USA is one of the biggest business hubs in the world. These businesses include construction, logistics, warehousing, and other heavy industries that require forklift machines. These industries offer with many job opportunities in the USA and simultaneously facing safety challenges in the state.

Forklift operating job is one of the most risky ones in the world and hence need specific training before starting a career with it.

If you have decided to start your career with forklift driving here are some key points to takeaway. If you know how to drive forklift machines, it is good but employers are not willing to pay suitable salary to an uncertified forklift driver.

Let’s talk about the whole forklift training application process in the USA!

Application of Forklift Certification

Private institutes conduct forklift safety training programs and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provides certificates to qualified personnel. These trainings can be accomplished by online mode but from a practical point of view an in-class training method is preferred by the candidates.

To begin with the process you can follow these steps:

Select Forklift Machine

The first thing is that you need to decide which kind of forklift machine you want to operate. There are various types of forklift machines. Each machine requires a specific training to operate. After making a decision, step ahead to training school.

Enroll in a Training School

After selecting your machine, find a forklift reputable training school or institute. There are many institutes in the USA offering online forklift training course. You can complete the entire formal requirements online.

When you search for a training institute, make sure that the institute provides online as well as offline forklift training.A reputed forklift-training institute always provides hands-on experience to their candidates.

Complete Your Training (Including In-Class)

Once you enroll in an institute, start your training. While undergoing online training, you should do it under the supervision of an expert. Other computer-based training would be good but practical sessions are the best option to prepare you for the real conditions.

When you attend the forklift training classes, don’t hesitate in asking question. There are many risks associated with the job. The trained experts can provide you thorough knowledge of different topics associated with forklift.

Appear for a Test and Earn a Certificate

After completing your training, you have to face a practical test. An authorized person, or the same teacher you got trained under, will take your test. On the basis of your performance, he/she will assign you marks. Once you clear the test, you will get a forklift license and a certificate.

It would be a proof that you have completed your OSHA forklift certification.

Refresh Your Training in Every 3 Years

The OSHA forklift certification is valid only for three years. You would have to repeat your training after every three year.

Now, you know about the forklift training application process. Let’s take a look at the available forklift truck types. Because of variation in the industry, workforce and activities there are seven major classifications of trucks:

1. Electric Motor Counterbalance
2. Electric motor Narrow Aisle forklifts
3. Electric motor Hand lifts
4. Internal Combustion Counterbalance Cushion Tire forklifts
5. Internal Combustion Counterbalance Pneumatic Tire forklifts
6. Electric and Internal Combustion Tow Tractors
7. Rough Terrain Trucks

Among these major types, the counterbalance, reach truck, walkie truck, order picker and dockstockerlifeter are very commonly used forklift machines. 

Conclusion

Getting a forklift-training certificate is necessary for a forklift driver. Just by knowing how to handle a forklift machine, you cannot get good jobs, certification is a must. Forklift certification ensures your work efficiency and safety of pedestrians at workplace.