27 Oct 2026

Forklift, Boom Lift and Lorry Crane License in Singapore: The Course Pass Explained

Short answer: In Singapore there is no government-issued forklift, boom lift or lorry crane “license”. What people call a license is the Safety Pass (course pass card) you receive from your training provider after you pass an accredited WSQ course. The WSH Council’s technical notes require training providers to issue this card, and your training record is uploaded to MOM so employers can check it. Depending on the course, the card is valid for 2 to 5 years.

Does MOM issue a forklift license?

No. MOM states plainly that it “does not issue any forklift licences”. What MOM requires is training: all forklift operators must complete the WSQ Operate Forklift course, and operators of forklifts above 5 tonnes must also complete the Heavy Forklift Course. The same idea applies to boom lifts, scissor lifts, lorry cranes and other equipment: you need to pass the accredited course, not apply for a license.

So what is the “license card”?

It is the Safety Pass, also called a course pass. For each WSQ safety course, the WSH Council publishes technical notes that training providers must follow. These notes state that a Safety Pass/Card “is to be issued” to every candidate assessed Competent, in a standard format set by the WSH Council. This is the card supervisors and safety officers ask to see at the worksite.

For English-language WSQ classes, you also receive a Statement of Attainment (SOA) from SkillsFuture Singapore.

How long is the card valid?

The validity period comes from each course’s WSH Council technical notes:

Course	Card validity
WSQ Operate Forklift	3 years
WSQ Operate Scissor Lift	5 years
WSQ Operate Boom Lift	5 years
WSQ Operate Vertical Personnel Platform	5 years
WSQ Operate Lorry Crane	5 years
CSOC (Apply WSH in Construction Sites)	2 years if you have worked 6 years or less; 4 years if more than 6 years
MSOC (Apply WSH in Metal Work)	2 years if you have worked 6 years or less; 4 years if more than 6 years

For some courses, such as Perform Rigger and Signalman Tasks, Perform Work at Height, Manage Work at Height and Supervise Safe Lifting Operations, the technical notes require the Safety Pass but do not set a validity period.

Forklift operators: refresher training from 2027

From 1 January 2027, MOM requires employers to make sure their forklift operators attend refresher training once every 3 years. If you already hold a forklift course pass, plan your Forklift Refresher Course before your 3 years are up.

Employers: see our guide, Forklift License Refresher Training in Singapore: What Employers Must Do by 2027.

How employers check your training

Training providers must upload WSH training records for these courses to MOM’s Training Record System within 5 working days of the course ending. Employers can then verify a worker’s training through MOM’s “Check Worker Training Records” e-service, which covers records from 2017 onwards. So the card in your wallet is backed by a record MOM holds.

Lost your card?

MOM advises contacting the training provider that issued your certificate for a replacement. If you trained at THT Academy, contact us at sales@thtc.com.sg or 6269 5269.

Get your course pass at THT Academy

THT Academy (formerly Tat Hong Training Services) runs these WSQ courses at Woodlands Spectrum 1, 2 Woodlands Sector 1, #01-03, Singapore 738068. Every learner who passes receives a THT Academy course pass. English classes are eligible for SkillsFuture funding for eligible learners. See each course page for dates and fees.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a forklift license in Singapore?

MOM does not issue forklift licenses. Operators must pass the WSQ Operate Forklift course, and they receive a Safety Pass (course pass) from their training provider.

How long is a forklift course pass valid?

3 years, according to the WSH Council’s technical notes for Operate Forklift. From 1 January 2027, forklift operators must attend refresher training once every 3 years.

How long is a boom lift or scissor lift course pass valid?

5 years, according to the WSH Council’s technical notes for each course.

How long is a CSOC valid?

2 years if you have worked in construction for 6 years or less, and 4 years if you have worked for more than 6 years.

How can my employer check my training?

Through MOM’s “Check Worker Training Records” e-service. Training providers upload records to MOM’s Training Record System within 5 working days of the course.