27 Oct 2026

Forklift License for Work Permit Holders in Singapore: What Employers Need to Know

Short answer: Yes, Work Permit holders can get a forklift license in Singapore. MOM requires every forklift operator, local or foreign, to complete the WSQ Operate Forklift course. There is no separate license from MOM: the worker passes the course, receives a course pass, and the training record is uploaded to MOM so employers can check it. Work Permit holders are not eligible for SkillsFuture course fee funding, so the full course fee applies.

Can a Work Permit holder take the forklift course?

Yes. THT Academy’s WSQ Operate Forklift course is open to Singapore Citizens, Permanent Residents and holders of a valid Employment Pass or Work Permit. Learners must:

be at least 18 years old
be physically and mentally fit for the training (those aged 70 and above need a medical certificate of fitness)
be able to interpret work instructions and technical information

Does MOM issue a forklift license?

No. MOM does not issue 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. When people say “forklift license”, they mean the course pass you receive after passing this course.

Which forklift course should the worker take?

With a Singapore Class 3 driving licence: WSQ Operate Forklift (With Class 3 License), 3 days (1 day theory, 2 days practical).
Without a Class 3 driving licence: WSQ Operate Forklift (Without Class 3 License), 4 days (1 day theory, 3 days practical).

If the worker does not hold a Singapore Class 3 driving licence, choose the 4-day course.

Which languages are the classes in?

THT Academy runs the forklift course in English and Mandarin. For the English class, learners should be able to read and understand English at a basic workplace level (Workplace Literacy and Numeracy Level 3 or equivalent). Workers who are more comfortable in Mandarin can join the Mandarin class. 华语指南：新加坡叉车证怎么考？

Is the course funded for Work Permit holders?

No. SkillsFuture course fee funding, and course fee and absentee payroll funding for employer-sponsored training, are only for Singapore Citizens, Permanent Residents and Long-Term Visit Pass Plus (LTVP+) holders. Work Permit holders pay the full course fee, which is shown on each course page.

What does the worker receive?

A THT Academy course pass, valid for 3 years. This is the card supervisors and safety officers ask to see at the worksite.
A record with MOM: training providers upload WSH training records to MOM within 5 working days of the course. Employers can check a worker’s training through MOM’s “Check Worker Training Records” e-service.

Refresher training from 2027

From 1 January 2027, employers must make sure their forklift operators attend refresher training at least once every 3 years. This applies to Work Permit holders too. See Forklift License Refresher Training in Singapore: What Employers Must Do by 2027.

How to register your workers

THT Academy (formerly Tat Hong Training Services) runs forklift classes every week at Woodlands Spectrum 1, 2 Woodlands Sector 1, #01-03, Singapore 738068. Employers can register workers through the course pages, walk in at Woodlands, or contact us at sales@thtc.com.sg or 6269 5269. Booking for a group? We can arrange dates for your team.

Frequently asked questions

Can a Work Permit holder get a forklift license in Singapore?

Yes. Work Permit holders can take the WSQ Operate Forklift course. MOM does not issue a separate forklift licence; the worker receives a course pass after passing the course.

Does a Work Permit holder need a Class 3 driving licence to take the forklift course?

No. Workers without a Class 3 licence take the 4-day WSQ Operate Forklift (Without Class 3 License) course.

Can Work Permit holders use SkillsFuture funding for the forklift course?

No. SkillsFuture course fee funding is only for Singapore Citizens, Permanent Residents and LTVP+ holders.

Is the forklift course available in Mandarin?

Yes. THT Academy runs the forklift course in English and Mandarin.

How long is the forklift course pass valid?

3 years. From 1 January 2027, forklift operators must attend refresher training at least once every 3 years.

How can employers check a worker’s forklift training?

Through MOM’s “Check Worker Training Records” e-service.