Changes to written forklift test

On 16th August, the Accrediting Bodies Association for Workplace Transport (ABA) will release a new Associated Knowledge test standard for Counterbalance Lift Truck and Reach Truck operators. The test is changing to be more inclusive and better assess operator competence.

Currently, the Associated Knowledge test includes five open ‘written’ questions. These will now be replaced by five multiple selection questions. For example, the previous test would ask the candidate to “List four reasons why a lift truck can tip over sideways”. The new format will ask “From the list below, select the four reasons why a lift truck can tip over sideways”. The candidate will be presented with a list of eight possible answers and can select up to four correct options.

“We are updating the Associated Knowledge test to include multiple selection questions for several reasons,” says Gavin Hutchinson, Chairman for the ABA. “Firstly, the new test format emphasises testing a candidate’s knowledge and competence rather than their written skills.” “The new multiple selection question format has also been designed to better align with educational standards,” he continues. Gavin explains that it follows guidance around question types for Level 2 qualifications in the UK and globally.

“Accessibility is also a consideration. Many lift truck operators do not have English as their first language. Multiple selection questions help to overcome language barriers,” explains Gavin. “This new approach also better supports the needs of neurodiverse learners. These candidates may find answering open questions or drafting long passages of text more difficult.”

Using the new test standard will be optional for the rest of 2024. It will become mandatory from 1st March 2025 for all organisations accredited by one of the 5 ABA members – RTITB, AITT, ITSSAR, LANTRA, and NPORS. The test changes will initially apply only to Counterbalance and Reach Trucks. However, they will later be rolled out to other standardised ABA machine operating tests.

“The Associated Knowledge test changes help make it fairer and more accessible to everyone. They also help keep the test relevant and effective,” says Gavin. “We hope that this will help to improve the operator testing experience for candidates and examiners alike.”

Visit https://abawt.co.uk/ to learn more.