Uncategorised

How to Verify Forklift Training Certificates When Onboarding New Operators

Posted on by jamescd

When welcoming new operators into your business, one of the most important steps in the onboarding process is verifying their existing forklift training certification. Often called a “licence”, this certificate outlines the type of equipment they were trained on and the standard of training completed. But not all certificates are equal — and understanding how to confirm whether a certificate is genuine and accredited is essential for maintaining safety and compliance in your workplace.

The gold standard is always accredited certification, issued under one of the UK’s recognised accrediting bodies. But if the training was unaccredited, you can still contact the training provider directly for clarification on what was delivered.

Below is a simple guide from FTT Training on how to check forklift certificates issued by all major accrediting bodies in the UK.

Understanding Accreditation

In the UK, accreditation for workplace transport training is overseen by the Accrediting Bodies Association (ABA).
The ABA is made up of five members:

  • AITT
  • RTITB
  • NPORS
  • ITSSAR
  • Lantra

Training accredited by any of these bodies meets nationally recognised standards developed in consultation with the Health & Safety Executive (HSE). This gives employers confidence that an operator has received training that aligns with the required testing and safety expectations.

Once you know which body issued the certificate, you can use the steps below to verify its legitimacy.

How to Check Certificates by Accrediting Body

1. AITT Certification (ACORNS System)

AITT certificates include a unique six-digit ACORNS number, along with an ACORNS logo.

To verify:

  1. Visit the ACORNS online verification tool.
  2. Enter the six-digit registration number.
  3. The system will confirm whether the certificate is valid and recorded in the AITT database (which includes all AITT courses since 2014).

If a result does not appear, or if you need additional confirmation, you can contact AITT directly with the operator’s name and ACORNS number.

2. RTITB Certification (NORS System)

Since August 2018, all RTITB certificates and cards include a QR code that can be scanned using a smartphone camera. This takes you directly to the operator’s registration record.

Alternatively, you can verify the certificate by:

  1. Visiting the RTITB NORS checker online.
  2. Entering the 9-digit NORS number printed on the certificate.

If the number is shorter than nine digits (older certificates), RTITB’s Standards Team can confirm validity via phone.

3. NPORS Certification

NPORS issues operator cards as standard, with certificates available as an optional additional document.

To verify:

  1. Visit the NPORS online validation service.
  2. Choose either “Operator Card” or “Instructor Card” search.
  3. Provide the operator’s NPORS number, surname, date of birth and National Insurance number.
  4. The system will confirm whether the qualification is valid.

4. Lantra Certification

Lantra provides an online checking system covering FISS/CSC cards, TTM cards, and standard training certificates.

To verify:

  1. Visit the Lantra Certificate/Card Checker.
  2. Select the type of certificate you are checking.
  3. Enter the operator’s name, date of birth and certificate completion date.

The system will confirm whether the qualification is genuine and up-to-date.

5. ITSSAR Certification (TOPS System)

ITSSAR uses the Trained Operator Passport Scheme (TOPS) to record training.

To verify:

  1. Go to the TOPS validation page.
  2. Enter the TOPS ID number (required for any course completed from January 2015 onward).

For certificates issued before 2015, ITSSAR can confirm validity over the phone using their central database.

After Verification: Steps Before Allowing Operators onto Your Equipment

A verified certificate does not automatically mean a new starter is safe to operate your machinery.

Before authorisation, employers must still:

✔ Assess the operator’s current skill level
✔ Provide additional or conversion training where required
✔ Deliver site-specific and job-specific familiarisation
✔ Issue written Authorisation to Operate
✔ Ensure they understand your company’s safe systems of work

The HSE outlines this clearly in the Approved Code of Practice L117, which FTT strongly recommends all employers follow.

Need Help Understanding Operator Certification? FTT Training Can Help

With over 35 years’ experience delivering accredited workplace transport training across the UK, FTT Training supports businesses with safe, compliant operator management.

If you need support verifying certificates, planning refresher training, or assessing operator competence, our team is here to help.

jamescd