Group & Individual Forklift Operator Certification
Sign Up to Join a Class in Our Smoke Tree location or Call for Larger Groups
Forklift Operator Certification & Recertification Classes
Personalized experience in a small group setting -- The Apex Forklift Operator Certification program satisfies State and Federal OSHA requirements and ensures safety through driver confidence and situational awareness. In-person training includes classroom and hands-on experience with a comprehensive assessment, which we review to ensure your drivers fully understand the material. Training is usually completed within a few hours.
Apex Forklift Operator Training Deliverables
- Working knowledge of vehicle types & features unique to your facility
- Safe operating techniques and risk avoidance
- Proper handling of fuel or battery/charging
- Principles of balance, stability, and capacity
- Hazard awareness
- Reporting of accident
- Routine vehicle safety inspection
Call to schedule team forklift training and certification at your facility today!
Using the form below, individuals can sign up for classes at our N. Aurora location - Smoke Tree Plaza. Contact us to schedule training for teams at your facility.
Forklift Training in Smoke Tree
Are you looking for forklift training for yourself or a small group? Sign up here for our group training sessions in Smoke Tree Plaza, N. Aurora, IL, for Classes 1-5 and 7 vehicle operation. Don’t wait—classes fill up quickly.
Note – Our team will come to you for larger group training! Contact Us to schedule.
Book Your Forklift Training
Select your preferred training dates.
OSHA Compliance & Forklift Training
The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 requires that Forklift Operators be trained and certified before operating forklifts and lift equipment. Certification is good for 3 years for most vehicle classes and 5 years for Class 7 operators.
Refresher courses are strongly recommended for the following situations:
- The operator uses the vehicle in an unsafe manner.
- The operator is involved in an accident or near-miss incident.
- The operator receives an evaluation revealing concerns of safe truck operation.
- The operator is assigned to drive a different type of truck than certified to operate.
- Workplaces changes may affect safe truck operation.
Our trainers come to you to ensure that your team is always prepared to safely and productivity operate within your facility. Call today to talk with an Apex Trainer, or schedule your team training.
Forklift Operator Certification for Class 1-5 & Class 7 Vehicles
Every warehouse is unique, and your team training should reflect that. Tailor your forklift training and certification classes to the vehicles operated at your facility. The Apex experts are certified for forklift operator training on Class 1-5 & Class 7 vehicles.
Drivers are instructed on the operation and loading techniques unique to the vehicle type with careful attention to forklift/pedestrian traffic, dock safety, storage racking, and facility layout.
Forklift & Industrial Vehicle Classifications
Classes 1, 2, and 3 - Electric Vehicles
- Class 1: Electric Motor Rider Trucks - include sit-down rider forklifts and stand-up rider counterbalance forklifts.
- Class 2: Electric Motor Narrow Aisle Forklifts - order pickers, reach trucks, turret trucks, and swing mast trucks.
- Class 3: Electric Motor Hand or Hand/Rider Forklifts - walkies, walkie-riders, and walkie-stackers
Classes 4 and 5 - Gas or LP
- Class 4: Internal Combustion Engine Forklifts with cushion tires - including sit-down rider and counterbalance forklifts, gas, or LPG.
- Class 5: Internal Combustion Engine Forklifts with pneumatic tires - sit-down rider forklifts and counterbalanced forklifts, gas, or LPG.
Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) & Rough Terrain Vehicles/Telehandlers
- Class 7: Scissor Lifts, Aerial Lifts, Telehandlers, Boom Lifts, Articulating Boom Lifts.
Meet Our Forklift Training Experts
Marc Rafac
The Apex team has widened the breadth and depth of our talent pool by welcoming Marc Rafac. Marc leads our Corporate Safety Program focusing on training and certification for warehouse and manufacturing operations teams. Marc brings extensive experience in material handling equipment operation, forklift sales, and OSHA safety training.
Marc is OSHA certified to train operators and trainers for Class 1-5 vehicles and Class 7 powered equipment and telehandlers. He is also a certified instructor for JLG and Genie equipment. Operational training includes electric and I.C., sit-down lift trucks, rough terrain forklifts, reach trucks, aerial lift equipment, and boom lifts.
Additionally, Marc holds a 3M Certificate as a Certified Fall Instructor. Put your warehouse safety and operations team in capable hands. Call today to schedule in-house forklift training and certification.
Tom Turcich
Having started with the company at the very beginning in 2004, Tom wears many hats for Apex Companies including Pro Forklift Trainer. Our go-to expert on several fronts, Tom has applied his knowledge and experience to help our business grow into the premier material handling company in Chicago and has trained over 500 forklift operators across the state.
Tom certifies individuals to operate Class 1-5 vehicles. His enjoyment of his work spills over into his personalized approach and comprehensive instruction. Call Tom and his team today to schedule a training or recertification session.
Rich Tanner
Rich is an experienced Field Service Tech with over 20 years of experience in the material handling industry. He has honed his skills working on projects and equipment locally, nationally, and even internationally. Rich’s expertise spans across a working knowledge of racking systems, warehouse configuration & operations, and Class 1- 5 forklifts and related equipment.
Rich has personally trained over 700 people to date and receives high marks for his communication style and program content. Join our growing list of happy customers and call today to schedule on-site vehicle operator training for your team.
Training Testimonials
I keep coming back!
If you are looking to certify your team to be OSHA compliant; To give them relevant, knowledgeable training with a hands-on patient trainer who engages, you are looking for our trainer Rich Tanner from Apex. Rich has always been flexible with our time schedules and allows us 24-hour access if needed for questions and direction.
My team always comes out of training with excitement and feeling empowered. They are aware and reminded of the operations they are working in and the control of safety they have. Thank you Rich!
Power Transmission & Conveyor Mfr.
Deerfield, IL
Excellent Trainer and Facilitator
Rich and the training group at Apex have been extremely valuable in helping us train new warehouse staff and keeping our existing team members current on forklift operation and safety. Rich is an excellent trainer and facilitator, who takes the time to understand our unique warehouse operation, challenges and opportunities. His professional yet candid approach provides individuals the direction they need to feel competent and comfortable operating our forklifts, even during tricky maneuvers.
Electric Motor Mfr.
Schaumberg, IL
Very Knowledgeable
We have been using Apex for our forklift training for several years. They tailor the training program to fit our company’s needs and specific forklift usage. The trainers are very knowledgeable and have an unmistakable passion for what they do. Our new and seasoned forklift operators are more efficient and safety compliant due to having taken Apex’s training courses. We look forward to using Apex as our resource for future training.
Acoustic Ceiling Products
Chicago, IL
A Step Above Other Training Courses
Apex training was comprehensive, enjoyable and engaging. A step above other training courses I’ve experienced.
A relaxed environment that promoted learning and confidence over the pressure and stress of being tested.
- Friendly, approachable and professional
- Demonstrates patience when interacting with students
- Will go in depth on complicated topics
- Establishes a clear understanding of a wide variety of lifts and equipment.
- Describes pros and cons of equipment from indoors to outdoors.
- Clearly illustrates the do’s and don’ts of equipment safety
- Effectively breaks down and differentiates equipment
Precision Engineering Company
West Dundee, IL
Discover More Solutions for Your Business
Daily Forklift Inspection Forms
Daily Forklift Inspections aren’t just the law, they will reduce liability, product damage, and loss and catch small maintenance issues before they become giant repair headaches. Download our free Forklift Daily Inspection Forms.
To contact the Apex team and schedule training or repair services, give us a call at 630-293-8610.
We look forward to being of service to you and your team.