How much does a forklift certificate cost?

A forklift certificate costs between 150 and 600 euros per person with external providers – depending on course format, provider and region. One-day courses for people with prior experience are at the lower end of the range; multi-day standard courses for beginners are more likely around 300-500 euros. In-house training for larger groups can be cheaper depending on the number of participants.

Price research as of: August 2026, external providers (inspection bodies such as Dekra and TUV, regional training providers).

Course format	Typical price range	Target group
One-day course (1 day)	150-350 €	Experienced operators, refreshers
Standard course (2 days)	250-500 €	Beginners without prior experience
Intensive course (2-3 days, incl. exam fee)	300-600 €	Beginners, higher service level
In-house training (group, flat rate from 6 people)	600-1,800 €	Employers with several candidates
Additional type-specific training	150-350 €	Holders of a basic certificate, use of special forklifts

All prices exclude VAT. Actual prices vary by region and provider.

Not every course price includes the same services. Check the following points before booking:

Usually included:

• Theoretical and practical training in line with applicable Dutch health and safety rules
• Exam (theory + practical) by recognised examiners
• Issue of the certificate after passing the exam
• Course materials (learning materials, operating instructions)

Often not included – check separately:

• Exam retake if you fail (10-80 €)
• Card in credit card format (5-20 € surcharge)
• Medical assessment, if requested by the employer (80-150 €, with the company doctor)
• Travel and accommodation with providers outside the region

Practical tip: Low-cost offers often advertise a low entry price and charge exam fees and materials separately. Always compare on the basis of the total price (incl. all additional costs).

Region and location In urban areas (Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht) courses tend to be more expensive than in rural areas. Transport and rent for a practice area are reflected in the course price.

Type of provider National inspection bodies (such as Dekra and TUV) price their courses differently from regional training providers. Manufacturer academies (Jungheinrich, Still, Linde) offer brand-specific courses that also cover machine-specific features.

Group size The more participants, the lower the price per person – especially for in-house courses. For companies with several employees to be trained, a group almost always pays off.

Prior experience Anyone with demonstrable experience of industrial trucks may in some cases be referred to the one-day course – with a correspondingly lower course fee.

Course date and availability Short-notice bookings at peak times can be more expensive. If you can book flexibly, you are more likely to find cheaper dates.

Costs paid by the employer In most cases the employer pays the course costs if the training is necessary for the job. This also makes sense from a liability point of view: the employer must ensure the demonstrable competence of the forklift operator, and without demonstrated competence the employee should not operate the forklift.

Costs paid by individuals If you obtain the forklift certificate on your own initiative, you can consider the following:

• Training schemes: Ask the training provider and your (future) employer about possible training schemes.
• Leave for training: Discuss with your employer whether the course can be taken during working hours or with training leave.

Exam retake If you do not pass the theory or practical exam at the first attempt, you pay again for the retake – usually 30-80 euros. Some providers offer discounts if the entire course was completed with them.

Medical assessment Some employers require a medical assessment before course registration. Cost: 80-150 euros with the company doctor or occupational health service. These costs are not included in the course price.

Additional course by machine type If you are deployed on a different type of forklift after basic training (e.g. switching from a counterbalance forklift to a reach truck), you take additional type-specific training – cost: 150-350 euros extra.

How much does a forklift certificate cost at Dekra?

Dekra forklift certificate courses cost between 270 and 550 euros per person depending on location and format (individual booking, 2-day standard course). One-day courses for experienced operators are cheaper. Current prices and dates can be found directly on the Dekra website.

Can I get a forklift certificate in one day and what does it cost?

Yes, one-day courses exist – but they are designed for people with demonstrable prior experience. Cost: 150-350 euros. Not every provider accepts participants without experience on one-day courses. If in doubt, check in advance whether a one-day course suits your level of experience.

Does the employer pay the costs?

Usually yes, if the training is necessary for the current or intended job. Under Dutch occupational health and safety legislation (Working Conditions Act and Working Conditions Decree), employers must ensure the demonstrable competence of the forklift operator – paying for the course is therefore also a way of limiting liability.

Is there support for training costs?

That depends on your situation and the schemes that apply. Ask the training provider, your employer or your industry about possible support for training.

What does a forklift certificate cost if you pay yourself – i.e. without an employer?

The course fees stay the same: 150-600 euros depending on the format. Without employer funding, it is worth asking about possible training schemes. If you cannot use any support, you bear the costs yourself.

After training, Luibl Rental provides the right machine for you: forklifts, electric forklifts, reach trucks and telehandlers – available for rent at short notice, with delivery throughout the Netherlands.

→ Rent a forklift from Luibl Rental → How long does the training take?