The UK Accrediting Bodies Association for Workplace Transport (ABA) has issued a new, more inclusive Associated Knowledge test for counterbalance forklift  and reach truck operators, which will be compulsory from 1 March, 2025.

The test replaces the old five questions requiring a written response, with five multiple choice questions.

ABA chairman Gavin Hutchinson says the new Associated Knowledge test has been designed to test 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,” Hutchinson continues, adding it follows guidance around question types for Level 2 qualifications in the UK and globally.

“Accessibility is also a consideration. Many (forklift) operators do not have English as their first language. Multiple selection questions help to overcome language barriers.

“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.

“The Associated Knowledge test changes help make it fairer and more accessible to everyone. They also help keep the test relevant and effective.”

While use of the new standard is currently optional, it will be mandatory from 1 March for all organisations accredited by one of the five ABA members – RTITB, AITT, ITSSAR, LANTRA, and NPORS. 

The test changes initially apply only to counterbalance and reach trucks, but will be rolled out to other standardised ABA machine operating tests at a date to be determined.