Mitra KoreaForklift Operator Craftsman Written Exam: Learn Just 50 Korean Terms and You Can Read the Questions (For 20 E-7-4 Bonus Points)
The 지게차운전기능사 (Forklift Operator Craftsman certificate) is one of the craftsman-level certificates that give 20 bonus points for E-7-4. It is the one manufacturing workers get most often. The written exam is multiple choice in Korean. But if you memorize the 50 terms that keep coming up in the questions, with their meanings, you can read it. We also explain how to apply, how the exam works, and what order to study in.
Quick overview
- In the E-7-4 score table, a 기능사 (craftsman-level) certificate gives 20 bonus points. Along with 50 points for Korean and 50 points for income, it is the surest way to help reach 200 points (craftsman bonus points guide).
- People who work in manufacturing and logistics most often get the 지게차운전기능사 (Forklift Operator Craftsman certificate). Anyone can take the exam. The written exam is 60 multiple-choice questions on a computer (CBT). You pass with 60 points or more. The practical exam is driving a real forklift.
- The written exam is in Korean. But the words used in the questions are always the same. If you memorize the 50 terms below with their meanings, you can read 70–80% of the questions. For the rest, practice past exam questions again and again.
- You apply on 큐넷 (Q-Net, the national exam website) at q-net.or.kr. You can sign up with your 외국인등록증 (Alien Registration Card). There are many exam rounds each year. There are also regular CBT rounds, so you can choose your date fairly freely (check on Q-Net).
When does this apply to me?
- You are preparing for E-7-4 and you are about 20 points short
- You already use a forklift at a factory or logistics warehouse, or you can learn
- Your Korean reading is weak and you are afraid of the written exam questions
50 terms (by topic)
Forklift parts
- 지게차 (forklift) — a vehicle that lifts and moves loads with forks
- 포크 (fork) — two metal plates that go under the load
- 마스트 (mast) — the upright pole that moves the forks up and down
- 캐리지 (carriage) — the plate the forks are attached to
- 백레스트 (backrest) — a plate that stops the load from falling backward
- 카운터웨이트(평형추) (counterweight) — a weight at the back that balances the load in front
- 오버헤드가드 (overhead guard) — a protective frame above the driver's head
- 틸트 (tilt) — tilting the mast forward and backward
- 리프트 (lift) — raising and lowering the forks
- 사이드시프트 (side shift) — a device that moves the forks left and right
Hydraulics and power 11. 유압 (hydraulics) — passing force through the pressure of oil 12. 유압펌프 (hydraulic pump) — a device that pushes oil 13. 유압실린더 (hydraulic cylinder) — a tube that pushes and pulls using oil pressure 14. 작동유 (hydraulic oil) — the oil used in the hydraulic system 15. 릴리프밸브 (relief valve) — a valve that lets out pressure when it gets too high 16. 축전지(배터리) (battery) — stores electricity 17. 엔진 (engine) — the device that makes power 18. 변속기 (transmission) — a device that changes speed and direction (forward and reverse) 19. 브레이크 (brake) — the device that stops the vehicle 20. 인칭페달 (inching pedal) — a pedal that cuts power and puts on the brake when you press it
Driving and work 21. 적재 (loading) — putting a load on 22. 하역 (unloading) — taking a load off 23. 화물 (cargo) — a load 24. 팔레트 (pallet) — a wooden or plastic board that loads sit on 25. 정격하중 (rated load) — the heaviest weight it can lift safely 26. 하중중심 (load center) — the distance from the front face of the forks to the center of the load's weight 27. 전도 (tip-over) — the vehicle falling over to the side or forward 28. 주행 (driving) — driving the vehicle 29. 후진 (reversing) — going backward 30. 선회 (turning) — changing direction 31. 경사로 (slope) — a sloped road 32. 적재 상태 (loaded) — carrying a load 33. 공차 (empty) — carrying no load 34. 시야 (field of view) — the area you can see 35. 포크 높이 (fork height) — the distance from the ground to the forks (20–30cm when driving)
Safety and law 36. 안전 (safety) — keeping people from getting hurt 37. 점검 (inspection) — checking that nothing is wrong 38. 일상점검 (daily inspection) — the check you do every day before work 39. 안전벨트 (seat belt) — the belt on the seat 40. 보호구 (protective gear) — safety helmet, safety shoes, and so on 41. 작업 반경 (work radius) — the area where work is done 42. 출입 금지 (no entry) — you must not go in 43. 신호수 (signal person) — the person who gives signals 44. 제한속도 (speed limit) — the speed you must not go over 45. 건설기계 (construction machinery) — the legal category forklifts belong to 46. 건설기계관리법 (Construction Machinery Management Act) — the law on forklift registration and inspection 47. 조종사 면허 (operator license) — the license that lets you drive a forklift 48. 과태료 (fine) — money you pay when you break the law 49. 정기검사 (regular inspection) — an inspection done at fixed periods 50. 산업안전보건법 (Occupational Safety and Health Act) — the law on workplace safety
Steps: from applying to passing
- Sign up on Q-Net (you can use your 외국인등록증 number) → search "지게차운전기능사" → check the written exam rounds and apply (check the exam fee on Q-Net, upload a photo).
- Memorize the 50 terms (1 week): 10 a day. Write the meaning in Nepali and read the Korean out loud.
- Solve past exam questions (2–3 weeks): use Q-Net's public past exams and free apps. Repeat the 60 questions of each round. Add the terms from questions you got wrong to your list. Many of the same questions come up again.
- Take the written exam (CBT, 60 minutes): you get your result the same day. You pass with 60 points or more.
- Apply for the practical exam (within 2 years after passing the written exam): driving a course and doing work tasks. If your company has a forklift, practice there. If not, go to a training school (several hundred thousand 원; different in each area).
- Pass → get the certificate → attach it to your E-7-4 documents.
What to prepare
- 외국인등록증, an ID photo file
- Q-Net account, exam fee (card or bank account)
- A past-exam app or 1 question book
- Notes of the terms in Nepali
Be careful
- A written exam pass is valid for 2 years. You must finish the practical exam within that time.
- If you are late to the exam site, you cannot take the exam. Check transport in advance. Ask your company for annual leave one month before (annual leave calculation).
- Even with the certificate, you need your employer's instruction and safety training to drive a forklift at your company. Do not drive just any forklift because you have the certificate.
- The E-7-4 bonus is 20 points under the 2026 score table. The 2027 score table may change, so check the selection plan (E-7-4 requirements).
- Do not believe brokers' "guaranteed pass" ads. The exam is run by the national agency. Having someone else take the exam for you is a crime.
Frequently asked questions
Q. Should I do the Korean test (TOPIK) or the craftsman certificate first? A. Korean has a "minimum of 50 points," so without it you cannot apply. If you have 0 points for Korean, do Korean first (plan for 50 Korean points). If you already have Korean, add 20 points with a craftsman certificate.
Q. Can I use a different craftsman certificate? A. Yes. Any national technical qualification at craftsman level works, such as welding, electrical, or excavator. If it is related to your company's industry, it also helps with your boss's recommendation letter. The forklift exam is the easiest to access because anyone can take it and exams are held often.
Q. Can I see the written exam questions in Nepali? A. No. It is only in Korean. That is why you need to memorize the terms. The question types repeat, so you will get used to them after solving 3 past exams.
Where to get help
| Organization | Contact | What they help with |
|---|---|---|
| 큐넷 (한국산업인력공단, HRD Korea) | q-net.or.kr / 1644-8000 | Applying, schedules, checking results |
| 외국인력상담센터 (Foreign Workforce Counseling Center) | 1577-0071 | Advice on the application process in Nepali |
| E-7-4 score calculator | /ne/tools/e74 | Check how the bonus points count |