Pyrotechnics Guild International Fireworks Training Course

The Pyrotechnics Guild offers a PGI Display Operator Certification Course for people interested in becoming a PGI Certified Display Operator. Most locations where a pyrotechnician will be working are working under guidelines set by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

An operator who has made the effort to educate themselves about the organization’s requirements can put on a show that they can meet the standards that local authorities expect, as well as what the show’s insurance carrier requires to extend coverage for the event.

The PGI Display Operator Certification Course is taught by Certified Display Operators who have a number of years of practical experience to their credit. A number of municipalities and organizations which are interested in having a fireworks display will only hire display companies who work with certified personnel. Failing to do so may prevent the company from being able to get a display permit or even to operate in the state.

This course is designed for people who are 18 years of age or older who are either interested in or already using 1.3G Display Fireworks, no matter what their skill level is.

People who only work with these types of fireworks on an occasional basis can benefit from the program as well. The course also serves as a refresher for people who have already taken a PGI course several years ago.

Course materials are updated regularly so that they incorporate an up-to-date version of the NFPA Code, as well as current safety techniques.

The PGI Display Operators course is a one-day class. It includes demos of malfunctions. Students enrolled in the course also get hands-on live fire training.

To pass the course, students must achieve a score of 80 percent or higher (60 correct answers out of 75). They must also successfully show the instructors that they can fire shells safely. Students have the option of taking the test orally if they have a learning disability, are visually impaired or who find taking a written test challenging in another way. A student can request that they take their test orally at the beginning of the course, and the instructor will be able to accommodate them.