Quick facts
| Who enforces in Illinois | Federal OSHA (private employers) — OSHA State Plans |
|---|---|
| Rule that applies | Federal 29 CFR 1910.178 — formal instruction, practical training and an evaluation of each operator's performance in the workplace. |
| Nearest listed office | OSHA Chicago North (Arlington Heights) and Chicago South (Tinley Park) area offices (official list) |
| Local jobs | 22,320 operators, mean $24.03/hr, Chicago metro (BLS, May 2025) |
| Where | Online, available to workers and employers in Chicago. No local classroom or office. |
| Price | $69 per operator; team seats $49, $45, $42, $39 or $35 by volume |
| Certificate | Same day after you pass the final exam |
| Wallet card | Printed and mailed to you |
| Spanish | Yes — full course, exam and certificate. Página en español |
What are the forklift rules in Chicago?
Federal OSHA enforces forklift rules for private employers in Illinois. Illinois's OSHA-approved state plan covers only state and local government workers (OSHA State Plans).
Federal 29 CFR 1910.178 — formal instruction, practical training and an evaluation of each operator's performance in the workplace.
What is specific to Chicago?
Chicago-area private employers fall under federal OSHA, which lists Chicago North (Arlington Heights), Chicago South (Tinley Park) and Naperville among its Illinois area offices. Illinois' own state plan covers only state and local government workers.
The Chicago metro area employs about 22,320 industrial truck and tractor operators, with a mean wage of $24.03 an hour (BLS May 2025).
Source for the job figures: BLS OEWS, May 2025, Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators (53-7051).
How do you get forklift certified in Chicago?
OSHA says employers "must certify that each operator has been trained and evaluated," and that formal instruction may include "interactive computer learning" (OSHA eTool). That is how the four steps below fit together for Chicago operators.
- 1. Take the online course: formal instruction on forklift classes 1–6, stability, loads, inspections and site hazards, at your own pace, in English or Spanish.
- 2. Pass the final exam: free retakes, and a digital certificate the same day you pass.
- 3. Complete the hands-on evaluation with your employer, on the trucks and at the site where you will work. We provide the evaluation form.
- 4. Your employer certifies the training and evaluation; your wallet card arrives by mail.
How can Chicago employers train a team?
Chicago employers can buy team seats at $49, $45, $42, $39 or $35 per seat depending on volume, assign workers from an employer dashboard, and track self-paced progress, exam results and certificates in one place.
Crews can take the course in Spanish or English, and the employer dashboard keeps records you can download. The employer still conducts and documents the hands-on evaluation at your site.
Start forklift training online
Self-paced forklift operator training for classes 1–6 is $69 per operator, with team pricing from $49 per seat at 50+ seats. Pay with just your email, sign in, and start in minutes.