1. (a) Applicants for a pyrotechnic operator license, pyrotechnic special effects operator license, or flame effects operator license must take a written test and obtain at least a passing grade of 70%. Written tests may be supplemented by practical tests or demonstrations deemed necessary to determine the applicant's knowledge and ability. The content, frequency, and location of the tests must be designated by the state fire marshal.
2. (b) Applicants who fail a test may file a retest application, accompanied by the required fee.
3. (c) An applicant may schedule each type of test only three times within a 12-month period.
4. (d) An applicant for a license must complete and submit all application requirements within one year of the successful completion of any test required for a license; otherwise, the test is voided and the individual will have to pass the test again.
5. (e) The state fire marshal may waive a test requirement for an applicant with a valid license from another state having license requirements substantially equivalent to those of this state.
6. (f) A licensee whose license has been expired for two years or longer and applies for a new license must pass another test.

7. (g) A pyrotechnic operator license will not be issued to any person who fails to meet the requirements of subsection (a) of this section and who:

   1. (1) has not assisted in conducting at least five permitted or licensed public displays in Texas under the direct supervision of and verified in writing by a pyrotechnic operator licensed in Texas; and
   2. (2) is not at least 18 years of age.
8. (h) The application must be accompanied by a criminal history report from the Texas Department of Public Safety. For a natural person to be eligible for a pyrotechnic operator license, pyrotechnic special effects operator license, or flame effects operator license, the natural person must start the application process by submitting a formal request for a fingerprint service code by completing the fingerprinting process information required on the department's website at www.tdi.texas.gov/fire/fingerprinting-process.html. The requesting natural person must submit information necessary to complete the fingerprint service code request, including the natural person's full name, natural person's state of residence, natural person's email address, and intended license type the natural person is applying for.
9. (i) A licensee must be able to show proof of licensure while engaged in the activities of the business.

Source Note:The provisions of this §34.811 adopted to be effective June 30, 1986, 11 TexReg 2510; transferred effective September 1, 1991, as published in the Texas Register March 6, 1992, 17 TexReg 1745; amended to be effective June 4, 1993, 18 TexReg 3300; transferred effective September 1, 1997, as published in the Texas Register November 14, 1997, 22 TexReg 11091; amended to be effective September 14, 1998, 23 TexReg 9571; amended to be effective January 27, 2004, 29 TexReg 637; amended to be effective June 3, 2004, 29 TexReg 5402; amended to be effective February 14,2013, 38 TexReg 662; amended to be effective August 29, 2019, 44 TexReg 4481; amended to be effective June 22, 2021, 46 TexReg 3734; amended to be effective April 16, 2023, 48 TexReg 1839; amended to be effective December 11, 2025, 50 TexReg 7923.