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Forklift Operator

ARA Certified Forklift Training program
Become an operator

ARA’s Forklift Operator Training program qualifies professionals to operate forklifts to OSHA requirements and ANSI standards.

ARA’s Forklift Operator training program satisfies OSHA requirements and the ANSI B56 standards. This program is available to both rental professionals and customers.

In addition, anyone at least 18 years old, have the capacity to read and understand English, and are physically and mentally able to operate a forklift can participate in ARA’s Forklift Operator training program.

There are 3 options for training: Class 1-5 forklifts, Class 7 forklifts or Class 1-5 and 7 forklifts. Each training is structured in portions – a self-paced, online portion and an in-person, hands-on portion.

forklift operator training program - ARA 

Operator Training Options

Class 1-5 Forklift

Operator Training

Focus on operating forklifts used for lifting and carrying heavy loads.

Learn more here

Class 7 Forklift

Operator Training

Focus on operating rough terrain forklifts intended for use on unimproved natural terrain and disturbed terrain construction sites.

Learn more here

Class 1-5 & Class 7 Forklift

Operator Training

Focus on operating all types of forklifts, including rough terrain forklifts.

Learn more here

Our Forklift Training Program Includes

Online Training Course Modules

  • Forklift standards and regulations
  • Know your responsibilities
  • Identify the right forklift for the job
  • Forklift controls and features
  • Manuals, decals, placards
  • Forklift safety
  • Pre-start inspection & function check
  • Safely operate a forklift
  • Preventative maintenance and refueling/recharging

In-person Training Components

  • Review material learned in online training portion
  • Understand and initiate worksite hazard assessment
  • Become familiar with forklift components and functionality
  • Practice operating forklift with trainer
  • Complete hands-on evaluation

The Benefits

 

 

The importance of training

Everyone who operates a forklift is required to be trained according to federal regulations. ARA created the Forklift Training program to satisfy OSHA requirements and the ANSI standards.

This program is also compliant with the Canadian Standards Association (CSA). Completing this training will increase safety and value to employees and customers.

ARA’s Certified Forklift training programs vs. other forklift certifications or trainings

ARA’s Forklift Operator Training program is customized for the rental industry. It is concise, engaging, and straightforward because the program was designed with our members in mind.

We understand that working in equipment rental is a demanding job. Taking a few days off to complete training is not usually an option for rental staff.

ARA’s Forklift Operator Training program consists of 4-5 hours of a self-paced, online course and a 4 hour in-person training, making it an efficient and effective development opportunity for rental employees and customers.

Frequently asked questions

  • 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. Log in to RentalU and select the ARA Certified programs button. Find the course you’re looking to purchase (ARA Certified - Forklift Operator course) and complete the checkout process. You do not need a PayPal account to complete the transaction.
    • 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).
  • 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’s the difference between the three options for Forklift Operator Training?

    ARA offers three different types of ...

    ARA offers three different types of forklift operator trainings: Class 1-5, Class 7, and Class 1-5 & 7. Participants have the choice to be trained in either Class 1-5 or Class 7 or be trained in Class 1-5 & 7 through the combination training option. Class 1-5 are the most common types of industrial forklifts. These include but are not limited to; rider electric and combustion forklifts, order pickers, stand up forklifts, and motorized hand jacks. The Class 1-5 training covers the information needed to safely operate common industrial forklifts. Class 7 are rough terrain forklifts that include straight mast and telehandlers. The training for Class 7 covers the information needed to safely operate both straight mast and telehandler rough terrain forklift. The combination training option of Class 1-5 & 7 forklifts encompasses all information needed to safely operate common industrial forklifts and rough terrain forklifts (both straight mast and telehandler).
  • How do I decide which training (Class 1-5, Class 7, or both Class 1-5 & 7 combined) is best for me?

    ARA promotes safety and best practices ...

    ARA promotes safety and best practices in all of our education and training resources. The class(es) of forklift you receive training on will depend on the class(es) of forklift you operate in your workplace. It is important to consider all types of forklifts you currently operate and potential opportunities in the future.
  • 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.
  • 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 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.
  • How do I assign my customers to a Forklift Operator training?

    You must be a RentalU administrator to ...

    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 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.
  • How do I assign my employees to a forklift training?

    You must be a RentalU administrator to ...

    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.