RMPG seeks to be the gold standard while providing universal safety training for fireworks and pyrotechnics by conducting the following training courses listed below. Typically, we provide class offerings twice a year during spring and fall scheduling windows. Summer and winter months typically have extreme weather conditions here in Colorado which reduces our ability to conduct classes, further the summer months are when the majority of fireworks / pyrotechnic displays take place. Cold, wet, windy weather and/or muddy ground is a possibility, so be prepared. *Note, completion of any of the courses offered by RMPG on their own does not qualify you to purchase explosives, fireworks, or pyrotechnic devices. Seek out all local, state, or federal requirements if you seek to handle, purchase, or store the items listed above.
Current Class offerings include:
Pyrotechnics Guild International (PGI) Display Operators Course (DOC) .
This course is for anyone interested in working on a fireworks display crew. For those who are seeking a PGI Certification as a Fireworks Display Operator. Anyone who needs a safety course for a Fireworks Display Operator License (required in Colorado); persons in regulatory capacities; and those interested in expanding their hobby fireworks knowledge. The DOC duration typically runs for a full day ~8hrs. Class is held both indoors and outdoors. The DOC is a general course on display operations and is one of only two nationally recognized certification courses recognized as compliant by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Class consists of a comprehensive lecture which covers our optional study guide and NFPA-1123 2022 Code for Fireworks Display. We highly recommend students purchase the study guide with the class offering. Additionally, RMPG highly recommends students read through NFPA-1123 before attending this class. Online versions are available for viewing for free via NFPA's website. This is optional as some students purchase the textbooks and study prior to attending the class. The PGI Study Guide is available from PGI directly or from RMPG. Expect 4-6 weeks to receive pre class orders from PGI. The lecture concludes with a written exam where the student must pass with a minimum score of 80% to receive certification. This course also included a practical portion with hands on live fire. Instructors will reinforce lessons learned in the classroom by conducting demonstrations which include aerial shell failure examples. Students will hand fire and electronically fire 3 inch ball shells as part of the experience. The practical portion is optional if students chose not to complete the course. However, the practical portion is a requirement of the PGI's Display Operator's License process as well as a requirement for most states who offer Display Operators licenses. Students who do not pass the exam or participate in the practical will receive a Certificate of Attendance signifying 8hrs (0.8 CEUs for public servants) of training. Students who pass the written exam and participate in the practical will receive a Certificate of Training signifying 8hrs (0.8 CEUs for public servants) of training. Additional information can be found at:
PGI Display Operator's Course
Colorado Fireworks Pyrotechnics Operator Safety Course
This class is for anyone who is interested in working with pyrotechnics and flame effects before a proximate audience or who needs a safety course for a Fireworks Pyrotechnic Operator License (required in Colorado); persons in regulatory capacities; and those interested in expanding their hobby fireworks certification may be applicable to multiple state certifications outside Colorado. The class duration typically runs for a full day ~8hrs. Portions of the class are held both indoors and outdoors. Class consists of a comprehensive lecture which covers NFPA standards as well as a practical portion. RMPG highly recommends students read through NFPA 1126 Standard for the Use of Pyrotechnics Before a Proximate Audience and 160 Standard for the Use of Flame Effects Before an Audience, before attending this class. Online versions are available for viewing for free via NFPA's website. The lecture concludes with a written exam where the student must pass with a minimum score of 80% to receive certification. Students who do not pass the exam or participate in the practical will receive a Certificate of Attendance signifying 8hrs (0.8 CEUs for public servants) of training. Students who pass the written exam and participate in the practical will receive a Certificate of Training signifying 8hrs (0.8 CEUs for public servants) of training.
Further, this class is currently a beta testing platform for a new PGI certification course. While the study guide is still in the draft process its RMPG' intent to complete this work and hand off to PGI very soon. We hope to see this class become the nationally recognized standard shortly thereafter.
PGI: Introduction to Professional Use Only Products
As described by PGI: This class was developed based on the overwhelming need for a standardized training curriculum for these devices, as no such class currently exists. This course is intended to give the attendee a basic understanding of Professional Use Only pyrotechnics, 1.4g, UN0336. These items are not regulated by either the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) or the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (BATFE), as they are neither consumer fireworks or ATF regulated explosives and thus do not fall under the regulations of either entity. However, these items are not intended to be sold or used by the general public. Students who attend the class and pass the examination will receive a certificate of attendance. The class typically runs for about 4 hours. Class lecture is based on the PGI DOC Study Guide as well as proprietary supplemental documents provided to the students during the class. Additional information can be found at:
PGI Introduction to Professional Use Only Products
