Everything you need to know about getting forklift certified under Cal/OSHA 2025 Standards.
If you’re ready to start or advance your career as a forklift operator, this online forklift certification California course is for you. Our training is designed for both new and experienced operators, providing a comprehensive and convenient path to certification, and ensure Cal/OSHA compliance. Completing this course will make you a more competitive job candidate for the state’s booming logistics and warehousing industries, from the Inland Empire to the San Francisco Bay Area.
Already certified? We also offer a fast and easy forklift recertification course to keep you compliant. Remember, your certification is valid for 3 years, so make sure to get re-certified to stay up-to-date.
The training is video-based and can be accessed from any device (phone, tablet, or computer). You can study at your own pace and take the final exam an unlimited number of times until you pass. Once you pass, you will receive your Official Forklift Certification document. This certification will include your name, the date of issue, a unique number, and a QR code that your employer can scan to verify its validity.
Unlike some states, California has its own state-specific regulatory plan, known as Cal/OSHA. This means that compliance standards can differ slightly from federal OSHA rules. For more information on official regulations, you can visit the Cal/OSHA Website.Â
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| New Video Based Training (Competitors use text book format) |  |
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| Employers can authenticante via QR Code on Certificate | |
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| Unlimited Exam Re-Takes | |
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| Designed to meet Cal/OSHA, OSHA, ANSI & CSA Standards | |
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| 100% Acceptance Guarantee | |
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| Instant proof of Certification | |
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| Save progress so you can stop and continue at a later time | |
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| Available on mobile/tablet platforms | |
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Once you have decided to pursue a career as a California forklift operator, the next step is to enroll in our online training course. This course uses animated videos and quizzes to prepare you with everything needed to pass your certification exam.
The training is video-based and can be accessed from any device (phone, tablet, or computer). You can study at your own pace. The exam can be taken an unlimited number of times, but you need a score of 70% or higher to pass.
As a business owner or manager in California, ensuring your team is properly trained and certified isn’t just a best practice—it’s a legal requirement under Cal/OSHA Title 8, Section 3668.
This regulation is specific to California and governs all powered industrial trucks, from standard forklifts to powered pallet jacks. Failing to comply can lead to costly fines and liability issues in a state with strict safety standards. For more information on workers’ compensation and workplace safety, visit the official California Workers’ Compensation website
California’s economy relies on industries where forklifts are essential for daily operations, including:
Port Logistics: The Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach handle a massive volume of goods, making them the busiest port complex in the Western Hemisphere. Safe and efficient forklift operation is non-negotiable in these high-volume environments.
Agriculture: The Central Valley’s agricultural sector depends on skilled operators to manage seasonal harvests and vast storage facilities. Our training helps operators in regions like Fresno and Bakersfield meet the unique demands of agricultural logistics.
Warehousing & E-commerce: In cities like Sacramento, San Diego, and throughout the Bay Area, the booming e-commerce industry requires a large, skilled workforce to manage distribution centers. The Inland Empire, in particular, has become a global hub for distribution, and a certified workforce is a competitive advantage for businesses there.
In these fast-paced environments, a single accident can be catastrophic, leading to serious injury, damage to goods, and a full operational shutdown. Our online training ensures your employees have the knowledge to operate safely, protecting your most valuable assets: your people and your business.
Cal/OSHA Title 8 is clear that formal instruction is just one part of the training process. The employer is ultimately responsible for two additional steps:
Practical Training: Demonstrations performed by a qualified trainer and hands-on exercises completed by the employee.
Performance Evaluation: A final, in-person evaluation to ensure the employee is competent to operate the equipment safely in your specific workplace.
Our online course fulfills the formal instruction component of this requirement, providing a critical first step for your employees to achieve full compliance. For more information on the duties of an employer in providing practical training, please refer to Cal/OSHA Title 8, Section 3668
Once you have your forklift certification, it will be easier to get a job in California’s robust logistics market. In a competitive job landscape, your certification acts as an immediate signal to employers that you have the preferred qualifications to fill a role.
California has one of the largest logistics and warehousing markets in the world, with major hubs in the Inland Empire (Riverside-San Bernardino), Los Angeles, and the Bay Area. In addition to online platforms like Indeed, LinkedIn, and Google Jobs, you should also look for local staffing agencies that specialize in placing warehouse and logistics professionals. For more information about the job market and career outlook for this profession, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics website.
Yes, it is very common for forklift job applicants to have no previous hands-on experience. After you are hired, your employer is required by law to provide the necessary hands-on training and a final performance evaluation. Your online certification proves you have the foundational knowledge and commitment needed to get started.
We are trusted provider of online forklift certifications. Our mission is to make Cal/OSHA-compliant training accessible, convenient, and affordable for everyone. Our courses are developed by certified safety professionals and are built to align with the most current industry standards. We believe that proper training is the key to preventing workplace accidents, improving operational efficiency, and empowering a skilled workforce. We are dedicated to providing the highest quality educational tools to help both individuals and businesses succeed. Some of the benefits of our certified training vs. others include:
Yes. In California, you must have an OSHA-compliant certification to legally operate a forklift. This is a crucial safety requirement that applies to every worker, ensuring you have the specialized knowledge to operate heavy machinery in any work environment.
Most employers in California require a certification before you can even apply. However, some companies may hire you without one and will enroll you in an online training program during your onboarding process.
For faster employment, it’s highly recommended to get your certification beforehand. Many organizations use this as a way to determine if a candidate has the qualifications and commitment needed for the job.
No. You do not need to have hands-on training to apply for a forklift operator position in California.
This is because your future employer is legally required to provide you with hands-on training and a final performance evaluation. Your online certification proves you have the knowledge, and your employer will ensure you have the practical skills needed to operate a machine safely in your specific workplace.
Yes, this training is completed entirely online. You can take the course on any device, including your phone, tablet, or computer, making it a great option for those who want to learn on the go.
The course is broken down into 5 topics, each designed to teach you the guidelines set forth by Cal/OSHA. These five topics include:
Forklift Fundamentals
Forklift Inspection
Forklift Load Handling
Forklift Safe Driving
Forklift Stability
For a full list of the powered industrial truck training requirements, you can refer to Cal/OSHA Title 8, Section 3668
Operators with no previous experience can expect to spend about 2 hours completing the course. If you have previous experience, you can typically finish the course in less than 1 hour.
Yes. After you finish the training videos, you must pass a final online exam. You can take the exam as many times as you need, but you must pass with a score of 70% or higher to receive your certification.
Some employers will request your certification document before you are hired, while others will ask for it during the onboarding process. Once you provide the document, they can verify it by scanning the QR code or using the certification number to confirm its authenticity.
