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.

CCBC Pathway

Business Pathway - Pathways are designed to help you meet your academic and career goals by aligning related courses and programs.  Pathway students participate in a variety of activities that help explore career opportunities in their field of study.  You can meet with a CCBC advisor who help align — or realign — your educational plan with the Pathway that best supports you and your goals.

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

We offer financial aid by packaging public and private funding options to those who qualify, in select Continuing Education 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.

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:  Larry Kovacs | lkovacs@ccbcmd.edu | 443-849-4171 | Catonsville | BESS 100K

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