How often must forklift operator training be renewed?

Training must be refreshed at least every two years, or sooner when new machinery or equipment is introduced, or procedures or operating areas change (NOM-006-STPS-2023, point 10.4).

Is NOM-006-STPS-2014 still in force?

No. NOM-006-STPS-2023 (DOF 07/03/2024) entered into force 180 calendar days after publication and, from that date, NOM-006-STPS-2014 ceased to have effect (first and second transitional provisions).

MX · Expiry & renewal tracking

Never let a forklift or crane operator work with lapsed training

Only workers trained and authorised by the employer may operate forklifts and cranes in Mexico, and their training is refreshed at least every two years, or sooner when machinery, procedures or areas change (NOM-006-STPS-2023, points 8.4.2, 8.5.2 and 10.4). The employer keeps the record (point 10.5).

NOM-006-STPS-2023, Storage and handling of materials using machinery-Safety conditions at work (DOF 07/03/2024), applies in every workplace in Mexico where materials are stored and handled using machinery (point 2). It entered into force 180 calendar days after publication and, from then on, replaced NOM-006-STPS-2014 (first and second transitional provisions).

The employer must train workers involved according to their activity or job (point 5.9). New workers receive an induction course (point 10.1), and training for installers, maintenance staff, operators and their helpers consists of theory, practical training and an assessment of the knowledge and skills acquired, covering among other topics how the machinery works, its safety procedures, its capacities and limits, routine checks and emergency response (point 10.3).

Training must be refreshed at least every two years, or sooner when new machinery or equipment is introduced, or handling procedures or the areas where the machinery operates change (point 10.4). The workplace keeps a record with the workers' names and positions, the date, the topics covered and the instructor's name and, where applicable, their registration number as a training provider with the STPS (point 10.5).

Cranes and forklifts may only be operated by staff who are trained and authorised by the employer (points 8.4.2(a) and 8.5.2(a)), and workers may only operate the machinery for which they have been trained and authorised (point 6.5). Operating procedures must cover the authorisations that operators of cranes, forklifts, electromagnets and front loaders must obtain (point 7.4(k)).

Start free

At a glance

Who it applies to	Workplaces where materials are stored and handled using machinery (NOM-006-STPS-2023, point 2)
Training refresh	At least every two years (point 10.4)
Earlier refresh	When new machinery or equipment is introduced, or procedures or operating areas change (point 10.4)
Format	Theory, practical training and assessment (point 10.3)
New workers	Induction course on general safety and health conditions (point 10.1)
Training record	Name and position, date, topics and instructor, with their STPS training-provider number if applicable (point 10.5)
Authorisation	Cranes and forklifts only by staff trained and authorised by the employer (points 8.4.2 and 8.5.2)
Record keeping	Evidence and records for at least one year (point 12.5)

In the conformity assessment, training is evidenced by the skills certificate (constancia de habilidades) (point 12.3). The employer may hire an accredited and approved inspection unit; its reports are valid for one year, as long as the conditions on which they were based do not change (points 11.1 and 11.4).

Who is responsible?

The employer is responsible for training workers, keeping the training record and authorising operators (NOM-006-STPS-2023, points 5.9, 10.5 and 7.4(k)). It must also check that contractors carrying out these activities comply with the standard (point 5.5). Workers must take part in training and operate only the machinery for which they have been trained and authorised (points 6.5 and 6.8).

If the deadline passes

Enforcement of NOM-006-STPS-2023 is the responsibility of the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare (STPS) (point 13). Employers must comply with the official standards on occupational safety and health (Federal Labour Law, Article 132, section XVII), and there are sanctions for employers who do not observe safety and hygiene standards (Federal Labour Law, Articles 992 and 994, section V).

NOM-006-STPS-2014 is no longer in force

If your procedures still refer to NOM-006-STPS-2014, update them: NOM-006-STPS-2023 replaced it when it entered into force (second transitional provision). The training refresh is still required at least every two years (point 10.4), but course content and authorisations should be checked against the new standard.

Tracking it with ExpirySuite

Add a record for each forklift, crane or other materials-handling machinery operator and enter the date of their last training plus two years as the expiry date.
If you introduce new machinery or change procedures or operating areas, bring the date forward: the standard requires refresher training before two years in those cases.
Email reminders arrive 60, 30, 14, 7 and 1 day before the expiry date and on the day; the instructor or training provider can upload the skills certificate through a secure link that is valid for 14 days and needs no account.
Assign a responsible person, such as the safety team or HR; if an operator passes the date without training, managers get further reminders 3, 7 and 14 days later.

Frequently asked questions

How often must forklift operator training be renewed?: Training must be refreshed at least every two years, or sooner when new machinery or equipment is introduced, or procedures or operating areas change (NOM-006-STPS-2023, point 10.4).
Is NOM-006-STPS-2014 still in force?: No. NOM-006-STPS-2023 (DOF 07/03/2024) entered into force 180 calendar days after publication and, from that date, NOM-006-STPS-2014 ceased to have effect (first and second transitional provisions).
Who may operate a forklift or crane?: Only staff trained and authorised by the employer (points 8.4.2(a) and 8.5.2(a)).
What must the training record contain?: The workers' names and positions, the training date, the topics covered and the instructor's name and, where applicable, their registration number as a training provider with the STPS (point 10.5).
Are there sanctions for non-compliance?: Yes. Enforcement lies with the STPS (point 13), and there are sanctions for employers who do not observe safety and hygiene standards (Federal Labour Law, Articles 992 and 994, section V).

Sources

Last checked: Oct 11, 2026 · This page summarises official sources for general information and is not legal advice. Check the linked sources for current rules and fees.

Made for materials-handling machinery operator training (forklift, crane) (Mexico)

A ready template for materials-handling machinery operator training (forklift, crane) (Mexico) with sensible validity defaults, so you enter less and track more.

Reminders on time

Email alerts at 60, 30, 14, 7 and 1 day before each materials-handling machinery operator training (forklift, crane) (Mexico) expires, plus overdue escalation to managers.

Assign an owner

Give each materials-handling machinery operator training (forklift, crane) (Mexico) an owner and let employees update their own via a secure link — no login needed.