Licensing and Certification

The License and Certification Unit issues the following licenses and certificates:

• Asbestos Certificate of Competence
• Asbestos Handling License
• Crane Operator's Certificate of Competence
• Blaster's Certificate of Competence
• Explosives Dealer/Manufacturer License
• Explosives Purchase/Own/Possess/Transport License
• Pyrotechnician Certificate of Competence
• Workplace Safety and Loss Prevention Consultant Certificate
• Workplace Safety and Loss Prevention Specialist Certificates

Workers involved in asbestos removal must receive appropriate training prior to being certified, and asbestos contractors must meet strict requirements to be licensed. This helps to ensure workers and the public are not exposed to the hazards of breathing asbestos particles.

Applications for Asbestos Handling Certificates are now online.

This completely online system speeds up the application process and makes information about applications readily available, so we encourage all applicants to use MPWR for all their application needs. Using MPWR, you can:

• Pay online
• Submit and upload the required documentation
• Receive real-time updates about the status or issues with respect to their application

To access MPWR, create an ID at NY.gov and log in to the MPWR homepage.

https://mpwr-public.labor.ny.gov/en/login

The Written exams for Blaster, Pyrotechnician, and Crane applicants will be held in January, May and October. The application deadline is 30 days prior to the start of the testing month. You can obtain applications by using the link below for application packets. Tests are held at nine DOL offices across the State.

The Department is currently offering written crane renewal exams at our nine district offices monthly. Crane renewal exams can be taken up to one year before existing certifications expire. There is limited seating and applicants will be scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. Please complete the Crane Renewal Test sign-up application through https://mpwr-public.labor.ny.gov/en/login

To renew your certificate in addition to the exam you must complete your application and submit your renewal fee. You may not submit your crane renewal application more than 3 months prior to expiration of your current certificate.

You can view and print application packets and code rules.

Certifications and licenses are required for public safety and health.

Applications for Crane Operator Certificate of Competence are now online.

This completely online system speeds up the application process and makes information about applications readily available, so we encourage all applicants to use MPWR for all their application needs. Using MPWR, you can:

• Pay online
• Submit and upload the required documentation
• Receive real-time updates about the status or issues with respect to their application

To access MPWR, create an ID at NY.gov and log in to the MPWR homepage.

https://mpwr-public.labor.ny.gov/en/login
 

Crane operators must have 3 years of practical experience prior to applying.

This practical experience is to be obtained working under the direct supervision of a certified operator. Once the application is accepted, the applicant must pass a written exam and a practical exam to become certified. This process is used to ensure that crane operators in NYS possess the needed skills. It also protects the public and fellow workers from the hazards of cranes tipping over, dropped loads and other accidents that can occur when an unskilled person operates a crane.

Information on crane classifications and examinations.

Blasters must have three years of training and experience under the direct supervision of a certified blaster before taking the written examination. After passing the written exam, a person becomes certified and is allowed to supervise and conduct blasting operations. This certification process is designed to protect co-workers and the public from the hazards associated with flying rock, misfires and other blasting accidents that may be caused by a lack of training. 

Applicants for certification renewal must successfully complete, during the certification period, at least two blasting-related training courses that total 16 hours of instruction. The courses must be recognized by the Blaster's Examining Board.

A list of approved training courses is available at the link below.

Approved Blaster Training Courses

Licenses are also necessary to own, possess, transport, deal in and manufacture explosives. The licensing process includes a criminal background check and mental health screening. An interview is also required to determine the applicant's knowledge of the NYS code rule, why the licenses are being requested, and if the applicant is competent and wants the license for legal purposes.

Pyrotechnicians:

Pyrotechnicians must have 3 years of experience, be at least 21 years of age, and pass a written exam to become certified.

• For Class A certificates, the candidate must have participated in the setup and loading of at least 5 proximate audience shows and in the performance of 5 non-proximate audience shows;
• For Class B certificates, the candidate must have participated in at least 5 non-proximate audience shows;
• For Class C certificates, the candidate must have participated in the setup and loading of at least 5 proximate audience shows.

The application process also includes a criminal background check and mental health screening. The certification is to protect the public from the hazards associated with pyrotechnics.

Consultant Certificate

Compulsory Workplace Safety and Loss Prevention Program (ICR 59) Safety and Loss Consultants provide consultation and evaluation services to employers that must participate in the Workplace Safety and Loss Prevention Program pursuant to Section 134 of the Workers' Compensation Law. Consultants evaluate the workplace and recommend remedial action to increase safety and decrease loss. The employer must comply with these recommendations. See ICR 59 for certification requirements. Use form SH 890 to apply for certification as a Consultant. Consultants certified under ICR 59 have been deemed qualified to provide Specialist services for the voluntary Safety Incentive Programs under ICR 60. Consultants must notify the DOL of their intent to perform Safety Specialist services under ICR 60 prior to providing such services. Consultants should notify DOL by submitting form SH 890.

Specialist Certificate

Workplace Safety and Loss Prevention Incentive Program (ICR 60) Specialists provide services to employers that participate in the voluntary Workplace Safety and Loss Prevention Incentive Program. This program was established by Section 134 of the Workers' Compensation Law. The requirements for this program and specialist certification are outlined in ICR 60. Specialists evaluate an employer's program for compliance with ICR 60. A Specialist may also be asked to help an employer set up a program. A Specialist may apply for certification to perform services related to one or more of the following programs: Safety, Drug and Alcohol Prevention, or Return to Work. Use form SH 890 to apply for certification as a Specialist.

"Workplace Safety Begins with You!"

For applicants that do not possess a NYS Driver License or Non-Drive ID, please bring form ID-5DOL to a NYS DMV office to have your picture taken. Bring the ID-5 form and proof of your name, date of birth, and signature to the DMV Office. All proofs must be original documents or documents certified by the agency that issued them. Photocopies are not acceptable. For a list of acceptable documents for proof of identity and proof of date birth, see DMV form ID-44.
 
After reviewing your proofs, a DMV staff member will take your picture and give you a receipt. Your receipt will have a 9-digit ID number assigned by DMV. You can use that 9-digit ID number for your DOL application. The ID-5DOL form can be found on the Safety & Health Forms and Publications page by entering “ID 5” in the search box.