Apply for Blasting Licenses and Explosives User Certificates

Next steps   for Apply for Blasting Licenses and Explosives User Certificates

1. Apply for or renew an Explosives User Certificate

   Companies that work with explosives in Massachusetts must have an explosives user certificate.

   Completed applications must include:

   • A legible copy of your current ATF license/permit or extension letter.
   • If your work if limited to research and development and you have an exemption from ATF, a legible copy of that exemption should  be attached to this application
   • A copy of your ATF notice of clearance listing responsible person(s) and employee possessors.
   • Evidence of valid liability insurance coverage in the form of a certificate issued by the insurance agency listing the name and claims representative, providing general liability in the amount of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $1,000,000 aggregate coverage.
   • It is the responsibility of the applicant/licensed company to advise the Office of the State Fire Marshal, in writing, at the time that a cancellation notice has been issued by your insurance company. Your insurance company must be licensed by the Massachusetts Division of Insurance
   • Evidence of a valid blasting bond with a minimum amount of $20,000.00 or a “Continuation Letter” from your bond company. The continuation letter must include a “paid to” date.
   • Consistent with 527 CMR 1.00, 1.13.3.3, the Department will not issue any certificate until a complete application and all associated documents have been received and processed.

   Renewals should be submitted 30 days before the explosives user's certificate expires.

   There is currently no fee for an explosives user's certificate.

   Open PDF file, 200.49 KB,  FP-083 Application for Explosives User Certificate (English, PDF 200.49 KB)

   Open PDF file, 794.52 KB,  FP-078 Application for License to Sell Explosives (English, PDF 794.52 KB)

2. Apply for a blasting license (explosives certificate of competency)

   Submit a completed application with:

   • Payment
   • Legible copy of current driver's license
   • Non MA residents: a passport size (2" X 2") color photo.
   • MA residents do not have to send photographs if they permit DFS use of their driver's license photograph from the Registry of Motor Vehicles on the application
   • CORI request form must be completed and notarized
   • 2 letters of references/endorsements from MA licensed blasters
   • Evidence of having satisfactorily completed a recognized safety course in the past 12 months

   Open PDF file, 397.29 KB,  Application for Blasting License (English, PDF 397.29 KB)

   Open PDF file, 127.97 KB,  Blasting license study materials (English, PDF 127.97 KB)

3. Blasting license exam

   You must pass the blasting license exam to get a blasting license. After we receive your complete application, you will be registered for the next available exam date. Applications not received by the deadline for the next exam will be registered for the following exam.

   Incomplete applications will be returned to you.

   • You must be pre-registered for all license exams. 
   • Your complete current application must be received by 5:00 p.m. on the deadline date. If we receive your application after the deadline, you cannot take the next exam, but will be registered for the following one. 
   • All exams start promptly at 10:00 a.m. unless otherwise noted.
   • All exams are offered at both 1 State Road in Stow (park in the remote lot at the top of the hill) and at 100 Grochmal Avenue in Springfield. Directions are available at www.mass.gov/dfs.
   • Questions? Contact the Licensing Desk at 978-567-3700 or by email at DFS.FSDLicensing@mass.gov.

   DFS licensing exams 

4. Renew a blasting license (explosives certificate of competency)

   90 days before the expiration of your blasting license, we will email you (if we have a valid email) or mail you the renewal application.

   Submit a completed application and the $40 fee to the Department of Fire Services, Attention: Licensing at least 30 days before your license expires.

   Payment can be a check, bank check or money order.

   Open PDF file, 382.64 KB,  FP-058R (BL) Explosives Certificate of Competency Renewal (English, PDF 382.64 KB)

5. Blasting research and development license

   Anyone applying for this type of license must submit a resume with the standard blasting license application.

   Open PDF file, 127.55 KB,  Blasting research and development license study materials (English, PDF 127.55 KB)