ITSSAR: What the Lift Truck Training Scheme Is
ITSSAR (Independent Training Standards Scheme and Register) is an HSE-recognised accrediting body for lift truck operator training. Its certificates are built on the same HSE L117 Approved Code of Practice and practical test as RTITB, so most employers treat the two as equal. Beyond forklifts, its wider register also covers some MEWP and access equipment categories. ITSSAR paperwork carries the same weight as RTITB with the overwhelming majority of employers, because both are built on the same HSE code of practice and the same practical test. ITSSAR is another HSE-recognised accrediting body for lift truck (forklift) operator training, built around the same HSE L117 Approved Code of Practice as RTITB. It also accredits training in some other equipment categories including certain MEWPs and access equipment through its wider register.
Need forklift training? Enquire with Logan Plant Training.
What it covers
- Counterbalance forklifts and reach trucks
- Rough-terrain and industrial lift truck variants
- Pedestrian-operated trucks
- Some MEWP and access equipment categories via its wider register
What ITSSAR is
ITSSAR (Independent Training Standards Scheme and Register) is an HSE-recognised accrediting body for lift truck operator training. Its certificates are built on the same HSE L117 Approved Code of Practice and practical test as RTITB, so most employers treat the two as equal. Beyond forklifts, its wider register also covers some MEWP and access equipment categories. ITSSAR paperwork carries the same weight as RTITB with the overwhelming majority of employers, because both are built on the same HSE code of practice and the same practical test. ITSSAR is another HSE-recognised accrediting body for lift truck (forklift) operator training, built around the same HSE L117 Approved Code of Practice as RTITB. It also accredits training in some other equipment categories including certain MEWPs and access equipment through its wider register.
Forklift Training
- Safe load handling, stacking and de-stacking
- Pre-use inspections and daily checks
- Pedestrian and traffic-route awareness
Cards / certificates & validity
| Card / certificate | Validity | Note |
|---|---|---|
| ITSSAR certificate of training | Typically to next refresher (commonly 3 years) | Issued following L117-aligned theory and practical assessment. |
| ITSSAR refresher certificate | Renews the training cycle | Issued after periodic reassessment. |
Who demands it
Employers and insurers with an existing ITSSAR-based fleet training record. As with RTITB, acceptance for lift truck work is otherwise broad across NE Scotland industry, and the choice is usually about paperwork consistency rather than a strict client requirement.
How it's assessed
A theory assessment on safe operating principles and legislation, plus a practical skills test against the HSE L117 syllabus, conducted by an ITSSAR-accredited instructor.
When ITSSAR is right
If your business already runs ITSSAR-based training records, or your instructor/provider network is ITSSAR-aligned, staying consistent is the practical choice.
When it's not the right fit
If you want one scheme spanning forklifts and other plant categories together (excavators, telehandlers, MEWPs), a broader multi-category scheme like NPORS is often simpler to administer.
Renewal
Renewal via refresher training and reassessment, commonly every 3 years, or sooner following an incident or a significant change in equipment or duties.
Logan Plant Training & ITSSAR
Logan Plant Training offers ITSSAR forklift (lift truck) training on your own site and trucks, leading to ITSSAR certification, and also delivers forklift training under NPORS. Tell us which scheme your site or client asks for and we'll confirm the right route.
Need this training for you or your team?
Tell us what your site or client requires and Chris will call back with straight advice.
Related courses
Covering Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and North-East Scotland.
Is an ITSSAR certificate accepted for forklift work?
ITSSAR is one of the accrediting bodies for lift truck training in the UK. The law does not favour one accrediting body over another: PUWER 1998 and the HSE code of practice for rider-operated lift trucks require adequate training, testing and employer authorisation. In practice, most warehouses and industrial employers accept ITSSAR certificates alongside other accredited ones.
Where a construction site asks for a CSCS-logo card, a lift truck certificate may not satisfy its gate policy. Logan Plant Training delivers forklift training under ITSSAR, and under NPORS leading to an NPORS card with CSCS affiliation. Tell us which card or certificate your site asks for and we will confirm the right route.
How to check an ITSSAR certificate before someone drives
A certificate proves training happened; it does not replace the employer's own authorisation. Check the truck types listed match the trucks on your site, check the date against your refresher cycle, and then give a short familiarisation on your own truck, routes and loads.
If a candidate holds ITSSAR for counterbalance and you run reach trucks, that is a gap to close, not a formality. The same applies when moving from industrial to rough-terrain trucks.
Where a site already uses one scheme for other plant, keeping forklift records in the same format is often simpler for audits than mixing paperwork styles.
Related answers
FAQ
What's the real difference between ITSSAR and RTITB?
Both are HSE-recognised, L117-aligned bodies for lift truck training — the practical differences are in instructor accreditation routes and paperwork format, not underlying safety standard.
Does ITSSAR cover more than forklifts?
Its register extends to some MEWP and access equipment categories, though its core recognition is strongest for lift trucks.
Can I switch from ITSSAR to another scheme later?
Yes — most employers can align to a different scheme for future training without losing the validity of certificates already held.
Is ITSSAR the same as RTITB?
They are separate accrediting bodies, but both are built on the HSE L117 Approved Code of Practice and the same practical test, so ITSSAR paperwork carries the same weight as RTITB with most employers.
How long does an ITSSAR certificate last?
It typically runs to the next refresher, commonly three years, after which a refresher assessment renews the cycle.
Does ITSSAR only cover forklifts?
Mainly lift trucks, including counterbalance, reach, rough-terrain and pedestrian-operated trucks, plus some MEWP and access categories through its wider register.