How to Become a Blaster in Alberta
Do you need certification?
Certification required
Blaster is a compulsory trade in Alberta. You need a certificate, or registration as an apprentice, to work in the trade.
- Protected titles
- Blaster permit
Show the source
“Under Alberta's Occupational Health and Safety Regulation and Occupational Health and Safety Code, anyone who handles, prepares, fires, burns or destroys an explosive for non-mining work must hold a valid Blaster permit.”
From alis.alberta.ca/occinfo/certifications-in-alberta/blaster, checked October 10, 2026.
At a glance
- Licence status
- Certification required See the source
- Routes
-
- Licensed in another province: 0 steps
- Annual fees
- Not stated by the regulator Check with Alberta Labour
Your roadmap
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Licensed in another province
Steps not listed by the regulator Check with Alberta Labour
Requirements
Education
To qualify for a non-mining Blaster permit you must have completed an approved course or have 6 months of experience.
Source
“To qualify for a non-mining Blaster permit, you must: be at least 18-years of age and have completed an approved course, or have 6 months of experience, and a recommendation from your employer.”
alis.alberta.ca/occinfo/certifications-in-alberta/blaster
Experience
To qualify for a Surface Mine Blaster or Underground Mine Blaster certificate you must have at least 3 years of experience in a related surface or underground mining environment.
Source
“To qualify for a Surface Mine Blaster or Underground Mine Blaster certificate, you must: (1) have at least 3 years of experience in a related surface or underground mining environment, (2) submit a valid First Aid certificate, (3) submit written evidence that you have received adequate instruction and training under the direction of a certified mine blaster, (4) pass a written exam administered by the Board of Examiners - Mining, and (5) submit a letter of recommendation from your employer.”
alis.alberta.ca/occinfo/certifications-in-alberta/blaster
Other
To qualify for a non-mining Blaster permit you must be at least 18 years of age.
Source
“To qualify for a non-mining Blaster permit, you must: be at least 18-years of age and have completed an approved course, or have 6 months of experience, and a recommendation from your employer.”
alis.alberta.ca/occinfo/certifications-in-alberta/blasterTo qualify for a Surface Mine Blaster or Underground Mine Blaster certificate you must submit a valid First Aid certificate.
Source
“(2) submit a valid First Aid certificate, (3) submit written evidence that you have received adequate instruction and training under the direction of a certified mine blaster, (4) pass a written exam administered by the Board of Examiners - Mining, and (5) submit a letter of recommendation from your employer.”
alis.alberta.ca/occinfo/certifications-in-alberta/blasterTo qualify for a Surface Mine Blaster or Underground Mine Blaster certificate you must submit written evidence that you have received adequate instruction and training under the direction of a certified mine blaster.
Source
“(3) submit written evidence that you have received adequate instruction and training under the direction of a certified mine blaster, (4) pass a written exam administered by the Board of Examiners - Mining, and (5) submit a letter of recommendation from your employer.”
alis.alberta.ca/occinfo/certifications-in-alberta/blasterTo qualify for a Surface Mine Blaster or Underground Mine Blaster certificate you must pass a written exam administered by the Board of Examiners - Mining.
Source
“(4) pass a written exam administered by the Board of Examiners - Mining, and (5) submit a letter of recommendation from your employer.”
alis.alberta.ca/occinfo/certifications-in-alberta/blasterTo qualify for a Surface Mine Blaster or Underground Mine Blaster certificate you must submit a letter of recommendation from your employer.
Source
“(5) submit a letter of recommendation from your employer.”
alis.alberta.ca/occinfo/certifications-in-alberta/blaster
Already licensed in another province?
Not stated
The page says blasters certified by and in good standing with a regulatory organization elsewhere in Canada may be eligible for certification in Alberta if certified blasters in the two jurisdictions have similar responsibilities and competencies. Source
“Blasters who are certified by and in good standing with a regulatory organization elsewhere in Canada may be eligible for certification in Alberta if certified blasters in the two jurisdictions have similar responsibilities and competencies.”
alis.alberta.ca/occinfo/certifications-in-alberta/blaster
Processing time: Not stated by the regulator Check with Alberta Labour
Credential assessment
Not stated by the regulator Check with Alberta Labour
Exams
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written exam administered by the Board of Examiners - Mining
Source
“(4) pass a written exam administered by the Board of Examiners - Mining, and (5) submit a letter of recommendation from your employer.”
alis.alberta.ca/occinfo/certifications-in-alberta/blaster
Language tests
Not stated by the regulator Check with Alberta Labour
Canadian experience
Not stated by the regulator Check with Alberta Labour
Supervised practice
Not stated by the regulator Check with Alberta Labour
Demand and pay
| Where | Low | Median | High | Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alberta | $27.00 | $38.00 | $50.15 | Limited (2 of 5) |
| Canada | $27.00 | $37.50 | $49.00 | — |
Blasters in other provinces and territories
- British Columbia Not confirmed yet
- Saskatchewan Not confirmed yet
- Manitoba Certification required
- Ontario Voluntary certification
- Quebec Certification required
- New Brunswick Voluntary certification
- Nova Scotia Certification required
- Prince Edward Island Not confirmed yet
- Newfoundland and Labrador Certification required
- Yukon Not confirmed yet
- Northwest Territories Not confirmed yet
- Nunavut Not confirmed yet
Sources checked
- Blaster: Certifications in Alberta - alis alis.alberta.ca/occinfo/certifications-in-alberta/blaster · fetched October 10, 2026
Frequently asked questions
2
Do you need a licence to work as a blaster in Alberta?
Yes. Certification, or registration as an apprentice, is required to work in the trade in Alberta. Certification is managed by Alberta Labour.
Which exams are required?
written exam administered by the Board of Examiners - Mining.
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