RTITB · B1
Counterbalance B1
Counterbalance lift trucks up to 5,000 kg — the standard forklift certificate.
Novice 5 days · Refresher 1 day · Experienced 2 days · Conversion 2 days
Next: Tuesday, 13 October 2026 · 3 places
See dates and bookRTITB · B1, B2, B3
Counterbalance forklift training
Counterbalance forklift training for the most common lift truck, and the certificate most operators need first. RTITB-accredited courses at our Grimsby training centre or on your site, from a first licence to a one-day refresher.
Accredited by
About the training
Counterbalance forklift training covers the truck on most yards, loading bays and factory floors. A counterbalance forklift carries its load out in front on the forks, balanced by the weight at the back of the truck, which makes the counterbalance licence the one employers ask for most.
RTITB splits counterbalance trucks into three categories by lifting capacity. B1 covers trucks up to 5,000 kg, B2 from 5,000 kg to 15,000 kg, and B3 anything above that. Your certificate is issued for the category you train and test on, so choose the course that matches the trucks your operators will actually drive.
Who it is for
- New operators who have never driven a forklift: the novice course starts from the basics.
- Operators whose certificate is due: a one-day refresher renews it.
- Operators with time on the truck but no recognised certificate: the experienced course tests what they know and fills the gaps.
- Operators certificated on another truck type, a reach truck say, who now need counterbalance: conversion training.
At our Grimsby training centre or on your site, nationwide.
Courses and dates
counterbalance forklift training courses
Each course is listed with its certificate code, the lengths at each level and the next date with places. Open a course to see every date and book online.
Counterbalance
RTITB · B2
Counterbalance B2
Counterbalance lift trucks over 5,000 kg and up to 15,000 kg.
Novice 5 days · Refresher 1 day · Experienced 2 days · Conversion 2 days
Dates on request
See dates and bookRTITB · B3
Counterbalance B3
Heavy counterbalance lift trucks over 15,000 kg.
Novice 5 days · Refresher 1 day · Experienced 2 days · Conversion 2 days
Dates on request
See dates and book
Before you book
counterbalance forklift training: questions we get asked
Which counterbalance course do I need: B1, B2 or B3?
It depends on the capacity of the truck you will operate. B1 is for counterbalance trucks up to 5,000 kg, B2 for 5,000 kg to 15,000 kg, and B3 for trucks over 15,000 kg. If you are not sure of the capacity, it is on the truck's rating plate. Tell us the make and model and we will confirm the category.
How long does counterbalance forklift training take?
A novice course typically runs five days for a group of up to three operators. A refresher is one day, and experienced-operator and conversion courses are usually two days. The exact length for each course and level is shown on its page.
Is a counterbalance forklift licence a legal licence?
There is no government-issued forklift licence in the UK. What you receive is a certificate of basic training, registered with RTITB, which is what the HSE's Approved Code of Practice L117 asks employers to see before authorising an operator. Employers should then give job-specific and familiarisation training on their own site.
How often does a forklift certificate need refreshing?
RTITB recommend refresher training every three years, and sooner if an operator has had an accident or near miss, has not driven for some time, or moves to a different type of truck.
Would you rather we came to you?
We train on your site, on your machines, nationwide. Tell us how many operators and which trucks, and we will quote.