Certified Forklift Technician

Program Description

​This program is designed to enable the student to learn the basics of repairing and maintaining various types of basic forklifts. Topics include safety, engine, hydraulics, brakes, electric systems, masts, attachments, cooling systems, fuel systems, steering, transmissions, and diesel operations.

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this Continuing Education Workforce Certificate, students will be able to:

1.  prepare to pass the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) Certified Forklift Technician (CFT) certification classroom and hands-on tests;

2.  demonstrate maintenance, service, and repair skills for forklift vehicles used in a warehouse, factory, product distribution center, or with an equipment distributor; and

3.  demonstrate problem-solving and analytic skills needed to work in a higher-skilled front-line material handling position.

Program Credentials

Students will be awarded a Continuing Education Workforce Certificate and will have access to a Continuing Education academic record (transcript).

Successful completers will have the opportunity to demonstrate proficiency through certification from the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC), Certified Forklift Technician. 

Certifying Organization:
Manufacturing Skill Standards Council https://www.msscusa.org/log-in-2/

Course costs include the fee for the MSSC test to be taken one time.

Financial Aid and Payment Options

CCBC currently offers Continuing Education (CE) financial aid to those who qualify. We package public and private funding options to benefit students which include COVID-19 relief funding, the Maryland Sequence Scholarship, CCBC Opportunity Grant funding, Maryland Promise, and Baltimore County College Promise. Financial aid funding is available for select CE courses and programs. 

Additional opportunities for financial support include partial payment options through Nelnet Business Solutions and tuition waivers for those who qualify. Resources outside of CCBC may also be available through employer/sponsor paid tuition,  the Department of Rehabilitation Services (DORS), and your local office of workforce development. 

For more information about funding resources and how to apply for them, please contact the CCBC Continuing Education Information Center at 443-840-4700.

Length of Training

4 weeks

Application Process

To apply, go to www.ccbcmd.edu/apply and complete the CCBC Continuing Education Workforce Certificate program application.  An email will then be sent with program information and any additional requirements necessary to apply for the program.

Open Entry – No screening or documentation required.

Prior Learning Assessment

This program has no options for obtaining course waiver(s) for prior learning.

Program Course Sequence

A stringent attendance policy will be enforced.

Additional Information

Skills for Success:
Attention to detail, problem-solving, mechanical aptitude.

Career Opportunities:
Train to work in an entry-level forklift technician position in warehouses, factories and distribution centers of all sizes. Forklift technicians are also employed by equipment dealers. ​Industries that require material handling employ forklift technicians. 

Career Coach

Research your career interests, explore live job postings, take a career assessment, discover which companies in the Baltimore region are hiring, and more.  View a brief tutorial video on how to use Career Coach at: https://youtu.be/C7KpznbPYfA .  Explore career and training opportunities at: https://ccbcmd.emsicc.com/.

Program Contact Information

Program Coordinator:  Contact the Administrative Assistant

Administrative Assistant: Ollie Wright | owright​@ccbc​md.edu | 443-840-4476 | Catonsville | BESS 100​