Forklift Certification in Mississippi

Forklifts are essential pieces of heavy equipment used in transporting and moving heavy loads. They do tasks that simply cannot be accomplished by hand.

While forklifts are a huge help to any warehouse or workplace, we do know that they post serious risk if driven improperly.

This is the main reason why its operator has to be trained and certified operating it.

If you are in Mississippi and you are intending to get certified, we prepared this article for you so that you can get on the job in no time.

Before you continue, if you are an operator, spend a little time to BROWSE these:

• How to Become OSHA Certified
• Where You Can Go to Get Trained and Certified Operating the Forklifts
• 8 Mindful Tips to Help You Choose Forklift Training School
• Requirements Forklift Operators Must Have Before Taking a Training Course
• How Much Does It Cost to Become OSHA Certified
• How Long Does It Take to Get Certified
• How to Renew the Forklift Certification
• Is Online Forklift Training the Right For You
• When to Take the Refresher/Retraining
• Fines and Penalties for operators and employers 
• What are Your Job Descriptions and Forklift Driver

If you are an employer who is seeking forklift certification for drivers, READ these useful articles :

• Will the You Train the Operators to OSHA Compliant
• How to Save Money by Assigning Someone as Forklift Trainer
• Why You Need to Supply Forklift Safety Training to Your Workers
• What The Training Should Consist to Meet OSHA Standard

How to Obtain Forklift Certification

Now that you are ready to complete the forklift training, here are the steps you need to take in order to get your certification:

1. Find a school where you can register for a training course. The school will supply you the theoretical knowledge and practical skill in the safe operation of the forklift, see the list of schools below. Attending the course in-person is better than taking the certification online.
   
   
2. Enroll in a training course. The course should be specific to the type of forklift you want to get trained on. The course usually costs $100 depending on the skill level of the student and comprehensiveness of course. It can be completed in just a day.
   
   
3. Attend the classroom training. The first part of the course is attending classroom training. The discussion revolves around topics such as general workplace safety, hazard identification, maintenance and inspection, proper operational procedure, current government regulations, and other subjects that may be deemed necessary.
   
   
4. Attend the practical training. This is the actual driving of the truck. Practical training is done in a location similar to an actual workplace, the students will display their skills by completing the tasks the trainer will instruct them to do. You will perform tasks such as starting the forklift, loading and transporting of materials, maneuvering in confined space, lifting the laden pallet, picking merchandise from the storage rack, physical inspection, recharging/refueling, and other tasks you may encounter in the actual work environment.
   
   
5. Pass the written test and performance evaluation. The tests are to gauge the knowledge you’ve gained from the classroom and actual exercises. You need to pass the written test with a 70% passing score and satisfy the trainer with your actual driving performance.
   
   
6. Receive your training certification and/or operator card (also referred to as the license). If all done perfectly, you passed both tests, you’ll then receive your certificate of training completion and wallet-size operator card.

Forklift Training Schools in Mississippi

If you are searching for a forklift training school in Mississippi where you can take the training, here they are:

• Raymond Heubel Shaw - 107 Metroplex Blvd, Pearl, MS 39208, Phone: 601-420-5410
• Hascats Inc. - 118 Trigg Hill Drive, Canton, MS; Phone: +1 601-859-1020
• ABC Mississippi Chapter - 5165 Old Brandon Road, Pearl, Mississippi 39208, 601.944.0421 office, 601.944.0450 fax
• Gulf Coast Safety Training - 12511 Glascock Circle, Gulfport, MS 39503; Phone: (228)323-3541
• The Lilly Company - 101 Sanders Cove, Richland, MS 39218; Phone: (601) 932-0135
• WIESE - 10400 Ridge Wood Dr., Olive Branch, MS 38654, Main Number: (901) 365-8830
• Delta Materials Handling, Inc. - 1984 McCullough Blvd., Tupelo, MS 38801, 662-844-5766, (901)795-7230 Ext. 347 or (800)228-0492
• H&E Equipment Services - 4200 I-55 S, Jackson, MS 39212, Toll Free: 866-GO-RENTAL, Local: 601-373-0444
• Briggs Equipment - 2129 McCullough Blvd, Tupelo, MS 38801, 662-844-4648
• Deep South Equipment – 340 Airport Road, Jackson, MS; Phone(601) 939-9655
• Mississippi Manufacturers Association - 720 North President Street, Jackson, Mississippi 39202, Phone (601) 948-1222, Fax (601) 948-1475
• Black Equipment Co. Inc. - 3195 McCullough Blvd., Belden, MS 38826
• Pike County Chamber of Commerce - 213 Main St, McComb, MS 39648; Phone: +1 601-684-2291
• Hale's Forklift Contractors - 8107 Baron Dr, Olive Branch, MS 38654-5635; Phones: 901-833-5412; 901-604-0065
• Itawamba Community College - (662) 407-1500; Fulton: 662.862.8000; Tupelo: 662.620.5000; Belden: 662.407.1141
• Northwest Mississippi Community College - 4975 Hwy 51N, Senatobia, MS 38668, Main switchboard 662-562-3200
• Pearl River Community College - 101 Highway 11 North, Poplarville, MS 39470, 601.403.1000
• Southwest Mississippi Community College - 1156 College Drive, Summit, MS 39666, (601) 276-2000

The employer can make an arrangement that the training to be done in the actual workplace. This is the best way to deliver the training course as the trainer can modify the course to suit the requirements of the company.

The Forklift Certification Test

Passing the forklift certification test is the utmost importance when taking the course. The test is consisting of topics that resolve workplace-related issues and forklift-specific subjects.

The administration of the test ensures that you understood matters covered in the course. To reduce the chance of failing the test, here are some of the tips you need to know to pass the test, Click Here.

The driving test will determine your fate. Ensure you pass both the written and practical tests in order for you to get certified, otherwise, you have to redo it. It could cost you additional time and money.

Here are the 10 points to successfully pass the practical driving assessment, Click Here. I strongly suggest you to read these topics on how are you going to be assessed, here’s an article about how operator performance is evaluated, click here.

At the end of course, if you are successful, you will receive your forklift operator card/certificate.

Requirements to Get Accepted for the Training Operator Job

• A trainee intending to be certified should be at least 18 years old. You need to show an ID to confirm your age.
• You need to have a high school diploma or GED certificate.
• With a clean background. The prospective employer can run a background check on you. You cannot be accepted for a job unless you have a clean background.
• You need to be in good physical shape – the nature of the job of the forklift is physically demanding, you need to be in good health. A DOT physical may be required by the employer prior to employment.
• You need to have the confidence to handle valuable materials. It requires steady nerves and focuses on safety.
• You need to have a valid forklift license – the license does expire every three years. Show proof you have a current one. The renewal involves retaking the course.
• Some employers in Mississippi require a valid driver’s license, in case, the operators will drive the forklifts on public roads.

What can you expect as a certified forklift operator

In Mississippi, a licensed forklift operator can earn an average of $35,403 per year. In Louisiana, the pay is much higher. 

Based on the Salary.com's last survey report (February 27, 2023), here are the cities and towns of Mississippi that offer high salary for forklift operators:

The demand for the skilled individual to work in construction industries, warehouses, and factories in Mississippi is great. You can expect long-term employability in this career.

Contacting the Authorities:

If you have related concerns on safety and health, wage-related matters and complaints, get assistance:

U.S. Department of Labor/OSHA
100 West Capitol Street, Suite 749, Jackson, MS 39269-1620
Phone: (601)965-4606

Other Locations 

Jackson, Gulfport, Southaven, Hattiesburg, Biloxi, Meridian, Olive Branch, Tupelo, Greenville, Horn Lake, Pearl, Madison, Starkville, Clinton, Ridgeland, Brandon, Columbus, Vicksburg, Oxford, Pascagoula, Laurel, Gautier, Ocean Springs, Clarksdale, Long Beach, Hernando, Greenwood, Natchez, Corinth, Canton, Moss Point, Grenada, McComb, Brookhaven, Cleveland, Bay St. Louis, Byram, D'Iberville, Yazoo City, West Point, Petal, Picayune, Indianola, New Albany, Booneville, Flowood, Gulf Hills, Diamondhead, Senatobia, St. Martin, Holly Springs, Philadelphia, Batesville, Kosciusko, Richland, Amory, Latimer, West Hattiesburg, Waveland, Louisville, Columbia, Vancleave, Pontotoc, Forest, Gulf Park Estates, Pass Christian, Aberdeen, Ripley, Saltillo, Waynesboro, Crystal Springs, Carthage, Ellisville, Wiggins, Winona, Magee, Florence, University, Beechwood, Leland, Fulton, Pearl River, Hazlehurst, Escatawpa, Mississippi State, Houston, New Hope, Tutwiler, Morton, Water Valley, Newton, Baldwyn, Verona, Lucedale, Iuka, Poplarville, Nicholson, Ruleville, Okolona, Macon, Guntown, Collins, Hollandale, Arnold Line, Mendenhall, Durant, Magnolia, Purvis, Moorhead, Raymond, Lumberton, Quitman, Farmington, Lyman, Shelby, Lynchburg, Eupora, Belzoni, Charleston, Belmont, Rolling Fork, Tchula, Union, Itta Bena, Nettleton, Wesson, Bruce, Flora, Shaw, Morgantown, Decatur, Drew, Shannon, Rosedale, Bridgetown, Calhoun City, Bay Springs, Sumrall, Kiln, Collinsville, Summit,Sardis, Walnut Grove, Lexington, Coldwater, Marks, Fayette, Marion, Centreville, Monticello, Hurley, Tunica Resorts, Tylertown, Pearlington, Lambert, Ackerman, Columbus AFB, Mound Bayou, Port Gibson, Nellieburg, Glendale, Raleigh, Robinhood, Hillsboro, Sharon, Pelahatchie, Goodman, Mississippi Valley State University, Taylorsville, Vardaman, Walls