According toĀ OSHA rules, forklift training consists of:
Learn more about what goes into forklift training in this article.
According to OSHA rules, anyone with adequate experience and knowledge can train their own employees to operate a forklift.
Learn more about what goes into forklift training in this article.
No, you do not need a Driver License to operate a forklift, but you do have to be at least 18 years of age.
For the purposes of WITPAC certification, we accept the following CDLs:
If your certification is not expired, or is within the grace periods listed below, you may register for one of our 1-day recertification classes.
If your card is expired and you are past the grace period, you must register for a full 3-day course. You may still submit your TCS card in lieu of verification of 2000 hours of work experience.
Visit our how-to page for the link and instructions for logging in to your self-directed online course.
If you’re looking for help with your live, instructor-led online course, check out our other FAQs.
WITPAC certifications are valid for 3 years.
Starting in 2024, we will be offering recertification for those with valid, current certifications. Visit our WITPAC page for additional details.
To earn a WITPAC certification, you must hold one of these:
You can still take the course without one of these qualifications. You will earn a Proof of Completion rather than a WITPAC certification.
If you earn a PEVO certification within 180 days of earning your WITPAC Proof of Completion, you may upgrade it to a WITPAC certification.
No, students in the WA TCS class will only receive a TCS or TCT certification. They must earn their Washington Flagger certification separately.
No, Washington TCSs must have an approved Flagger card in order to work in a Traffic Control Zone. This is an L&I requirement.
If you obtain a PEVO certification or CDL within 180 days of completing the WITPAC course, you may update your Proof of Completion to a WITPAC certification. Contact us for assistance at witpac@esc.org or (425) 814-3868.
WITPAC certifications cards are digital. You will receive your card by email, and you may save it on a device such as your mobile phone, or print it out and carry it with you. With a digital certification, we are able to verify WITPAC cards using our database, which provides quick, secure, and reliable information to carriers, safety managers, and manufacturers.
Your employer can give you the practical training and evaluation you need in order to be certified.
Sit-down counterbalance, motorized hand trucks (pallet jacks), container top handlers, straddle carriers, side handlers, order pickers and tuggers all require forklift training.
As long as your certification is valid, you may order a replacement card by filling out this form. There is a $20 fee. Note that many of our certification cards are printable, meaning that you receive a PDF copy of your card upon course completion, which you are welcome to print and keep in your wallet. We also recommend saving the PDF on your mobile device.
Washington and Idaho Flagger certifications are valid for three years.
You do not need a Driver License. Any form of government-issued ID is acceptable.
No, the Washington Flagger class is not offered online. Per Washington State rules, these classes are only offered in person.
No, but you can read through the digital copy of book and try answering the review questions at the end of each chapter. You’ll receive a link to the digital copy of the book with your registration confirmation.
You may, but it needs to be someone who is not a close friend or family member. Students must be able to answer the questions on their own.
Our defensive driving course is geared toward drivers who already have a driverās license. It is not a driverās ed course.
It depends. This program is 4 hours long. Courts usually require 8 or more hours of defensive driving education for infractions such as DUIs.
Training and certification are required for Pilot Escort Vehicle Operators (PEVOs) in Washington and Colorado, as well as several other states. See our “Where can I use my Pilot Car Certification?” article for details.
Certifications are not transferable between states. In other words, you may not exchange your state certification for a different state certification. However, many states have reciprocity and acceptance agreements, making it possible for PEVOs who are certified in one state to legally operate in another. Visit our Pilot Car reciprocity page for details.
Note that each state has its own specific requirements for PEVOs, equipment, and procedures. It is your responsibility to understand the laws and regulations in each state you operate in.
Yes. Even if you have a CDL, you must still be certified as a PEVO in order to operate a pilot car in Washington or Colorado, or any other state that requires certification.
Yes. The Washington State P/EVO certification is valid in several other states.
Yes. However, if you have a Washington Driver License, you must operate with a Washington PEVO card. See our Pilot Car reciprocity page for details.
The Washington PEVO card is valid in Florida, but note that Florida also requires PEVOs to take the National Safety Council 8-hour defensive driving course, and provide proof of completing it.
Yes. Recertification is only open to PEVOs whose certifications are still valid. If your card is already expired, you must attend the full training again.
Certification is enforced by the State Patrol on highways and at the weigh stations.
Washington State Pilot Escort Vehicle requirements can be found in Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 468-38-100(8).
Yes, in Washington State, PEVOs must have commercial liability insurance (see WAC 468-38-100(16)). Many states and businesses may require PEVOs to have a $1 million policy. PEVOs should check with the state(s) they are in or traveling through to make sure they have the right insurance. Check out our article on insurance for pilot car operators to learn more.
A person who uses a wheelchair is eligible to earn a certification, but should note the job of a PEVO often involves exiting the vehicle quickly to perform tasks such as flagging. PEVOs may also need to move around on muddy, rocky, or other types of uneven surfaces.
In Washington State, only one sign is required. States such as Colorado, Utah, Oklahoma, and many others require two. PEVOs should check the rules in the state(s) they are traveling through.
No. Only amber (yellow) lights are allowed on Pilot Escort vehicles in Washington State.
If you took your class directly from Evergreen Safety Council, you should receive a PDF of your certification within 3-5 business days of completing your course. If you have misplaced or did not receive the email, contact us at esc@esc.org or (425)814-3868 for assistance.
If you took your course with one of our Authorized Training Providers, contact them for more information.
| After 2024, the Bridge List will no longer be updated or published digitally by the State of Washington. Instead, PEVOs should either use the state’s Vertical Clearance Trip Planner, or one of the many apps that now have similar information. |
If you are taking a Washington PEVO or Oregon TCS course, your course materials will be sent to you in the mail prior to your training session. If you are taking WITPAC, the materials are in a downloadable packet that you may print them at home.
No. You may not participate in the class if you are actively operating a vehicle.
No. You must have a laptop or desktop computer with a webcam, speakers or headphones, and microphone. Tablets or phones are not sufficient for participation in the class.
Check out our infographic to find out what equipment you need.
No. Everyone must be on their own computer. Sharing a computer with another class participant is not allowed.
Call our office atĀ (425) 814-3868Ā as soon as possible to reschedule your class.
Our live online instructor-led courses are held over Zoom. You will receive a Zoom link when you register for the course. Exams are given on a digital platform and you will receive the link during your instructor-led session.
If you have never attended a meeting on Zoom before, it is a good idea to get it installed and ensure you are comfortable with the program before the day of your class. Zoom has many helpful how-to videos online. Feel free to reach out to one of our customer support specialists atĀ (425) 814-3868Ā if you want additional tech help before the day of class.
If you took your class directly from Evergreen Safety Council, you should receive an email with tracking information once your card has shipped. If you took a class with one of our Authorized Training Providers, check with them directly.
If you took your class directly from Evergreen Safety Council, we typically issue certification cards within 3-5 days. A PDF version will be emailed to you, and a physical version will be shipped via UPS. You should receive an email with tracking information once your card has shipped. If you took a class with one of our Authorized Training Providers, your card will be shipped to them.
As long as your certification is valid, you may order a replacement card by filling out this form. There is a $20 fee. Note that many of our certification cards are printable, meaning that you receive a PDF copy of your card upon course completion, which you are welcome to print and keep in your wallet. We also recommend saving the PDF on your mobile device.
You can use a laptop or desktop computer, tablet, or iOS or Android mobile device to access our self-directed online courses.
If you’re having trouble with one of our self-directed online courses on your mobile device, we recommend downloading and using the TalentLMS app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, and using the app to access your course.
Yes! We can send our instructors to clients’ facilities. See our Private Training page for more information.
In our registration portal, you may add multiple participants during the checkout process. Note that each participant must have a unique email address.
You can register online by visiting our registration portal.
Earning your flagger certification is only one of many things you need in order to be able to do the job of a flagger in a work zone. Here are the physical requirements set out by the MUTCD, Section 6D.01:
Because flaggers are responsible for public safety and make the greatest number of contacts with the public of all highway workers, they should be trained in proper traffic control practices and public contact techniques.
Flaggers should be able to satisfactorily demonstrate the following abilities:
A. Ability to receive and communicate specific instructions clearly, firmly, and courteously;
B. Ability to move and maneuver quickly in order to avoid danger from errant vehicles;
C. Ability to control signaling devices (such as paddles and flags) in order to provide clear and positive guidance to drivers approaching a TTC zone in frequently changing situations;
D. Ability to understand and apply proper traffic control practices, sometimes in stressful or emergency situations; and
E. Ability to recognize dangerous traffic situations and warn workers in sufficient time to avoid injury.
Flaggers are usually also required to perform additional work zone duties, so they need to have the following physical abilities:
There is no requirement for recertification, but we recommend re-taking the course every 3 years so that you have the most up-to-date information on laws and best practices. This also ensures that the information stays fresh.
| What certification are you seeking? | Submit letters verifying work zone experience | Submit a valid Flagger certification from WA, OR, ID, or MT | Submit a valid TCS or TCT certification from the same state |
| Oregon TCS certification | ā | ||
| Idaho or Washington TCS certification | ā | ā | |
| Oregon or Washington TCT certification | ā | ||
| Idaho, Washington, or Oregon TCS or TCT recertification | ā | ā |
Looking for the verification letter requirements? Find them here.
TCS candidates must submit proof that they have at least 2000 hours of relevant work experience in order to be certified. Verification must be submitted in the form of two letters (or one letter with two signatures) from someone who can vouch for your experience.
TCS certifications will not be issued until the letters are received and approved. Letters must be submitted within 90 days following the date of your class, or you will need to retake the course.
You can submit the letters with your online student information form. If you have questions about submission, contact flagger@esc.org.
Letters may be submitted by anyone who can verify the knowledge and experience of the TCS candidate, including:
The letters must include:
For Oregon and Idaho TCS candidates:
The work zone experience may include work in the following areas:
For Washington TCS candidates:
TCS candidates may no longer have just flagging hours. The letters must include a brief history and detailed description of at least TWO of the following:
You can take as long as you need to complete the course materials and pass the exam. You can take it whenever is most convenient, and you have unlimited tries to pass the final exam.
It depends. Some students are able to complete it in as little as one hour.
1. Driver’s License (front and back):
Students must provide a digital color copy of the front and back of their current driverās license.
2. Motor Vehicle Record:
A current (within the last 30 days) Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) in the state of current residence, for the immediate previous five year period.
3. Proof of Commercial Insurance (certificates or endorsements):
Current certificate(s) of insurance or endorsement(s) which indicates that the operator, or the operatorās employer, has in full force and effect insurance coverage(s) for bodily injury and/or property damage as a result of the operation of the escort vehicle, the escort vehicle operator, or both causing the bodily injury and/or property damage arising out of an act or omission by the Pilot Escort Vehicle operator of the escort duties required by the Rules of the State of Colorado.
4. A Passport Photo:
Students must provide a digital passport photo.
No selfies – face the camera directly
No Glasses
No Head Wear (unless for religious reasons)
Plain White background
Size – 2×2 inches (500×500 pixels at 300dpi)
After completing this course, youāll receive a certificate of completed classroom training. Print this certificate and show it to your employer. Your employer will give you a practical evaluation on the forklift you will be using in the workplace, and document your certification in their records.
You can take as long as you need to complete the course materials and pass the exam. You can take it whenever is most convenient, and you have unlimited tries to pass the final exam.
Resources and links to state requirements can be found on the Colorado DOT website.
The rules for Pilot/Escort duties in Washington can be found in the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 468-38, especially subsection 100. They are easily accessible online.
Washington and Idaho TCS certifications are valid for four years. The Oregon TCS certification is valid for three years.
Washington and Oregon only accept their own state TCS cards.
Idaho accepts both Washington and Oregon TCS cards; however, the TCS is responsible for reviewing Idaho’s standards and laws.
No, you do not need to have a photo on your card. Washington and Idaho Flagger cards are designed to be valid with a government-issued photo ID (such as a state ID card or Driver License).
You must be at least 18 years of age to operate as a flagger.
Washington, Oregon, and Idaho State Flagger cards are accepted in the states of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana for Department of Transportation projects.
Our course is not pre-approved for insurance discounts. However, some brokers may give discounts for taking our course. Send them a link to our landing page and ask if it will apply in your specific situation.
Forklift operator retraining is required every 3 years. Retraining is required sooner if the operator fails the evaluation, uses unsafe behavior, or has an accident or near miss. The OSHA forklift code requires that all forklift operators be evaluated by the employer by operating the forklifts in the actual work environment.
Even experienced operators are required to successfully complete both knowledge training (such as our online course) and practical evaluation by their employer.
Every person who operates a forklift must have documentation of training and evaluation.
Washington State certification
Online Federal Flagger Training
Crossing Guard Training
WITPAC
Washington State certification
Colorado Certification
Washington State certification
Oregon certification
Oregon certification
Operator training | Online
Instructor training
WA state private training
Eversafe Driving program | Online
Instructor training
On-site training
Pilot Car private training
Flagger private training
Traffic Control Supervisor private training
Forklift private training
Eversafe driving program private training
