FAQ
Welcome! All FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) are posted on this page.
We kindly request that you contact us if you have any additional questions, require further assistance, or now need to proceed with enrollment. Thank you.
What is a Certificate of Training?
A CERTIFICATE OF TRAINING IS A DOCUMENT THAT AN AUTHORIZED NEW YORK STATE TRAINING PROVIDER ISSUES TO A NEW YORK BLASTER OR A NEW YORK BLASTER APPLICANT THAT DEMONSTRATES THAT HE OR SHE HAS COMPLETED AT LEAST 16 HOURS OF EDUCATION. A CERTIFICATE OF TRAINING MUST ACCOMPANY EACH NEW YORK STATE BLASTER APPLICATION (APPLICATION FOR A BLASTER'S CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCE).
Is this training requirement a law in New York?
YES.
What law governs training requirements in the State of New York?
Part 61 of Title 12 of the Official Compilation of Codes, Rules, and Regulations of the State of New York (Cited as NYCRR 61).
What does this law state about training requirements for blasters?
According to NYCRR 61-4.4 (b), all blaster applicants require
"....successful completion of at least two training courses recognized by the BlasTER'S Examining Board totaling 16 hours."
According to NYCRR 61-4.4 (c),
"Applicants for renewal shall have successfully completed during the certification period at least two blasting-related training courses that have been recognized by the Blaster?s Examining Board totaling 16 hours."
When does this law take affect?
THIS LAW IS EFFECTIVE AUGUST 2012.
I am a New York State Blaster. Does the New York State law now require me to register in a school and earn a Certificate of Training?
YES. ALL "RENEWAL APPLICANTS" ARE REQUIRED TO EARN A CERTIFICATE OF TRAINING.
I would like to become a blaster. What does a blaster do?
ACCORDING TO NYCRR 61-4.2 (c),
A BLASTER IS "..... AN INDIVIDUAL WHO PERFORMS ANY TASK ON A BLASTING OPERATION".
ACCORDING TO NYCRR 61-4.2 (E),
A BLASTING OPERATION IS DEFINED BY "The planning, preparation, detonation, and post detonation inspection of a blast. Where explosives are being used for purposes such as, but not limited to, rock and earth excavation, steel and concrete demolition, bonding metals, testing, ice breaking, industrial boiler cleaning, and seismic prospecting."
I would like to become a New York State Blaster. Does the New York State law now require me to register in a school and earn a Certificate of Training?
YES. ALL "FIRST TIME APPLICANTS" ARE REQUIRED TO EARN A CERTIFICATE OF TRAINING.
How many years of practical experience are required in the State of New York to become a licensed blaster?
THREE YEARS.
What does the law state about experience for blasters?
According to NYCRR 61-4.4 (b):
"The minimum necessary experience for each applicant shall be three years practical experience in the handling and use of explosives. Such experience shall include knowledge of explosive safety precautions, three years of actual experience as a blaster outside of New York State or authorized blasting assistant on the types of blasting operations that are covered by the particular classification being sought and successful completion of at least two training courses recognized by the BlasteR'S Examining Board totaling 16 hours."
Where may I earn a Certificate of Training?
EXPLOSIVES ACADEMY (TM) NOW OFFERS ALL BLASTERS AND BLASTER APPLICANTS THE
OPPORTUNITY TO EARN A CERTIFICATE OF TRAINING ONLINE.
What are the advantages of online training?
ONLINE TRAINING IS THE MOST COST-EFFECTIVE OPTION. ONLINE TRAINING SAVES MONEY, LODGING, TRAVEL, ENERGY, TIME, AND GAS EXPENSES. STUDY IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR HOME, OFFICE, OR ANYWHERE YOU HAVE INTERNET CONNECTIVITY.
I thought I needed practical training to get a blaster's license.
THE STATE OF NEW YORK REQUIRES THREE YEARS OF PRACTICAL BLASTING EXPERIENCE TO EARN A BLASTER'S LICENSE. THIS TRAINING MUST BE PERFORMED UNDER SUPERVISION OF A CURRENTLY CERTIFIED BLASTER. AN APPLICANT'S EXPERIENCE ALSO MUST INCLUDE HANDLING OF EXPLOSIVES, USE OF EXPLOSIVES, AND KNOWLEDGE OF SAFETY PRECAUTIONS. A NEW TRAINING REQUIREMENT, NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE EXCLUSIVELY THROUGH EXPLOSIVES ACADEMY (TM), ALLOWS ALL BLASTERS AND APPLICANTS THE OPPORTUNITY TO SUPPLEMENT THEIR HANDS-ON BLASTER TRAINING WITH ONLINE TRAINING. STUDIES SHOW THAT ONLINE TRAINING IS AS EFFECTIVE AS TRADITIONAL INSTRUCTION.
What constitutes online training at EXPLOSIVES ACADEMY (TM) ?
EXPLOSIVES ACADEMY (TM) offers ONLINE ACCESS TO ALL OF ITS PROGRAMS AND CLASSES 24 HOURS EACH DAY, 7 DAYS PER WEEK, 365 DAYS PER YEAR AT THE TIME OF ENROLLMENT.
THE QUALITY OF TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION IS UNPARALLELED AND UNMATCHED AT EXPLOSIVES ACADEMY (TM). NO OTHER SCHOOL, ENTITY, COMPANY, AND/ OR ORGANIZATION OFFERS SUCH A LARGE AND OUTSTANDING MENU OF PROGRAMS AND CLASSES BY SUCH QUALIFIED FACULTY.
licensed professionals of explosives, who have advanced degrees in engineering (MINIMUM M.S. AND/ OR PH.D.) AND ARE LICENSED BLASTING CONTRACTORS, DEVELOP AND TEACH All ONLINE classes AND PROGRAMS AT EXPLOSIVES ACADEMY (TM).
What are the requirements to enroll in EXPLOSIVES ACADEMY (TM) ?
EXPLOSIVES ACADEMY (TM) offers an open enrollment process to students age 21 years and older.
Is there an application process at EXPLOSIVES ACADEMY (TM)?
YES. Each applicant undergoes an extensive background check. we THEREFORE strongly advise all applicants to apply as early as possible to ensure timely enrollment.
What is the cost to apply to EXPLOSIVES ACADEMY (TM)?
There is a non-refundable EXPLOSIVES ACADEMY (TM) application fee of $100.00 that must accompany all EXPLOSIVES ACADEMY (TM) applications.
What is the cost of each New York Blaster online class and program at EXPLOSIVES ACADEMY (TM)?
ALL PRICES FOR NEW YORK BLASTER ONLINE CLASSES, PROGRAMS, AND FEES ARE POSTED ON THIS WEBSITE.
There are several online classes on this website. How do I know which class I need to enroll in at EXPLOSIVES ACADEMY (TM)?
EXPLOSIVES ACADEMY (TM) OFFERS six DIFFERENT CLASSES FOR STATE OF NEW YORK BLASTERS AND BLASTER APPLICANTS. NEW YORK STATE LAW REQUIRES AT LEAST 16 HOURS OF TRAINING. THEREFORE, FOR THE 16-HOUR OPTION, PLEASE SELECT EXP-NY-0812-16. FOR THE 8-HOUR OPTION, PLEASE SELECT EXP-NY-0912-08. FOR THOSE WHO PREFER OR REQUIRE ADDITIONAL TRAINING, WE OFFER 24 HOURS OF TRAINING: EXP-NY-0812-24 (FIRST 8 HOURS).
Can I complete an 8-hour online training program available at EXPLOSIVES ACADEMY (TM)? I already completed eight (8) hours of training and certification this year at another school. I need an additional 8 hours of training to satisfy the State of New York requirement for my blaster application. Will EXPLOSIVES ACADEMY (TM) allow me to enroll and complete 8 hour of online training at EXPLOSIVES ACADEMY (TM)??
YES. PLEASE PROVIDE EXPLOSIVES ACADEMY (TM) WITH A CURRENT COPY OF YOUR CERTIFICATE AND SYLLABUS FROM ANOTHER ACCREDITED SCHOOL AND/ OR PROGRAM. Our FACULTY WILL REVIEW IT AND DETERMINE WHICH 8 HOUR CERTIFICATION PROGRAM AT EXPLOSIVES ACADEMY (TM) YOU MAY ENROLL IN TO FULFILL THE 16-HOUR REQUIREMENT FOR THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
My primary language is Spanish. Does EXPLOSIVES ACADEMY (TM) offer its New York State Blaster Classes in Spanish?
YES. Please refer to our link for EXPLOSIVES ACADEMY (TM) classes in Spanish.
Are in-person, live classes offered at EXPLOSIVES ACADEMY (TM)?
YES. HOWEVER, LARGE GROUP NUMBERS, 12 STUDENTS OR MORE, ARE REQUIRED IN ORDER TO RESERVE ONE OR SEVERAL OF OUR FACULTY MEMBERS.
Is financial aid available at EXPLOSIVES ACADEMY (TM) ?
YES. FINANCIAL AID IS AVAILABLE TO QUALIFIED STUDENTS THROUGH GI BILLS (VETERANS BENEFITS) , WORKFORCE INVESTMENT ACT FUNDS (FOR THE UNEMPLOYED OR THOSE "BETWEEN JOBS"), AND WORKERS' COMPENSATION.
I have a case manager at the Veterans Administration who handles my paperwork.
PLEASE PROVIDE THE FULL CONTACT INFORMATION OF YOUR VA CASE MANAGER TO EXPLOSIVES ACADEMY (TM) SO THAT OUR REPRESENTATIVES MAY WORK DIRECTLY WITH YOUR CASE MANAGER TO ENSURE TIMELY RECEIPT OF GI BENEFITS AND ENROLLMENT IN EXPLOSIVES ACADEMY (TM) PROGRAMS.
Which classes are Veterans Administration approved for training?
PLEASE PROVIDE THE FULL CONTACT INFORMATION OF YOUR VA CASE MANAGER TO EXPLOSIVES ACADEMY (TM) SO THAT OUR REPRESENTATIVES MAY WORK DIRECTLY WITH YOUR CASE MANAGER TO ENSURE TIMELY RECEIPT OF GI BENEFITS AND ENROLLMENT IN EXPLOSIVES ACADEMY (TM) PROGRAMS.
How may I contact EXPLOSIVES ACADEMY (TM)?
TO CONTACT EXPLOSIVES ACADEMY (TM), PLEASE EMAIL OR CALL US.
I am a veteran. How do I know if I qualify for veterans' educational benefits?
PLEASE CONTACT THE VETERANS ADMINISTRATION. EXPLOSIVES ACADEMY (TM) IS AN ACCREDITED VETERANS ADMINISTRATION-APPROVED SCHOOL FOR VETERANS TRAINING.
Which EXPLOSIVES ACADEMY programs are approved for veterans training?
For a current list of VA-approved programs, please visit this Veterans Administration website.
I have a case manager at my State's Workers Compensation who handles my paperwork.
PLEASE PROVIDE THE FULL CONTACT INFORMATION OF YOUR WORKERS COMPENSATION CASE MANAGER TO EXPLOSIVES ACADEMY (TM) SO THAT OUR REPRESENTATIVES MAY WORK DIRECTLY WITH YOUR CASE MANAGER TO ENSURE TIMELY RECEIPT OF BENEFITS AND ENROLLMENT IN EXPLOSIVES ACADEMY (TM) PROGRAMS.
I am unemployed and would like to know how EXPLOSIVES ACADEMY (TM) offers financial assistance to its students.
Please visit your One-Stop Center.
ALL FEDERALLY FUNDED EXPLOSIVES ACADEMY (TM) PROGRAMS ARE ITEMIZED ON THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA WEBSITE.
The Workforce Investment Act (WIA) is a federal program that qualifies unemployed students for partial or full tuition at EXPLOSIVES ACADEMY (TM).
I am a licensed blaster in another state other than New York. Does the State of New York have a reciprocity agreement with other states?
NO. A LICENSED BLASTER IN ANOTHER U.S. STATE WHO WANTS TO PERFORM BLASTING OPERATIONS IN NEW YORK MUST COMPLETE A NEW YORK STATE BLASTER APPLICATION (APPLICATION FOR A BLASTER'S CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCE).
Could I use EXPLOSIVES ACADEMY (TM) training to pursue a blaster's certificate or license in another state?
RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE ISSUANCE OF BLASTER'S CERTIFICATES AND/ OR LICENSES VARY FROM STATE TO STATE.
PLEASE CONTACT AN EXPLOSIVES ACADEMY (TM) REPRESENTATIVE TO ASSIST YOU WITH DETERMINING THE BEST PROGRAM TO SATISFY YOUR REQUIREMENTS.
Does EXPLOSIVES ACADEMY (TM) now charge an application fee?
YES. THERE IS NOW AN APPLICATION FEE REQUIRED FOR EACH ANNUAL PERIOD OF ENROLLMENT TO COVER ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH SCREENING AND PROCESSING OF ALL EXPLOSIVE ACADEMY (TM) APPLICATIONS.
How to I apply to EXPLOSIVES ACADEMY (TM) to enroll in programs and classes?
TO ENROLL IN EXPLOSIVES ACADEMY (TM) PROGRAMS AND CLASSES, PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBPAGE "APPLY".
Is there a convenience fee associated with credit card purchases at EXPLOSIVES ACADEMY (TM)?
YES. THERE IS A CONVENIENCE FEE ASSOCIATED WITH EACH CREDIT CARD PURCHASE AT EXPLOSIVES ACADEMY (TM).
What is the convenience fee associated with each credit card purchases at EXPLOSIVES ACADEMY (TM)?
A five percent convenience fee covers the cost of our services
as well as the fees charged by The credit card companies.
EXPLOSIVES ACADEMY has decided to require those who make payments
using a credit card to cover the cost of this service
rather than adding the cost to our PRograms.
How may I avoid paying for a convenience fee?
As an option, you may also post mail a check or money order drawn on US funds to avoid a convenience fee.