Forklift Certification on Resume

What Is Forklift Certification

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provides the standard forklift certification in the United States. This certification validates essential skills and knowledge, such as operating a forklift safely, understanding load capacities, and adhering to workplace safety regulations. The certification is significant in various industries that rely on warehouse operations, such as manufacturing, retail, construction, and distribution.

To be eligible for OSHA's forklift certification, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and must meet the employer's minimum age requirement (usually 18 years old). The certification is valid for three years, after which renewal is required to maintain proficiency. Estimated preparation time varies but can range from several hours to days, depending on the individual's prior experience with machinery and familiarity with safety protocols. The difficulty level is generally moderate, as IT requires both physical dexterity and understanding of written instructions.

Should I Include Forklift Certification on Resume?

Job seekers should include their forklift certification on their resume if the position they are applying for involves operating a forklift or demonstrates related skills. The relevance of this certification can depend on the industry and career stage; for example, entry-level candidates might benefit more from listing IT than experienced professionals. If the certification was recently obtained, IT can be particularly valuable as IT shows the candidate's commitment to ongoing professional development.

However, if the job description does not explicitly require forklift operation or related skills, IT may be less important to include this certification on the resume. Geographical and regional differences might also impact its value; in areas with high demand for warehouse workers or industries that utilize forklifts extensively, this certification can hold more weight.

Hiring Managers And Forklift Certification on Resume

• Hiring managers view forklift certifications favorably as IT demonstrates a candidate's commitment to safety and proficiency in operating machinery.
• Specific skills and qualities associated with this credential include safe work practices, attention to detail, physical coordination, and adherence to regulations.
• In industries such as warehousing, logistics, and manufacturing, forklift certification is often considered a must-have requirement.
• This certification can set candidates apart from competitors by showcasing their ability to handle responsibilities related to heavy machinery operation.
• Potential negative perceptions might arise if the certificate's expiration date has passed or if the candidate lacks other relevant qualifications or work experience.

How to List Forklift Certification on Resume

• Use the following format: Forklift Certification - [Certifying Organization's Name] ([Certificate ID, if applicable])
• Include the certificate expiration/renewal dates in parentheses after the certification name, for example: Forklift Certification - OSHA (Valid until: 12/31/2025)
• Do not list the certification number or ID unless explicitly requested by the employer.
• Include the certifying organization's name for context and credibility.
• If the candidate is currently pursuing multiple certifications, list only completed certifications in their respective sections (e.g., Certifications) but mention ongoing courses in the Professional Development section.

Example formatted listings:

• Forklift Certification - OSHA (Valid until: 12/31/2025)
• Pallet Jack Operator Certification - Warehouse Training Institute (Valid until: 06/30/2024)

Where to List Forklift Certification on Resume

• Include forklift certification in a dedicated certifications section, if applicable.

• If the candidate lacks work experience or the position is entry-level, IT can be listed under the Education section, especially if no other certifications are available.

• The summary or professional profile might mention relevant skills acquired through forklift operation, but the certification itself should not be included in this section.

• In most cases, multiple placements are appropriate, as long as they are listed in descending order of relevance and importance.

• When listing multiple certifications, prioritize those that are directly related to the target job or industry. For example:

  Certifications

• Forklift Certification - OSHA (Valid until: 12/31/2025)

• Powered Industrial Truck Operator Certification - American National Standards Institute (ANSI) (Valid until: 09/30/2024)

Examples of How to List Forklift Certification on Resume

Example 1 - For a Technical Resume

Skills & Certifications Forklift Certification, OSHA (Valid until: 12/31/2024)

This format works well for a technical resume because IT highlights the candidate's specialized skills and certifications upfront. By grouping these items together, recruiters can easily identify candidates who possess the necessary technical qualifications.

Example 2 - For a Recent Graduate

Education & Certifications Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, XYZ University (Graduated: 05/31/20XX) Forklift Certification, OSHA (Valid until: 12/31/20XX)

This format is suitable for a recent graduate because IT emphasizes the candidate's educational background alongside their relevant certifications. By placing these sections together, recruiters can understand the candidate's academic and professional qualifications at a glance.

Example 3 - In a Dedicated Certifications Section

Certifications Forklift Certification, OSHA (Valid until: 12/31/20XX) First Aid & CPR Certification, American Red Cross (Valid until: 06/30/20XX)

This format is ideal for a dedicated certifications section as IT provides an easy-to-read list of all the candidate's relevant certifications. By separating this information from other sections like skills and education, recruiters can quickly assess the candidate's qualifications in one place.

Example 4 - In a Skills-First Resume Format

Skills & Competencies Operate and maintain forklifts with OSHA certification (Valid until: 12/31/20XX) Lift and move heavy objects safely, demonstrating physical strength and dexterity.

This format is suitable for a skills-first resume as IT highlights the candidate's relevant abilities and certifications within a concise list of their key competencies. By emphasizing these skills upfront, recruiters can quickly determine if the candidate possesses the necessary qualifications for the job they're seeking.