Forklift & aerial lift certification, explained
The employer must certify that each operator has been trained and evaluated. Training has three parts, and operators must be re-evaluated at least every three years.
What OSHA requires for forklifts
Apart from training itself, nobody may operate a forklift until the employer has confirmed they finished the required training. (29 CFR 1910.178(l)(1)(ii)) [src]
- Forklift training must combine three parts. The first is formal instruction, such as a lecture, discussion, computer course, video or written material. (29 CFR 1910.178(l)(2)(ii)) [src]
- The second part is practical training: the trainer demonstrates and the trainee does hands-on exercises. (29 CFR 1910.178(l)(2)(ii)) [src]
Every operator's performance must be evaluated at least once every three years. (29 CFR 1910.178(l)(4)(iii)) [src] The certification must list the operator's name, the training date, the evaluation date, and who did the training or evaluation. (29 CFR 1910.178(l)(6)) [src]
Training options compared
Whatever you buy (an online course, a trainer at your site or a training center), check it against the three parts the regulation lists, and who may deliver them:
| Required part | What the regulation says |
|---|---|
| Formal instruction | Forklift training must combine three parts. The first is formal instruction, such as a lecture, discussion, computer course, video or written material. (29 CFR 1910.178(l)(2)(ii)) [src] |
| Practical training | The second part is practical training: the trainer demonstrates and the trainee does hands-on exercises. (29 CFR 1910.178(l)(2)(ii)) [src] |
| Who trains and evaluates | Only people with the knowledge, training and experience to train and evaluate operators may run the training and evaluation. (29 CFR 1910.178(l)(2)(iii)) [src] |
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Scissor lift & boom lift certification
Employers must train workers on hazards, including how to work safely on or near scissor lifts. (29 CFR 1926.454) [src]
On construction sites, only authorized persons may operate an aerial lift. (29 CFR 1926.453(b)(2)(ii)) [src]
Common questions
Sources
- OSHA 29 CFR 1910.178 - Powered industrial trucks (retrieved November 3, 2026)
- OSHA Scaffolding eTool - Scissor Lifts (retrieved November 3, 2026)
- OSHA 29 CFR 1926.453 - Aerial lifts (retrieved November 3, 2026)