FAQ’s

We are often asked a variety of questions in relation to forklift truck training. Some of the more common ones are:

What type of courses are there?

Novice – no experience at all on any type of forklift truck
Experienced operator – untrained but has experience / trained but more that 5 years ago / has an overseas certificate
Refresher – trained operator tested within the last 5 years with up to date experience
Conversion – adding an additional category of truck

How long are the courses?

Novice – 3-5 days
Experienced operator – 2-3 days
Refresher – 1 day
Conversion – 1-2 days

The length of the course is dependent on the number of candidates attending.

How long does a licence last?

Forklift truck certificates (licences) do not expire. However, RTITB registration does expire after a period of 3 years. The HSE states that there is no specific time period after which you need to provide/undertake refresher training. It is suggested refresher training is undertaken every 3-5 years to ensure operators maintain of good driving habits, learn new skills where appropriate and have their abilities reassessed.

How many people can there be on a course?

To ensure all candidates receive adequate time to practice operating the truck under close supervision and to prepare for the practical skills test there are a maximum of 3 candidates on each forklift course. Training ratios on other pieces of equipment may be slightly higher.

Who are the 5 main accrediting bodies?

Independent Training Standards Scheme and Register (ITSSAR)
RTITB
The Association of Industrial Truck Trainers (AITT)
National Plant Operators Registration Scheme (NPORS)
Lantra

Will my forklift certificate cover all trucks?

Unfortunately not. Each type of fork lift truck has different operating procedures. If you hold a current certificate for one truck, eg counterbalance, you would require a conversion course for another.

What are you doing to ensure our safety regarding COVID-19?

To ensure the safety of staff and candidates we have implemented a number of changes in our centre.

• Hand washing facilities with soap and water in place.
• Staff and candidates reminded on a regular basis to wash their hands for 20 seconds with soap and water and the importance of proper drying with paper towels. Also reminded to catch coughs and sneezes in tissues – Follow “Catch it, Bin it, Kill it” public health guidance and to avoid touching face, eyes, nose or mouth with unclean hands.
• Tissues are available throughout the centre.
• Gel hand sanitizers in any area where washing facilities not readily available, particularly at entry and exit points to the premises.
• Frequently cleaning and disinfecting objects and surfaces during the day and at the end of the day that are touched regularly particularly in areas of high use such as door handles, light switches, kettle handle, fridge, taps, reception area and fork lift truck components (seat, seat belt, steering wheel, gear lever, grab handle, hydraulic controls and handbrake) using standard cleaning products and methods.
• Social distancing in both the practical training area, classroom and refreshment area where possible.