BPA Firers Training Scheme
Raising Standards Across the Professional Fireworks Industry
Since 2003, the British Pyrotechnists Association (BPA) has operated its Firers Training Scheme to promote consistent standards of safety, professionalism and technical knowledge throughout the UK professional fireworks industry.
The scheme is open to employees of professional display companies and provides structured training combined with practical experience. It has become the recognised benchmark for competence within the industry, with more than 1,000 registered Firers and Senior Firers successfully completing the programme.
Successful candidates receive a BPA Firer’s Identification Card, and all qualified Firers are listed on the BPA Register of Firers, allowing employers, event organisers and enforcement authorities to verify their qualifications.
Our Commitment to Safety
The BPA is committed to improving safety at professionally fired fireworks displays for both display crews and the public.
The Firers Training Scheme is continually reviewed and updated to reflect changes in legislation, industry guidance, technology and best practice, ensuring candidates receive relevant and up-to-date training.
Training covers a wide range of essential subjects, including:
- Basic firework chemistry
- Firework categories and product types
- Firework effects and performance
- Transport of fireworks
- Rigging techniques
- Display site planning and design
- Firing methods and systems
- Fallout and safety distances
- Misfires and disposal procedures
- Risk assessment and safe working practices
- Relevant legislation and industry standards
While the scheme provides comprehensive professional training, it does not replace any statutory qualifications or legal requirements, such as ADR driver training or other role-specific certifications.
Practical Experience
Every candidate is required to maintain a BPA Log Book recording their practical display experience across a variety of display environments. This provides evidence of operational competence and demonstrates that practical experience has developed alongside formal training.
Course Levels
BPA Firer
Designed for assistant display operators who are developing their knowledge and practical experience under the supervision of experienced professionals.
BPA Senior Firer
Designed for experienced operators who have successfully completed the Firer qualification and gained sufficient practical experience to take responsibility for managing professional fireworks displays safely and competently.
Who Can Attend?
The BPA Firers Training Scheme is intended for individuals working within professional fireworks display companies.
The scheme is not intended for:
- Users of Category F3 consumer fireworks only
- Stage or theatrical technicians whose work falls outside the scope of professional fireworks display operations
City & Guilds Quality Assurance
The BPA is proud that its Firers Training Scheme and examinations are City & Guilds Assured.
City & Guilds Assured recognition demonstrates that the course has been independently quality assured against internationally recognised standards for training and assessment, providing employers, candidates and clients with confidence in the quality and consistency of the programme.
Book a Course
If you would like to attend a BPA Firers or Senior Firers course, or would like further information, please contact the BPA Secretary.
You can also:
- View forthcoming course dates
- Download course information
- Search the BPA Register of Firers to verify qualifications
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