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Best forklift truck operator certifications
The best certifications for a forklift truck operator are Commercial Driver License (CDL), Forklift Safety and Inspector, and OSHA Safety Certificate .
Forklift truck operator certifications demonstrate your competency as a forklift truck operator to employers. However, not all forklift truck operator certifications provide the same value.
Below is a list of the best forklift truck operator certifications. Obtaining a forklift truck operator certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
4 best certifications for forklift truck operators
| Rank | Forklift truck operator certification | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Commercial Driver License (CDL) | FMCSA |
| 2 | Forklift Safety and Inspector | CIC |
| 3 | OSHA Safety Certificate | Delaware Tech... |
| 4 | EPA Amusement Operators Safety Certification (EPA) | EPA |
4 best forklift truck operator certifications
1. Commercial Driver License (CDL)
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is the agency of the U.S. Department of Transportation that is responsible for establishing standards for Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) operators, including the Commercial Driver's License (CDL). The minimum national CDL testing standards and licensing requirements established by FMCSA are administered by state driver licensing agencies when they issue a CDL. You are required to obtain and hold a CDL if you drive interstate, intrastate (within a state), or for foreign commerce and drive a vehicle that meets any of the classifications of a CDL. States develop their own tests which must meet the minimum federal standards, but which also may have standards unique to the state. To get a CDL, first you must get a commercial learner's permit. States can only issue learner's permits and CDLs to drivers after they pass knowledge exams and skills tests. You have to pass the CDL knowledge and skills tests for the class of license and type of endorsement required to operate the type of commercial vehicle you plan to drive. And, you have to take the skills test in a vehicle of the same type as the vehicle you plan to operate. For a quick reference of CDL Classes, see the CDL License Matrix.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 4 year(s)
2. Forklift Safety and Inspector
Most personnel operating and working around forklifts have had little or no quality training. This training program exceeds OSHA's new training requirements.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
3. OSHA Safety Certificate
This 40-hour program covers both the Construction 1926 and General Industry 1910 Standards, how to effectively interpret the Federal Register, health issues related to a work environment, recognition of physical hazards related to the violation of OSHA standards, and employer implementation of their own pro-active safety and health procedures.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? No
- Renewal required? No
4. EPA Amusement Operators Safety Certification (EPA)
A comprehensive, equipment specific safety program designed to provide operators and their employees with a thorough understanding of best risk management practices. Industry accidents, which serve to put a spotlight on potential issues, can often be avoided through the utilization of proper risk management techniques.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
What is the best certification for a forklift truck operator?
The best forklift truck operator certification is Commercial Driver License (CDL). The Commercial Driver License (CDL) is awarded by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. The advanced certification is for more experienced employees as it often requires some work experience to acquire.
Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this forklift truck operator certification:
- To become a certified Commercial Driver License (CDL), you need to pass the exam.
- Lucky you - certification doesn't require more than two years of work experience.
- Renew certification every 4 year.
What certifications can impact a forklift truck operator career and salary?
The Forklift Safety and Inspector certification will help you to secure a forklift operator position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. A forklift operator's average salary is $29,558 whereas forklift truck operators make an average salary of $34,558.
The most common combination of forklift truck operator certifications include: Commercial Driver License (CDL), Forklift Safety and Inspector, and OSHA Safety Certificate .
Online courses for forklift truck operators to earn certifications
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