How Long Does Forklift Certification Last?

How long does forklift certification last? In line with OSHA regulations, all forklift drivers must have their training evaluated and refreshed every 3 years. That’s true whether you live in California or elsewhere in the United States. 

Why Does Forklift Certification Only Last 3 Years?

OSHA continuously unrolls safety updates. This is in an effort to reduce the chances of your business being affected by forklift-related accidents – ones that can result in lost productivity at best. And injury at worst. 

OSHA’s requirements could change yearly. By the time your 3 year-refresher rolls around, you could be unaware of key safety updates that affect and protect your workplace. 

That’s why OSHA’s 3-year certification policy remains in place. And also why you shouldn’t expect this renewal requirement to disappear any time soon.

Forklift Train the Trainer FAQs Answered

Ever wished you had an in-house forklift trainer? Being able to issue forklift operator certifications whenever you need to is very convenient.

The first step is to have a staff member with an OSHA forklift instructor certification. In this article, we’ll cover:

  • OSHA Train the Trainer Requirements 
  • Forklift Instructor Training in California
  • Frequently Asked Questions

For course pricing or to view our upcoming schedule, visit our forklift trainer certification course page.

Forklift Certification FAQs


Interested in learning how to drive a forklift? Wondering what it takes to become a certified forklift operator, what a forklift license is and where to go for training? Read on for the answers...

Forklift Refresher Training

OSHA 1910.178 (l) (4) (iii) states “An evaluation of each Powered Industrial Truck operators performance shall be conducted at least once every 3 years”. Everyone knows that!

Yet failure to provide appropriate training remains one of the top five forklift-related OSHA violations year after year. Moreover, it's considered a "Serious" violation with a minimum fine of $1036 and a maximum fine of $15,625 (in 2023).

Why is the citation so common? Many companies aren't aware OSHA requires forklift refresher training more frequently than every three years following certain situations. 

How to Get a Forklift Certification in California

If you want to get a job driving a forklift in California, you need a forklift license. Getting a forklift license is similar to getting a driver's license, you have to prove you know what you're doing. The license also specifies what type of forklift that the operator is certified to use (electric, pneumatic tire, rough terrain, etc.) in the same way your driver's license might have a motorcycle or hazardous material endorsement.

6 Simple Ways to Make Your Forklifts Safer


Forklifts cause 10 percent of workplace injuries in factories and warehouses, but many accidents (and lawsuits) can be prevented with the right forklift safety accessories. Combining safety equipment with pedestrian and operator safety training, clearly demonstrates your business takes a proactive approach to safety.

Forklift Certification Classes


Toyota Material Handling Northern California (TMHNC) is the industry leader in forklift and aerial lift training & certification. Our certified instructors have trained thousands of operators and can help you ensure complete compliance with federal and state OSHA requirements.

Learn more about the different types of forklift certification training we offer and upcoming class dates.

New ANSI Standards for 2019 - Time is Running Out

The new ANSI standards released in December 2018 affect all owners, operators and supervisors of aerial lifts including: booms, scissor lifts and under-bridge inspection machines. The new standards are designed to enhance safety and shift North American equipment standards closer to international standards - allowing companies and equipment manufacturers to be more competitive in the global marketplace.

The new standards place greater responsibility on the equipment user/owner regardless of whether they are a large maintenance operation or a small business that rents a scissor lift, boom lift, etc. for seasonal work. Employers, owners and operators must be in compliance by December 10, 2019

Don’t get caught off guard. Learn more about the new ANSI A92.22 standards for Safe Use and ANSI A92.24 standards for Training.

Scissor Lift Training and Safety

According to OSHA, the major causes of injuries and fatalities involving aerial lifts are: collapses or tip-overs, falls and electrocution.  Though OSHA classifies scissor lifts as a mobile scaffolds (not aerial lifts), the safety guidelines are similar.

Scissor lifts can be used in place of a boom lift in warehouses, construction, manufacturing, video shoots and a many other industries. Scissor lifts are different from other types of aerial lifts mainly because the mechanism that does the lifting is a set of crossed beams that extend and close like scissors. 

In this article, we’ll review some important safety guidelines for using scissor lifts and OSHA / Cal OSHA requirements for training.

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