FedEx offers free forklift certification

If you want to get forklift operator training, there are certainly a lot of training providers to choose from. With online training, in-person training, and various "free" training courses, how do you choose the right forklift operator training course?

The most important thing is to make sure your training and certification is compliant with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Otherwise, you can't use it to find a forklift operating job. Beyond that, there are various factors to consider when making your decision.

Here's a handy guide on what to look out for in a free forklift certification and key information about the best providers.

How to Get a Forklift Certification for Free: 4 Steps

Step 1: Understand the Requirements

Understand the Requirements

In addition to receiving forklift training, you will need to meet a few other criteria to operate a forklift commercially in the United States. The provider will check that you meet these requirements before taking 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 educational development (GED) certificate, or equivalent.

In addition, employers may have other requirements for job applicants. The most common of these are proof of English proficiency and completion of a medical exam. In addition to checking the general health and work ability of the potential worker, the medical exam may also include a drug test. This is not a legal requirement in all states, but employers have a responsibility to ensure a safe workplace and therefore need to avoid potential issues arising from drug use.

Step 2: Choose a route

There are a number of ways to become a certified forklift operator without having to pay out of pocket. Which route 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, there is a good chance 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 spots to local residents. This may have specific criteria, so be sure to inquire early to get the best chance.

Government/state funding

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

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.

Step 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. This portion of in-person training usually takes about 6 hours, while online forklift training can be much shorter.

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

Step 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 operations. This is to satisfy the practical training OSHA compliance requirement and therefore is sufficient as a practical endorsement on your forklift license.