Frequently asked questions

• Does everyone need to be trained to operate a Forklift?

  Everyone who operates a forklift at ...

  ARA promotes safety and best practices in all of our education and training resources. Everyone who operates a forklift at your facility is required to be trained according to federal regulations. At most rental companies, this would include service technicians and mechanics who repair and maintain forklifts and delivery drivers who transport them. We also recommend sales representatives take the training (even if they don’t operate them personally) so they can be better prepared to recommend units that meet the needs and safety requirements of different jobsites.
• I want to become a Forklift Operator. What is the process for registering for and completing the training (online and in-person).

  Register for an in-person, hands-on ...

  • Step one: Register for an in-person, hands-on training. This can be arranged directly through your rental company if you have ARA Certified Forklift trainers on staff. You can also find an operator training on RentalHQ.com.
  • Step two: Purchase the ARA Certified – Forklift Operator course from the Forklift trainer hosting the training. The trainer will enroll you in the course and send you instructions for accessing the online course in RentalU.
  • Step three: Complete the self-paced online (theory) course in RentalU. The online course will take you approximately 4 hours to complete.
  • Step four: Complete the in-person, hands-on training portion (4-5 hours).
• I want to become a Forklift Trainer. What is the process for registering for and completing the training (online and in-person).

  Register for an in-person training session ...

  • Step one: Register for an in-person training session hosted by an ARA Instructor. Check the National, State, and Local calendar of events prior to purchasing online training. If there is not an event in your area, but you would like to host one, please reach out to education@ararental.org or your state association to discuss options.
  • Step two: Once you register, the application form and prerequisite form will be emailed to you. Please complete the forms and email them to education@ararental.org as soon as possible.
  • Step three: Once the forms have been received, ARA will email you instructions on how to purchase the online (theory) course. This course must be completed 48 hours prior to the in-person, hands-on training.
  • Step four: Purchase the ARA Certified – Forklift Train-the-Trainer course. Log in to RentalU, select the ARA Certified programs button. Find the course you’re looking to purchase (ARA Certified – Forklift Train-the-Trainer) and complete the checkout process. You do not need a PayPal account to complete the transaction.
  • Step five: Complete the self-paced online (theory) course in RentalU. The online course will take you approximately 4 hours to complete. Step seven: Complete the in-person, hands-on training portion (4-5 hours)
• What are the prerequisite requirements to become a Forklift Operator?

  Be at least 18 years old ...

  • Be at least 18 years old.
  • Have the capacity to speak and read English.
  • Have the physical and mental ability to operate a forklift.
• What are the prerequisite requirements to become a Forklift Trainer?

  Be at least 20 years old ...

  • Be at least 20 years old at time of training (at least 18 years old plus 2 years of experience).
  • Work for a company with ARA membership.
  • Hold certification as a forklift operator for at least two years, with no significant lapses in operating a forklift during that time.
  • Have experience with the kind(s) of forklift(s) used during the training.
  • Have sufficient knowledge of the regulations, manufacturer’s requirements, and safe use practices.
  • Have the ability to identify and avoid hazards associated with forklifts and worksites.
  • Ability to speak and read in English.
  • Be physically capable of operating forklifts and free from any disabilities, infirmities, or incapacities that could impede their ability to operate or train others in forklift operation.
• How do I assign my employees to a forklift training?

  You must be a RentalU administrator ...

  You must be a RentalU administrator to assign a forklift online course to staff. Go to Course Management (under the Admin menu) and search for Forklift Operator Training OR Forklift Train-the-Trainer. Then, click on 'seats available,' and assign the seat to the appropriate user. Not a RentalU administrator? Contact our Education team at education@ararental.org.
• How do I assign my customers to a Forklift Operator training?

  You must be a RentalU administrator ...

  You must be a RentalU administrator to assign a forklift online course to customers. Go to Course Management (under the Admin menu) and search for Forklift Operator Training for Customers. Then, click on 'seats available,' and assign the seat to the appropriate user. Not a RentalU administrator? Contact our Education team at education@ararental.org.
• What do I need to complete before the in-person forklift training portion?

  All learners must complete the self ...

  All learners must complete the self-paced online (theory) course that is available for purchase through RentalU. The course takes approximately 4 hours to finish and must be completed 48 hours prior to the hands-on training. This applies to the Forklift Operator Training and Forklift Train-the-Trainer.
• What do I need to bring and/or wear to the in-person forklift training portion?

  All participants must bring the following...

  All participants must bring the following:

  • Personal Fall Protection Equipment (PFPE): safety harness and lanyard
  • Safety glasses
  • Close-toed shoes or boots
  • A pen or pencil
  • Driver’s license
  • Dress for anticipated weather conditions since the hands-on training will be outside (hat, sunscreen, raincoat, gloves, etc.)
• After completing the training, when will I receive my Forklift Operator or Forklift Trainer card?

  Certification cards will be mailed to ...

  Certification cards will be mailed to participants within 3-4 weeks after completing the hands-on portion of the training. Questions or concerns regarding certification cards can be emailed to education@ararental.org.
• I want to host an in-person forklift training at my facility. Who should I contact?

  If you or your ARA state association would ...

  If you or your ARA state association would like to host a forklift training, please contact education@ararental.org for more details.
• I want to host a forklift training at my facility. What do I need to have on-site?

  In order to host a Forklift training ...

  In order to host a forklift training, you must have the following at your facility:

  • Room for instruction
  • Tables and chairs for participants
  • A TV or screen for the presentation
  • AV cables to connect the presentation
  • Extension cord/power strip
  • A scissor lift and boom lift that have been inspected and are in good working condition.

  Note: For the Forklift Train-the-Trainer you need to have a Class 1, 4, or 5 and a Class 7 forklift. If facilitating Forklift Operator training, you need a Class 1, 4, or 5, and/or a Class 7 depending on the needs of the trainee.
• Does ARA’s forklift training program apply in Canada?

  ARA offers Forklift Operator training and ...

  ARA’s forklift training programs are valid in Canada, but members should understand their province’s specific requirements.