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Forklift certification training follows OSHA 29 CFR 1910.178, mandating 6-10 hours of instruction split between 4-hour theory—covering load dynamics, 10-foot clearance rules, and 5 mph speed limits—and 2-4 hour practical drills on 3,000-pound loads. Accredited providers like NSC or local OSHA trainers offer $150-$300 courses, blending e-learning modules on hydraulic stability with simulator sessions tracking 95% pass rates. Pre-requisites include a valid driver’s license and site-specific orientation, with physical fitness tests for lifting 50 pounds. Written exams, 25 questions at 70% pass mark, assess emergency stop procedures and horn usage, while practicals evaluate fork leveling within 2 inches and 3-point mounting. Certification cards, issued post-audit, hold for 3 years, with $100 annual refreshers—2 hours theory, 1 hour hands-on—required after incidents or every 3,000 hours. Employers often subsidize $200, ensuring compliance and 20% lower insurance rates. Virtual reality training, adding $50, boosts retention 30%, while recertification logs via apps track 98% adherence. This regimen equips operators for safe, efficient 10-year careers.