Forklift operator training
Forklift Operator Safety Certification (CSA B335)
Facts checked 7 September 2026
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Part of the route toForklift Operator·Safety ticket
A 1 to 2 day practical safety course that certifies you to operate counterbalanced lift trucks and warehouse equipment under WorkSafeBC regulations and CSA Standard B335.
Ways to get this paid for
Government money that can cover this course. Check who qualifies before you pay.
Free adult upgrading
FreeGrade 11 and 12 courses and English classes are free at public colleges and school districts. This covers the Grade 11 and 12 prerequisite courses, not the program itself.
WorkBC training funding
Up to $7,500 tuitionIf you are out of work or underemployed, a WorkBC case manager can approve and pay for this training. Get approval before you pay.
Canada Training Credit
Half your tuition back, up to $5,000 in your lifeFederal tax credit. $250 a year builds up from age 26. Claim it on your tax return.
Ask your employer
Ask your employerThe BC Employer Training Grant pays up to 80 percent of a course, up to $10,000 per worker.
THE ROUTE
How this program works, step by step
Grade 11 to the job. Open any step to see what is inside.
The route (8 steps)
For the best view, open the map full screen.
STEP BY STEP
Step by step
The same route as the map, as a list.
Step 1 of 8
Grade 11
⏱ 1 school year- General BC secondary school curriculum and coursework at the Grade 11 level.
Step 2 of 8
Grade 12
⏱ 1 school year- General high school graduation (BC Dogwood Diploma) or equivalent mature student status.
Step 3 of 8
What you need to get in
- At least 16 years of age (most industrial employers require 18+)
- Government-issued photo identification
- CSA-approved steel-toed safety footwear (green triangle)
- Adequate physical coordination, depth perception, and vision
- Working knowledge of written and spoken English
- English language proficiency for safety compliance
- Basic English reading and comprehension skills
- Proficiency in spoken and written English
- English language ability
- English fluency for theoretical instruction
- Basic English comprehension
- English comprehension for written and oral safety tests
- English language proficiency
- Ability to follow equipment instructions in English
- English reading and communication ability
Step 4 of 8
How to apply
- Register directly through an authorized public college or private equipment training academy
- Select a novice course (1–2 days) or experienced re-certification session (half day to 1 day)
- Tuition ranges from $198 to $395 CAD depending on the institution and hands-on seat time
- Arrive on training day equipped with CSA-approved steel-toed safety boots and government photo ID
Step 5 of 8
Forklift operator training
⏱ 1–2 days (8–16 hours)- 8 to 16 hours of blended instruction: classroom theory, safety video modules, and live forklift operation
- WorkSafeBC OHS Regulation Part 16 rules, employer duties, and CSA Standard B335 compliance
- Lift truck physics: stability triangle, center of gravity, rated load capacities, and mast dynamics
- Pre-shift inspection procedures, circle checks, hazard assessments, and battery/propane handling safety
- Hands-on practical driving: maneuvering in tight aisles, lifting, lowering, stacking pallets, and ramp driving
Step 6 of 8
Where to take it
⏱ 12 schools in BC- British Columbia Institute of Technology — 1 day (Tuition not yet verified)
- Coast Mountain College — 1 day (About $400 for the whole program)
- College of the Rockies — 1 day (About $300 for the whole program)
- North Island College — 1 day (About $300 for the whole program)
- Selkirk College — 1 day (Tuition not yet verified)
- Leavitt Machinery (Leavitt Training) — 1–2 days (Tuition not yet verified)
- Mainland Safety Training Company — 1 day (About $230 for the whole program)
- Matterhorn Crane & Rigging Training — 1 day (Tuition not yet verified)
- and 4 more, see the list below
Step 7 of 8
Exams and registration after
- WorkSafeBC / CSA B335 written theory exam (minimum 80% passing grade)
- One-on-one practical driving evaluation assessing pre-trip check, pallet maneuvering, and park-up procedures
Step 8 of 8
Leads to: Forklift Operator
- Explore Forklift Operator wages, job outlook, and career pathways
SCHOOLS
Where you can take this(12 schools)
Compare tuitions, campus locations, and delivery formats across approved institutions in British Columbia.
We have not checked this school's tuition yet. See the school's page.
Tuition changes every year. Confirm on the school's page. Last checked 8 September 2026.
Tuition changes every year. Confirm on the school's page. Last checked 8 September 2026.
Tuition changes every year. Confirm on the school's page. Last checked 8 September 2026.
We have not checked this school's tuition yet. See the school's page.
We have not checked this school's tuition yet. See the school's page.
Mainland Safety Training Company
Surrey, Abbotsford, Langley, Richmond & Chilliwack
Tuition changes every year. Confirm on the school's page. Last checked 8 September 2026.
We have not checked this school's tuition yet. See the school's page.
Tuition changes every year. Confirm on the school's page. Last checked 8 September 2026.
We have not checked this school's tuition yet. See the school's page.
We have not checked this school's tuition yet. See the school's page.
Westerra Equipment (Westhill Equipment Training)
Abbotsford, Nanaimo, Victoria & Kamloops
Tuition changes every year. Confirm on the school's page. Last checked 8 September 2026.