The Fireworks Certification Program Display Fireworks – Overview

Planning, setting up and firing fireworks affect public safety and thus a degree of apprenticeship is essential before an individual can be certified as a Fireworks Supervisor. Anyone who handles Display Fireworks must be at least a Display Assistant. Certification is divided into the following classes:

Display Assistant – A Display Assistant (a prerequisite to becoming a Display Supervisor) may, under the direct supervision of a Display Supervisor, perform the same duties that his/her supervisor is allowed to perform on the display site.

Display Supervisor – Has met the current certification requirements. The scope of duties, limitations and certification requirements applicable to Display Supervisor, are listed below. To upgrade to Display Supervisor, download the Application to upgrade to Fireworks Operator Certificate (PDF, 57 kb)

Display Supervisor with Endorsements –The scope of duties, limitations and endorsements requirements applicable to Display Supervisor, are listed below.

Display Visitor – Out–of–Country technicians may assist a certified Canadian Display Supervisor who assumes all responsibilities for the display set–up. Out–of–Country technicians can obtain a Display Visitor Certificate upon submission of proof of competence. To apply for the Display Visitor, download the Application for Fireworks Operator Certificate – Visitor (PDF, 52 kb)

Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) – Members of the public services who are responsible for the authorization and support of fireworks displays, such as fire prevention officers, firefighters, and other members of agencies responsible for the carrying out of fireworks events, will be issued an attendance certificate upon completion of the course. Those members wishing to engage in the production of displays as a Display Assistant or Display Supervisor must meet the requirements of other applicants, pay the appropriate fee and go through the stage of Display Assistant.

Certification Requirements

Display Assistant

Display Supervisor

  • Certification as a Display Assistant
  • Participated in a minimum of three shows within five years
  • Submit verifiable proof of participation (copies of the Application for Approvals AND Letters of Recommendation from event supervisor)
  • Submit fees ($100) and one (1) photo
  • To upgrade to Display Supervisor download the Application to upgrade of Fireworks Operator Certificate (PDF, 57 kb)

Display Supervisor with Endorsements

  • Certification as a Display Supervisor
  • For each endorsement – participated in at least three shows in the past five years in which you have assisted with displays:
    • Large shells: shells over 155 mm (6") have been fired
    • Floating Platform: Display has been fired from a barge, pontoon or multihull
    • Rooftop, Bridge and Flatbed: Display has been fired from a rooftop, bridge or flatbed trailer
    • Nautical Effects
    • Flying Saucer
  • Acted as Supervisor in Charge in at least three shows as a Display Supervisor
  • Submit verifiable proof of participation (copies of the Application for Purchase/Event Approvals AND Letters of Recommendation)
  • Submit fees ($100) and one (1) photo
  • To apply for specific endorsements download the Application to upgrade of Fireworks Operator Certificate (PDF, 57 kb).

Work Authorized to Perform

Display Assistant

  • Assisting and working under the direct supervision of a certified Display Supervisor

Display Supervisor

  • Purchasing and firing of Display Fireworks (see below for restrictions)
  • Training and supervising of Display Assistants

Display Supervisor with Endorsements

  • Endorsements allow the Display Supervisor to use the types of effects or fire from various firing locations as specified in the endorsement
  • Training and supervising of Display Assistants and Display Supervisors

Firing Restrictions

Display Assistant

  • Must work under the direct supervision of a Display Supervisor

Display Supervisor

  • Shells must not be over 155 mm (6")
  • Display must be on a conventional display site

Display Supervisor with Endorsements

  • Endorsements
    • Large shells: shells over 155 mm (6") have been fired
    • Floating Platform: Display has been fired from a barge, pontoon or multihull
    • Rooftop, Bridge and Flatbed: Display has been fired from a rooftop, bridge or flatbed trailer
    • Nautical Effects
    • Flying Saucer

Length of Certification

Display Assistant
5 years

Display Supervisor
5 years

ERD sends reminder letters to current certificate holders advising them of an upcoming renewal. For renewal information, please contact the ERD using the Contact Us button at the top of the webpage.