OSHA, and no reputable employer is going to allow their workers to get on a forklift without having undergone the proper training and certification. In addition, you’ll find that getting your certification can provide you with more job opportunities in the future. Employers who need operators are more likely to hire someone who has their certificate when all other elements are equal.

In addition, having certification can provide you with peace of mind. You will know that you have the knowledge and the skill to operate these heavy and potentially dangerous pieces of machinery with complete safety.