In Nevada, the only way to get a forklift certification is to attend a forklift operator training course specific to the brand or type of the machine you’ll be driving. Though convenient, online option is not appropriate, you must take the course in person, attend the classroom and practical operation.
Getting the certification is extremely important for a new operator who wants to make a living driving forklift. Forklift trucks can cause damage to property, serious injury and death when improperly handled.
Here we’ve given you necessary steps you need to do in order to acquire forklift certification.
How to Get Forklift Certification
When training is done at the school (more applicable to new applicants):
- Enroll in a training course at a school near you. Below is the list of schools in Nevada that conduct forklift training, you must assess what training you need, make an inquiry and enroll for the course.
- You must be present during the classroom lectures that usually take 4-6 hours to complete. The classroom discussion tackles topics about OSHA rules and regulations, federal laws about safety and health, basic operation procedure, safety culture and awareness, care and maintenance procedure, basic load computation, basic organizational skills, proper inventory, and principles of forklift controls.
- Take the written test which is administered by the designated educator of the school. The passing rate is 75%. If you pass the exam, you will then proceed to hands-on driving.
- During the forklift hands-on driving part of the training course, you will be given assignments or sets of duties you need to complete. In this part, you will be supervised by the educator, he will make grading score based on how well you’ve driven the machine.
- If the trainer is satisfied with your performance, you will then eligible to receive your license, he will sign your certificate of completion and license card. You may keep those documents with you as proof of competency and present them when applying for a job.
- Three years is the certification’s validity. When expires, you need to take a refresher course.
When forklift training is on-site (applicable for employed operators):
It is the responsibility of the employer to grant free training for their operators; as per OSHA regulation, it is the employer’s duty to supply necessary and adequate training. Especially for those operators who have been involved in accidents. Operator forklift training is also given when employees are observed driving the machine in a dangerous manner. Such training can be altered so that it matches the purpose of the refresher course.
The training is also given to those holders with expiring licenses. Training must be specific to the type/brand of forklifts and workplace condition.
The in-house trainer who will conduct the training should be OSHA approved or those who have finished the Train-the-Trainer course. The trainer usually is the most senior in the organization, who’ve garnered knowledge and years of experience.
Before you continue reading this article, I invite you to read these topics:
For Operators who are intending to get certified, READ these tutorials:
- How to Become OSHA Certified to Operate Forklifts
- Where You Can Go to Get Trained and Certified
- Requirements Forklift Operators Must Have Before Taking a Training Course
- How Much Does It Cost to Become OSHA Certified
- How Long Does It Take to Get Certified
- How to Renew the Forklift Certification
- When to Take Retraining
- How Much are Your Fines and Penalties
- What are Your Job Descriptions and Responsibilities as Forklift Operator
- How To Get Your Forklift License Replaced?
- You Were Injured Driving Forklift, Is Your Employer Liable for This?
- Can You Use Your Forklift License to Work in Another Company?
- Can Your Use Your Forklift Certification tow Work in Other State?
- Can You Get a Forklift Job If You Have DUI?
For employers who are seeking training for their workers, BROWSE through these topics:
- Will the You Train the Operators to Become OSHA Compliant?
- How to Save Money by Assigning Someone as Forklift Instructor
- Why You Need to Supply Forklift Safety Training to Your Workers
- What The Training Should Consist to Meet OSHA Standard
- Do Employer Need to Provide Forklift Training for Each Make and Model?
- Is Vision and Hearing Impairment Prevents an Operator from Driving Forklifts?
Forklift Training Schools in Nevada
Training schools are equipped with facilities identical to actual workplace conditions to simulate the high-foot traffic when driving a forklift. You can assure by their quality of training, they have OSHA certified professional to conduct the training.
- Sunstate Equipment Company - 750 S Rock Blvd, Reno, NV 89502, (775) 473-4509, (888) 456-4560
- RGR Training Center - 2303 E. Sahara Ave #205 Las Vegas, NV 89104, (702) 628-2394 Fax Number: (702) 754-3991
- Crown Lift Trucks - 895 East Patriot Blvd., Bldg. A Suite 107, Reno, NV 89511, Fax: 775-852-5438
- Discount Forklift - 2900 E. Patrick Lane #2, Las Vegas, NV 89120, 702-431-0021
- Southwest Toyota Lift - 2935 Lincoln Road, Las Vegas, Call:(702) 432-2200
- Ahern Rentals - 1401 Mineral Avenue, Las Vegas, NV 89106, 800.400.1610
- H&E Equipment Services - 4129 Losee Rd., North Las Vegas, NV 89030, Toll Free: 866-GO-RENTAL, Local: 702-320-6500
- Naumann/Hobbs Material Handling - 4265 W. Tropicana Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89103, Phone: 702.323.5770
- OTLV - 2785 E Desert Inn Rd #100, Las Vegas, NV 89121, 702-586-3131
- Forklift University of Las Vegas - 2901 Highland, Building 2 Unit D, Las Vegas, (888) 674-9992
- Cromer Material Handling, Inc. - 4140 Cannoli Circle #B, Las Vegas, NV 89103, 702.207.4700
- American Rents - Reno: (775) 284-1223, Carson City: (775) 222-0081
- Herc Rentals - 1610 Kleppe Ln, Sparks, NV 89431, Phone: 775-359-9090
- National Career Skills Institute - 1325 Airmotive Way Suite 115, Reno, NV 89502, (775) 843-2152
- Raymond Handling Solutions - 2555 E. Washburn Rd. North Las Vegas, Nevada 89081, Phone: 702-651-6480
- Naumann/Hobbs Material Handling - 4265 W. Tropicana Ave., Las Vegas, Ph: (702) 323-5770,
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - Forklift Academy - 545 Depaoli St, Reno, NV 89512, (775) 237-8450
- Southwest Toyota Lift - 2935 Lincoln Road, Las Vegas, NV 89115, (702) 432-2200
- Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. - 240 S. Rock Blvd., Suite 121, Reno, NV, Phone: 775.358.7888
- Standards of Excellence - 1931 Stella Lake St., Las Vegas, NV 89106-2142, 702-550-3261
- Truckee Meadows Community College - 7000 Dandini Boulevard, Reno, NV 89512, 775-673-7111
- United Rentals - Call: 775-359-6660, 790 Glendale Ave, Sparks, NV
- Safety Consultation and Training Section (SCATS) - 1301 N. Green Valley Pkwy, Suite 200, Henderson, Nevada, Tel: (702) 486-9140
How to Select the Forklift Training Schools which is right for you? CHECK this out to help you:
- How to Choose the Forklift Training School Where You Can Take the Training
- Is Online Forklift Certification Course Right For You?
Top 3 Reasons to Complete Your Forklift Training
Completing your forklift training is crucial for various reasons, regardless of your location. Here are the top three reasons to undergo and complete forklift training:
Safety:
- Operator & Workplace Safety: Forklifts, if improperly operated, can be hazardous both to the operator and those around them.
- Training ensures operators understand the essential safety protocols, reducing the risk of accidents, injuries, and fatalities.
- Equipment Safety: Proper training also helps operators understand how to use forklifts without causing damage to the machinery, increasing its lifespan and operational efficiency.
Regulation Compliance:
- Legal Requirements: In many countries, including the U.S., the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) mandates that all forklift operators be trained and certified. Failing to comply can result in hefty fines for employers.
- Insurance Implications: Many insurance companies require evidence of adequate operator training before providing coverage or setting premium rates. Proper training can thus reduce insurance costs for employers.
Career & Economic Benefits:
- Increased Employment Opportunities: Employers prefer hiring trained forklift operators because they bring skill, efficiency, and safety to the workplace. Holding certification can make you more competitive in the job market.
- Higher Wage Potential: Certified forklift operators often command a higher wage compared to their untrained counterparts, recognizing the value and expertise they bring to the job.
- Skill Enhancement: Even if you have prior experience, formal training can provide you with updated knowledge on the latest safety protocols, machinery technologies, and operational techniques.
Forklift training is crucial for ensuring safety, meeting regulatory requirements, and offering personal career advantages.
Is OSHA 10 Training Required in Your Job? Here is Where You Can Take It.
Completing an OSHA 10 training course involves passing the written test and evaluation that are to be administered by the instructor at the end of the course. Successful students will then receive OSHA 10 card and/or certification of traininig completioin.
These credentials are solid evidence that you've undergone the course and succesfully complete it. Your employer will require this especially when the job assignment is in the construction site.
If you are looking for a training provider in the state of Nevada, here are your options:
- OSHA Training Las Vegas
2785 E Desert Inn Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89121
Phone:702-586-3131 - University of Nevada, Las Vegas
4505 S. Maryland Pkwy., Las Vegas, NV 89154
Phone: 702-895–4226 - OshaLasVegas.com
Public Safety Office
Address: 4170 W., Harmon Suite #6, Las Vegas, NV
Phone:(702) 308-5712 - Nevada Contractors Association - Training Room
150 N. Durango Drive, Suite 100, Las Vegas, NV 89145
Phone: (702) 796-9986 - Safety Associates For Employers, LLC
7541 Rhinestone Drive, Reno, NV 89511
Phone: (775) 843-8318 - Southern Nevada Teamsters 631 Training Center
4490 Nexus Way Building 2 Suite #102, North Las Vegas, NV 89115
Phone: (702) 651-0344 - Nevada Builders Alliance
1000 N. Division Ste. 102, Carson City, NV 89703
Phone: 775.882.4353 - OSHA-Pros USA, LLC
Toll: 1-(866) 265-5813; Phone: 817-874-5000
This state requires workers to take OSHA 10 training at least once every five (5) years, failed to do so will subject the workers to ejection from site. If you're still doesn't have this credential, this is the right time to take a course.
If you can't take the training in-person for whatever reason, the other method you can take this is through an online course which you can easily find a handful of such providers on the internet.
If you're an employer who would like to verify your worker's OSHA 10 card, you can do this. Click this link.
Forklift Operator Salary
In Nevada, a certified forklift operator can make $41,702 on average per year, but since there is deviation, the salary ranges $37,302 and $47,502 . Nevada is one of the states in the US that provide higher wages. If you want to work in California, the salary is much higher.
In the latest February 27, 2023 report of Salary.com, here are the cities of this state that give high wages for forklift drivers:
$41,047- Blue Diamond |
$40,682- Caliente |
$40,336 - Gardnerville |
$41,128- Henderson |
$40,905- Incline Village |
$41,291- Las Vegas |
$38,648- Lund |
$40,824- Minden |
$41,169 - Nellis Afb |
$41,002- Reno |
$41,128- Sloan |
$41,291- The Lakes |
$41,002- Sparks |
$40,946- Virginia City |
$40,661- Zephyr Cove |
An operator when applying for a job must be in possession of a license to get an edge among other applicants. For an employed individual, you can ask for a salary increase if you exhibited professionalism and expertise in your job. Satisfy your employer, they will reward you.
Do You Want To Know How Much Could You Make if You Will Work in Other State? READ this:
Governing Offices:
To know more details about OSHA regulations, wages benefits, occupation health, and safety standard, pay a visit to these offices:
Department of Business and Industry
555 E. Washington Ave., Suite 4100
Las Vegas, NV 89101-1050
Tel: (702) 486-2650
http://www.laborcommissioner.com
Nevada OSHA
1301 N Green Valley Pkwy Ste #200, Henderson, NV 89074
Phone: (702) 486-9020
Cities of NV
Boulder City, Caliente, Carlin, Carson City, Elko, Ely, Fallon, Fernley, Henderson, Las Vegas, Lovelock, Mesquite, North Las Vegas, Reno, Sparks, Wells, West Wendover, Winnemucca, Yerington