9 Oct 2026

Forklift Certification in Singapore: Do You Need a Licence?

Short answer: In Singapore, forklift certification means completing the WSQ Operate Forklift course and passing its assessment at an approved training provider. MOM does not issue the licence itself. When you pass, you receive a certificate showing you are competent to operate forklifts below 5 tonnes. This certificate is what most people call a forklift licence. Operators of forklifts above 5 tonnes must also attend the Heavy Forklift Course.

What MOM requires

Basic training: it is mandatory for all forklift operators to attend the WSQ Operate Forklift course. This is listed by MOM under the Factories (Safety Training Courses) Order for employees who drive or operate a forklift truck in a factory.
Heavy forklifts: operators of forklifts above 5 tonnes must also attend the Heavy Forklift Course.
Refresher training from 1 January 2027: employers must send forklift operators for refresher training at least once every 3 years.

What you get when you pass

You receive a WSQ Statement of Attainment for the course. This is your forklift certificate and your proof of training, so keep it safe.

Which forklift course do you need?

Course	For	Duration
WSQ Operate Forklift (With Class 3 Licence)	New operators with a valid Class 3 driving licence	3 days (22 hours)
WSQ Operate Forklift (Without Class 3 Licence)	New operators without a Class 3 driving licence	4 days
Forklift Operator Refresher Training	Operators who have completed the WSQ Operate Forklift course	4 hours online e-learning + 1-day in-person workshop

All three run at THT Academy, Woodlands Spectrum 1, 2 Woodlands Sector 1, #01-03, Singapore 738068. Each course page lists its fees, funding eligibility, languages and class dates.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a forklift licence in Singapore?

Yes, in the sense most people mean. MOM does not issue the licence itself. What is commonly called a forklift licence is the certificate you receive after you complete the WSQ Operate Forklift course and pass its assessment at an approved training provider. THT Academy is an approved training provider, and is on MOM’s list of approved providers for Forklift Operator Refresher Training.

Is forklift certification mandatory?

Yes. MOM requires all forklift operators to attend the WSQ Operate Forklift course.

Do I need a Class 3 driving licence?

No. There is a version of the course for learners without a Class 3 driving licence. It takes 4 days instead of 3.

Do I need refresher training?

Yes. From 1 January 2027, employers must ensure forklift operators attend refresher training at least once every 3 years. At THT Academy, the refresher course is 4 hours of online e-learning plus a 1-day in-person workshop with case studies and a hands-on practical, both with assessments. For deadlines and how to plan for your team, see our forklift refresher training guide.

I lost my forklift certificate. What do I do?

MOM advises contacting your training provider. If you trained with THT Academy, contact us. If you have been operating a forklift for more than 2 years, MOM recommends attending the WSQ Operate Forklift course again.

Need help choosing?

Ready to sign up? See class dates:

WSQ Operate Forklift (With Class 3)WSQ Operate Forklift (Without Class 3)Forklift Refresher