A Quick Guide on How to Become Forklift Certified in Statesville

Are you thinking about getting a forklift certification but aren't sure where or how to begin? Check out this quick guide on how to become forklift certified in Statesville.

Operating a forklift is one of the more common responsibilities in the US job market. In fact, there are over 1.5 million forklift operators in the US.

Since it is such a great addition to your resume, there's a good chance you've thought about becoming certified yourself.

Luckily, with the proper training, it's not as challenging as you think. Let's talk about how to get forklift certified to help you start a new career!

Benefits of a Forklift Certification in Statesville

Forklifts are an important piece of warehouse or construction equipment, but they are used in a much wider range of industries. If you're considering becoming certified as a forklift operator, then consider the following benefits.

Reduce Risk with Proper Forklift Certification

Operating a forklift without proper training is very dangerous. Proper certification is very important for employment and is required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration or OSHA regulations.

Training for the certification will also include safety measures such as equipment inspection and basic repairs, which promote safety for employees as well as maximize the life of the equipment.

High Demand

Heavy machine operators of all kinds are in high demand across the US. There are many types of jobs and industries that require certified and experienced forklift operators, including:

- Warehouses

- Landscaping

- Wholesale companies

- Retail companies

- Manufacturing plants

- Construction

- Supply yards

- Shipping companies

- Factories

The list goes on. Whether you want to work in the outdoors or in a machine shop, a forklift certification will certainly help you land a job.

Begin a Career In a New Field

Heavy equipment is a very lucrative field in high demand for skilled workers, and forklift certifications are a great way to get your foot in the door. Many heavy machine operators who work with excavators, bulldozers, and even cranes started out with a forklift certification and built up from there.

This isn't to suggest that forklift operating isn't a solid career of its own. However, the field does offer options for career growth and expansion.

Makes Business Operations Easier

Efficiency is one of the biggest reasons why skilled forklift operators are in such high demand. With specialized training, forklift operators will learn how to handle this equipment safely and efficiently.

If you work with any materials in your business, or if you're looking to start a business, you can always buy a forklift and become certified, which will allow you to move your products with much greater efficiency. Also, forklift operators are often outsourced, so this could a lucrative business to start once you are certified!

If you are an employee of a company, a forklift certification will ultimately make you more valuable to the company, which will only help with job security and salary prospects!

How To Become a Certified Forklift Operator in Statesville

Now that you know the benefits of a forklift certification, you're probably interested in becoming certified yourself. Well, it isn't too difficult if you meet the requirements and follow these steps.

1. Meet the Qualifications

In order to become a forklift operator, you must be at least 18 years old as required by OSHA. In some cases, you will also need a high school diploma or equivalent. Driver's licenses are not required under OSHA guidelines to receive a forklift certification.

2. Choose the Right Certification

There are different certifications for forklift operators, and the one you choose will depend on the job you want. OSHA has 7 different classes for their certifications, including:

- Electric, sit-down rider, or counterbalanced trucks

- Electric narrow aisle trucks

- Electric hand trucks or rider trucks

- Pneumatic tire internal combustion engine trucks 

- Solid tire internal combustion engine trucks 

- Electric and internal combustion engine tractors

- Rough terrain forklift

If you are already employed with a company, ask your employer which certification would best suit the work you do, if you are unsure.

3. Attend the Forklift Certification Training

Once you have found an OSHA-approved training program that matches your needs, you will enroll and prepare for the classes. These classes usually only last a few days and will involve both hands-on and classroom learning to prepare students to safely operate a forklift in Statesville.

4. Pass the Exam

Once your coursework is complete, you will need to take the written exam. This will consist primarily of multiple-choice questions, and you will need to receive a 75% score or higher to pass.

From there, you will need to demonstrate your hands-on abilities. Once you pass, you will receive a certification card and be able to begin operating a forklift.

5. Apply for Jobs

If you don't already have a job, you can now list this forklift certification on your resume and begin applying for jobs in the field in which you want to work. 

Note that most jobs will require a drug test as part of their pre-employment screening to prevent excessive workplace hazards for their employees, customers, and merchandise.

6. Get Forklift Recertified

Good things don't last forever. Your certification will last for 3 years at a time, and you will need to be recertified after that. As long as you don't have any accidents or serious issues during your 3 years on record, there won't be a need for re-evaluation.

Get Forklift Certified in Statesville Today!

Now that you know what it takes to become forklift certified, why wait? It's such a valuable skill in today's job market, so the sooner you add it to your resume, the better!

Check out our high-quality equipment and training, and feel free to contact us to get started today!