Here is a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) relating to powered industrial equipment, (e.g., forklifts, mobile elevating work platforms and loaders) their operations, and training. We've also included FAQs on our Train the Trainer Programs, operator training materials and training aids, administrative topics and our TrainTrak™ Operator Requalification Reminder System.
Click a topic below to view our Frequently Asked Questions on that subject!
What is the IVES Training System?
It is the best operator training system available! IVES is built around the simple philosophy that “any job worth doing, is worth doing right.” The IVES Training System™ helps you perform all the required steps in order to make your training “right”. It starts with training your trainers, giving them the knowledge and skills to train your operators. Then, it equips your trainers with all the resources necessary to train and evaluate your operators and document that training. Lastly, it provides your trainers with the support they need to ensure they are confident and effective. For more information, Click Here!
What makes it different from other programs?
The IVES Training System™ places a great deal of importance on practical hands-on training. In fact, we believe it is the primary factor that defines us as the premiere training provider in the industry. Our system provides the opportunity for trainers to practice, develop and demonstrate techniques and concepts learned in the classroom. In the 40+ years IVES has conducted business, we have established ourselves as one of the most trusted and respected companies in the powered mobile equipment training industry.
What training material do you use?
We develop and produce our own trainer and operator training manuals as well as all written support materials. In doing so for more than 40 years, we are sought after experts in our field and often called upon to consult with and advise government regulatory agencies, provide expert testimony in legal litigations, submit topical articles and presentations to industry related publications and to make presentations and speak at many industry-related exhibitions and conferences.
Why should I choose the IVES Training System?
We believe the best people to answer this question are our customers. See what they have to say Here!
For more information on choosing the IVES Training System, Click Here!
Does it matter who I get my trainer qualifications from?
Yes! IVES Training Group is the leader in mobile equipment training, largely because, unlike so many others, IVES is dedicated solely to powered mobile equipment training. It is the core of our existence, and we do nothing else. We’ve trained tens of thousands of equipment trainers who, in turn, have trained hundreds of thousands of operators. The four pillars upon which the IVES Training System™ stands are Integrity, Value, Expertise and Support. The fact that everyone from multi-national conglomerates, to mom-and-pop shops, to state and federal regulatory agencies call on IVES when they need powered mobile equipment training for operators, trainers, and supervisors is clear testimony that IVES has these attributes in abundance.
Is your training officially recognized by any regulatory agencies like OSHA?
No. Regulatory agencies do not officially recognize or endorse any private training providers or programs. However, all our programs are regulatory compliant in that they meet or exceed the requirements of federal and state/provincial regulatory agencies (like OSHA and ESDC) and the industry standards they reference (like ANSI and CSA).
Is your training OSSA (Oil Sands Safety Association) certified?
No. Our program isn’t OSSA certified, however we do have clients who have used our program materials within OSSA certified training courses.
I want to attend a training program. Where is your office?
Our offices are located in Blaine, Washington, USA and Surrey, British Columbia, Canada. These offices are strictly administrative operations; we do not conduct training there. Check out our Offices page for more information Here!
Where are the programs held?
We have locations across the USA and Canada where we deliver Trainer Programs, or we can deliver programs at your company. Operator training programs are delivered exclusively on-site at a client's facility using their own equipment. Check out our Training Locations page for more information on our Open Enrollment Locations Here!
Do you offer online Train-the-Trainer programs?
We offer online training for trainers previously certified by IVES Training Group. Our Online Trainer Recertifcation Program is a refresher program for trainers of forklift, mobile elevating work platform, loader, and excavator operators. We encourage all IVES Certified Trainers to attend an Online Trainer Recertification class once every three years.
Do you have an online operator training program?
We offer Integrated Online Operator Training Programs. An IVES Master Trainer will cover the classroom theory training and testing portion online, in a live, instructor-led session with your trainees. Then an IVES Certified Trainer at your company takes it from there and covers the hands-on practical training, evaluation and documentation portions of the program on site. When you schedule your online training program with IVES, we will send your operator trainees and your Certified Trainer all the necessary material they need to complete the program and qualify your operators.
Can I get CEUs (Continuing Education Units) through your program?
No. Our programs are not eligible for CEU credit.
Will attending a Train-the-Trainer Program give me the knowledge to train operators?
Yes! In our Trainer Program you will learn everything you need to know about training, evaluating, and documenting operators of powered mobile equipment such as forklifts, mobile elevating work platforms, loaders, and excavators.
Can I attend a Train-the-Trainer Program and then train other trainers at my company?
No. Successful completion of our Trainer Program enables you to train operators only, not other trainers.
How long does a Train the Trainer program take?
Our shortest programs take two days. From there they can go as long as five days depending on how many types of equipment are to be addressed and how many trainees are in the class. For more information Click Here!
You don’t have a location near me. Can my company book an on-site program?
Absolutely, we travel all over the country to deliver training wherever our clients are located! On-Site Programs can be customized to specifically suit your needs. Request a Custom On-Site Program Here!
What type of payment do you accept for registration?
We accept Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. Companies with an existing account may use Purchase Orders. Companies who would like to set up an account can fill out a credit application.
Can I show up for the program and pay with cash or check?
No. Our Trainers are not equipped to accept payment at the program. We need payment for registration in advance of the program.
Are there any pre-course requirements?
Yes. We mail out the Operator Reference Manual(s) for the equipment involved approximately 3-4 weeks prior to the program for review and completion. Each manual takes approximately 2-3 hours to review and complete.
What should I bring to my Train-the-Trainer program?
Bring your completed pre-course Operator Reference Manual(s) with you on Day 1. Also, wear something comfortable and weather appropriate as you will be outdoors working with the equipment. If there is a PPE requirement, there will be a note in your email confirmation.
When will I receive my program documentation and trainer credentials?
Upon successful completion of the program, you will receive an Interim Certificate of Completion on the last day to serve as proof of completion until receiving your final documents and credentials (official Certificate of Completion and Trainer ID Wallet Card) in the mail. We try our best to get completed program documentation sent out 3-4 weeks following a program. Payment for the program is required prior to your documents being sent.
How long will I be certified for as an IVES Trainer?
Your IVES Trainer Certification lasts for 3 years. You are then asked to attend an Online Trainer Recertification Program to maintain your IVES Trainer Certification and Member status.
Is my Trainer Certification transferrable from state to state/province to province?
Yes. When you attend an IVES Trainer Certification Program you can take it with you wherever you go. Of course, if you are training in a state or province where you are unfamiliar with the specific regional regulatory requirements, you will need to familiarize yourself with them before delivering any operator training.
Are qualified Aerial Boomlift trainers able to teach employees on scissor lifts without having to go through scissor lift training/certification?
A competent/qualified trainer must have the specific knowledge, training, and experience to train operators and evaluate their competence. If the person conducting the training on your scissor lift is knowledgeable on the technical ins and outs of the equipment and knows how to train effectively then there is no need to go through additional training. However, if an existing IVES Certified Trainer wishes to be recognized by IVES as a scissor lift operator trainer, then he/she would have to successfully complete an IVES Certified Trainer Upgrade Program.
I’ve lost my trainer wallet card and/or certificate. Can I get replacements?
Yes. We are able to issue replacements for any documents, wallet cards, and certificates issued by IVES. A nominal fee will be charged for this service. Send us a request via our online “Contact Us” form or call 1-800-643-1144.
Do I get IVES Member Pricing?
If you are an IVES Certified Trainer, you will receive IVES Member Pricing on all training aids and materials.
I just completed a Train-the-Trainer program and was told I get a $100 discount. Can I apply this to any order?
No. The $100 discount is exclusively applicable to our Trainer Power Packs which is a package that includes Operator Compliance Packages along with many useful training/visual aids. The discount offer is valid for 30 days following completion of your program and redeemable to just one power pack.
Can I purchase just operator manuals, tests, evaluation forms, folders, or wallet cards without having to buy the whole package?
No. Our Operator Compliance Packages and Requalification Packages are sold only as complete packages to ensure you receive everything you need and must be used in their entirety to properly qualify your operator and document their training.
Do you have training materials in Spanish?
Yes. Most of our training material, Operator Compliance Packages, Requalification Material, Safety Training Videos, and Digital Training Aids, are available in Spanish.
Do you have training materials in French?
Sorry, we no longer carry any of our material in French.
Is there a template for the wallet cards and certificates?
Yes, you can download those from the “Downloadable Materials & Updates” section in the Member Dashboard area of our website.
How do I access my Digital Training Aid?
To download or view your Digital Training Aid, sign in to the IVES website and go to the Member Dashboard. Click “My Digital Training Aids” on the left-hand menu. If you purchased a Downloadable version, you will need to download the file to the computer you will be using for training. If you purchased the Browser Viewable version, simply click “View” to the left of your DTA and the file will open in a new window in your internet browser.
Can I update my contact information online?
Yes. If you would like to update your personal information you may do so by logging in to the Member Dashboard and updating your Personal Profile. If you need to make changes to your Company's information, please call us at 1-800-643-1144 and we will be happy to help update your account records.
Can I change my login email address and password?
Yes. You can do that when you are logged in to the Member Dashboard by clicking the "Change Password" or "Change Email" under the "Security" section on the left-hand menu.
I don't know what my password is. How do I reset it?
If you don't know your password, you can click the "Forgot Your Password" button on the "Log In" page and an email will be sent to you with the information you need to log in.
What is Ask Bob?
Our Ask Bob service is a free technical support system available to all IVES Certified Trainers. If you have questions related to your operator training procedures, including questions about regulations, Click Here to learn how to submit your question today! One of our experienced and knowledgeable in-house trainers will respond back to you in a timely manner with the helpful information you need.
What is the cost to use Ask Bob?
Ask Bob is included with your IVES Membership and is one of the many free resources that your company can use to build an effective, comprehensive and customized in-house equipment operator training program. If you would like to learn more about IVES Membership, Click Here!
What is TrainTrak?
Our TrainTrak™ Operator Requalification Reminder System is one of the most valuable services available to IVES Certified Trainers. This service will assist you in complying with applicable regulations by keeping you up to date on who needs requalification and when. This free service is available for forklifts, aerial lifts, loader, and excavators. If you would like to learn more about TrainTrak, Click Here!
What is the cost to use TrainTrak?
TrainTrak™ is included with your IVES Membership and is one of the many free resources that your company can use to build an effective, comprehensive and customized in-house equipment operator training program. If you would like to learn more about IVES Membership, Click Here!
Where does my training material/product order ship from?
In the USA, all orders ship from Blaine, Washington. In Canada, all orders ship from Surrey, British Columbia.
When will my order ship?
Orders ship within 1-2 business days. If your order is received before 1:00 pm PST, it will likely ship same day.
For detailed information regarding our Shipping, Return, and Refund policy, please Click Here!
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