Free OSHA Forklift Certification Training Course

With the booming development of e-commerce, the demand for forklift operators in the United States is increasing. Learning forklift technology now can not only help you find a job quickly, but also enjoy the dividends of the rapid development of the industry! Although there are few completely free forklift certification training courses, you can still find relatively low-cost or even free training courses through some channels.

A report shows that the average annual salary of forklift workers in the United States has exceeded $80,000 and is still growing.

If you want to be trained as a forklift operator, there are certainly a lot of training providers to choose from. With online training, in-person training, and all sorts of “free” training courses, how do you choose the right forklift operator training course?

Free vs. Paid: Are there any pitfalls of “free”?

You can learn about forklift safety, forklift operation, forklift operator checklists, and more from online free training providers, so why would you choose to purchase a paid service? The answer is simple, it all comes down to complying with those all-important OSHA regulations. Is there any point in taking a free online forklift training course? Probably, especially if you are seeking training and certification for the first time rather than renewing an existing forklift license.

How to Get Forklift Certification for Free: 4 Steps

1: Know the requirements

In addition to receiving forklift training, there are a few other criteria you need to meet in order to commercially operate a forklift in the United States. The supplier will check that you meet these requirements before you take the OSHA-compliant forklift certification assessment. Applicants must: be at least 18 years old; be a U.S. citizen or have the right to live and work in the United States; and hold a high school diploma, General Education Development (GED) certificate, or equivalent.

2: Select a route

There are a number of ways to become a certified forklift operator without having to pay out of pocket. Which path is best for you will largely depend on your current situation.

Through your employer

If you already hold another position at a company that needs a forklift operator, it is always worth expressing your interest to your employer/line manager. If they see you as a reliable employee, it is likely that they will actually be more willing to cover the cost of your forklift operator training than hiring someone they don’t know and trust.

Community Colleges

Community colleges that offer OSHA-compliant forklift operator training sometimes offer a certain number of free places to local residents. This may have specific criteria, so be sure to enquire early to get the best chance.

Government/State Funding

If there is a general shortage of forklift operators in your state, there may be government funding or grants available to fill the gap. You can find information on all currently available grants at grants.gov.

Free Forklift Certification

If there is no way to get funding for a paid forklift training course, then an alternative is a free forklift certification provider: Forklift Certification Institute (FCI); OSHAcademy, etc.

3: Complete the Theory Certification

The classroom (or online) portion of the training course will cover OSHA regulations and health and safety, as well as the principles of forklift driving and basic maintenance. In-person training for this portion typically takes about 6 hours, while online forklift training can be much shorter.

After the training, a written assessment in the form of a questionnaire will be taken. A passing score on this test (usually around 75%) is necessary to obtain certification.

4: Practical training and assessment

Whether or not it is part of your in-person forklift training program (for example, if you get your forklift certification online), you will also need to complete practical training on how to operate a forklift and take an assessment of your driving abilities.

If you chose the online training option but have not yet completed the practical exam, don’t worry. You can still apply for jobs driving forklifts. Companies are obligated to provide new employees with practical training on the specific model of forklift used in their operation. This is to meet the practical training OSHA compliance requirement and therefore is sufficient as a practical endorsement on your forklift license.

Successful cases

Mark has always wanted to find a stable and high-paying job, but he struggled with not having any skills. By chance, he learned that the local community college offered free OSHA forklift certification training courses. After 3 days of study and practice, he successfully passed the exam and got the certificate. With this certificate, he soon found a job as a forklift operator in a large logistics company with a very good salary. Now, Mark has not only achieved financial independence, but also has full confidence in the future.

conclusion

Free OSHA forklift certification training courses offer a valuable avenue for those who are passionate about mechanical work but are limited by financial constraints. By proactively seeking out courses, meeting basic requirements, and applying to multiple funding sources, you can take the first step toward a fulfilling career. A proactive approach will not only reduce financial stress, but also put you on the path to achieving your ambitions. Now is the time to pursue your goals - explore options, apply, and embark on your forklift operating journey.