If you work in an environment where forklifts are commonplace, it's always a good idea to know how to operate these machines. Warehouses, department stores, and other environments typically use these vehicles to transport heavy merchandise, stack pallets, and unload trucks. However, operating a forklift without the proper qualifications is dangerous, irresponsible, and illegal. So, before you try to get in the driver's seat of one of these machines, here's everything you need to become forklift certified.

1. Determining what type of certification you need

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), there are seven different categories of forklifts, and you may need separate licenses to operate them. Typically, these types fall under variations of electric or internal combustion forklifts.

It's a good idea to ensure that the type of license you get applies to the kind of forklifts you use in your workplace. For example, knowing how lithium batteries improve forklift efficiency is useful but may not help you obtain certification for an internal combustion engine forklift.

2. Sign up for classes

When looking at everything you need to become forklift certified, it all starts with signing up for the classes. Often, your employer will have programs to help set you up with the correct courses and training. Many places run OSHA-certified courses throughout the year, so you just need to find an accredited one near you.

3. Attend the course

After you sign up for the class, it’s time to attend it. Most OSHA-certified courses are between six to eight hours and consist of videos, lectures, and written assignments. At the end of the course, you’ll need to pass a written exam on all the information you’ve learned and pass with a score of at least 75 percent.

4. Hands-on training

After passing the written part of the test, it's time for hands-on training to ensure that you know how to load properly, charge, inspect, navigate, and use a forklift in tricky situations. Depending on your workplace, you may perform this part of the certification with your employer or a certified trainer.

5. Final evaluation

After passing your written and physical tests, you should receive your final certification. A traditional forklift certification license has your name, photo, the date when you completed your training, and the name of anyone who certified you. A physical certification is a great document to show potential employers when applying for new jobs.