The Fireworks Certification Program Pyrotechnics Special Effects – Overview

The use of Pyrotechnics Special Effects is a wide and varied field. A pyrotechnician reproducing a lightning strike during a stage play, a senior pyrotechnician lighting a rock concert, a special effects technician destroying structures in a film scene – all these people are using pyrotechnics special effects in ways that require certification under the law.

In view of the varied backgrounds and experience of technicians, the wide spectrum of special effects, and the differing physical situations and types of activities, Pyrotechnics Special Effects certification is divided into the following classes:

Pyrotechnician is an unsupervised person using basic pyrotechnics, and all other authorized articles and powders if supervised by a Pyrotechnician or Special Effects Pyrotechnician. Completion of the Pyrotechnics Special Effects Safety and Legal Awareness Course is mandatory prior to certification.

Senior Pyrotechnician or Special Effects Pyrotechnician has extensive experience within the pyrotechnics industry; can use all authorized articles and powders. To upgrade to Pyrotechnician or Special Effects Pyrotechnician level, download the Application to Upgrade to Pyrotechnician (PDF, 88 kb).

Out–of–Country Technicians – If you are based outside of Canada and you are participating in the production of a Pyrotechnics Special Effects event in Canada, you must:

• employ a certified Canadian technician of the applicable class and obtain a Visitor Pyrotechnician certificate upon submission of proof of competence.
• obtain Canadian certification through the Canadian process for qualifying technicians.

To apply for the Pyrotechnician Visitor, download the Application for Fireworks Operator Certificate – Visitor (PDF, 88 kb).

Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) – Members of agencies who are associated with pyrotechnics events, such as fire departments, film commissioners, police forces, and provincial occupational health and safety organizations, will be issued a Pyrotechnic Special Effects Certification card upon completion of the course. If attending the course as an AHJ, and since you also require certification to work within the industry, you must follow the certification process as outlined above for Pyrotechnician.