How to get a forklift licence? 

Forklift trucks (sometimes colloquially referred to as forklifts) play an important role in logistics and warehousing, supporting the processes of transporting and storing goods. The forklift course is one of the most frequently chosen training courses for future operators of material handling equipment, which is linked to numerous career opportunities. In order to be able to work as an operator of such equipment, it is necessary to be certified by a committee of the Office of Technical Inspection (UDT). 

In the theoretical part, participants learn health and safety regulations, forklift construction and operating procedures in various situations. In the practical part, participants learn to operate forklifts under the supervision of an instructor. After completing the course, participants have to take a state exam, which is conducted by a commission from the UDT. This exam covers both the practical and theoretical parts. 

Changes to entitlements - what do you need to know? 

Until 1 June 2019, there were three main forklift licence categories: I WJO, II WJO and III WJO. Each of these categories corresponded to the different types of forklifts that operators could operate, differing mainly in the type of equipment and its application. Category I WJO included all trucks with variable reach, including those that lifted the operator with the load. WJO Category II, on the other hand, covered powered forklifts, but excluding specialised models. WJO Category III focused on manually guided forklifts and those that were remote controlled. After this date, the authorisation system changed to simplify the regulations and bring them in line with modern industry requirements. The new regulations also made it easier for future operators to gain qualifications. 

New types of forklift authorisations following amendments to the law 

An amendment to the Act introduced significant changes to the forklift allowance system, reducing the previous three categories to two main types: 

  • lift trucks, excluding specialised ones, which allow the operation of all types of lift trucks without any limitation as to lift height or maximum tonnage. This includes forklifts that are manually or remotely controlled (former WJO category II and WJO category III), 
  • specialised lift trucks, which require additional skills from the operator due to their specific functions and design (formerly category I WJO). 

Choosing the right type of authorisation should be thoughtful and tailored to the tasks that are carried out in the job and the type of forklifts used in the company, which will certainly have an impact on work efficiency. 

Rules on the validity of DTC authorisations for forklift trucks and lift trucks 

The licence to operate powered stacker trucks has a specific validity period, which varies according to the type of equipment. The five-year term applies to forklifts equipped with a boom or which allow the operator to be lifted with the load. This group includes, but is not limited to, the following equipment: 

  • telescopic handlers, 
  • trolleys with a lift function for the operator and load, 
  • mobile platforms passable, 
  • general and special-purpose cranes, hoists and winches, 
  • cranes self-propelled, tower, high-speed, deck, floating, rail, railway and mounted on railway vehicles. 

On the other hand, the ten-year validity period of the UDT documents applies, for example, to mechanical lift trucks. This group includes reach trucks and seat trucks, platform trucks and reach trucks. In addition, stationary, pendant, mast and rail-mounted mobile platforms are included here. Also included in this category are stacker cranes and goods hoists, overhead cranes, general-purpose hoists and winches, stationary, mobile and portable cranes. 

Revalidation of forklift operator certificates 

When the end of the qualification certificate issued by the Office of Technical Inspection (UDT) is approaching, it is possible to apply for the continuation of the licence. The holder of an operator's licence must make the appropriate application at least three months before the expiry of the document. To do so, an application for renewal must be prepared, including the operator's personal details and the number of the existing certificate. It is also necessary to submit a statement confirming that the operator has been actively operating equipment for at least three years in the last five years. 

It is worth noting that those with indefinite qualifications do not need to retake the UDT exam. but you do need to apply in good time. The deadline for applications for renewal of qualifications was 2 October 2023, which means that all those who have not submitted their documents have lost their entitlements. 

Recognition of UDT certificates in EU and EFTA countries 

The qualification certificate issued by the Office of Technical Inspection (UDT) is only valid in Poland, but many countries recognise Polish certificates and qualifications. Recognition procedures may vary from country to country. Outside Poland, national regulations apply, as well as Directive 2005/36/EC, which deals with the recognition of professional qualifications. 

These rules apply in the countries of the European Union and in EFTA and EEA countries such as Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein, as well as in Switzerland. There are Points of Contact in each of these countries, which provide detailed information on the recognition processes. 

Recognition of professional qualifications in the UK 

Following the UK's exit from the European Union on 31 January 2020, confusion arose regarding the recognition of professional qualifications acquired by EU residents. In 2022, the European Commission provided new guidance on this issue. The overarching aspect is the date the qualification was obtained. Qualification documents acquired before 31 December 2020 are still recognised in accordance with Directive 2005/36/EC. This allows holders of such qualifications to apply for their recognition under the systems described in the directive. In contrast, qualifications obtained after 1 January 2021 are treated as third-country qualifications, which may involve more complicated recognition procedures. 

Other conditions needed to work as a forklift operator 

A candidate for a forklift operator, as forklifts are otherwise known, must be at least 18 years of age, have at least an elementary education and have a medical certificate confirming good health. In addition to taking the course and passing the exam, there are health prerequisites that are necessary to be able to work as a forklift operator safely and legally. Persons who have severe hearing impairments, severe visual impairments, diseases that affect safety or who have cognitive limitations and mental deficits may not take the forklift operator course. 

Steps to becoming a forklift operator 

To become a forklift operator, one has to go through an educational and examination process. An amendment to the law in June 2019 reduced the number of licence categories to two, simplifying the certification system. Operators must remember to renew their certificates in a timely manner, which is key to maintaining the legality of their operations. Polish certificates are recognised in many EU countries, but may require additional paperwork and translations. 

Questions and answers

How does the forklift operator course work?

The course consists of a theoretical and a practical part. The theory can be delivered onsite, online or via e-learning. The practical part consists of operating forklifts under the guidance of an instructor, and participants may have the option to extend the class for more complete preparation. 

What has changed about entitlements in 2019?

The amendment simplified the authorisation system, reducing the previous three categories to two main types: lift trucks (without specialised) and specialised lift trucks. The new regulations have made it easier for future operators to gain qualifications. 

What are the requirements for forklift operators?

To become a forklift operator, you must be at least 18 years old and have at least an elementary education. In addition to this, it is necessary to obtain a medical certificate that certifies good physical and mental health. Such a document is required to ensure that the prospective operator is capable of performing the job safely, which often involves a lot of responsibility and physical strain.

Are Polish UDT certificates recognised abroad?

Qualification certificates issued by the Office of Technical Inspection are valid in Poland, but many EU and EFTA countries recognise Polish certificates. However, it is advisable to translate them and the course syllabus into a foreign language, as the requirements for recognition of qualifications may vary from country to country.