In-Person Program
Unexploded Ordnance Training (UXO) Program
Program Overview
The University of Tennessee Center for Professional Education & Lifelong Learning and RELYANT Global have developed the most comprehensive UXO training program available.
UT provides instructors in the areas of mathematics, engineering, science, and environmental law. RELYANT Global provides experienced certified UXO instructors for hands-on field and safety training.
RELYANT Global actively seeks UXO contracts, employs UXO technicians, and brings the knowledge of what is needed of UXO technicians.
Learn from top instructors in the areas of mathematics, engineering, science, and environmental law.
Participate in hands-on field and safety training led by experienced UXO Certified Instructors from RELYANT Global, a service-disabled veteran-owned business headquartered in Maryville, Tennessee.
We have a 100% pass rate throughout the program’s history.
Our graduates have opportunities to work both domestically and internationally.
What is UXO
Unexploded ordnance is a term used internationally to represent explosive devices that have not detonated as intended. These devices are usually military munitions such as landmines, grenades, bombs, etc., but it can also include explosives used in construction and land development projects.
These explosive devices have been primed for action and deployed, but they did not detonate for different reasons (usually malfunction). These devices become an issue when they are located in an area that is deemed an unacceptable risk to the local population, structures, or current operations.
UXO has been around since the late 1800s, and it can be located anywhere from combat and former war zones, to inactive firing and test ranges. This is a threat that is present both domestically and internationally.
What Our Graduates Do
Graduates of the UT-RELYANT UXO Training Program have an in-depth understanding of the different types of explosive devices and the safety training necessary to help resolve these potential risks.
A UXO Technician I will work as part of a team of UXO technicians supported by UXO Technician II to the most senior UXO technician (SUXOS) in the following tasks:
- Identify all types of explosives and discarded military munitions, including fuses (type and condition).
- Locate and recover any buried UXO or discarded military munitions.
- Move and/or consolidate any UXO or discarded military munitions.
- Prepare firing systems for demilitarization operations.
- Operate personal contamination stations.
- Inspect material potentially presenting an explosive hazard.
- Transport demotion materials and/or UXO and discarded military munitions.
About the UXO Training Program
As an industry leader, RELYANT Global actively seeks UXO contracts, employs UXO technicians, and brings the knowledge of what is needed and expected of UXO technicians.
Four UXO training sessions are held annually.
Benefits of Our Program
- We accept funding provided by VA education benefits. https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/ To verify eligibility and learn more about using your VA education benefits for this program, please call 865-974-1500.
- Sallie Mae pre-approved loan program with payments starting as low as $126 per month.
- 40-hour HAZWOPER, Hazardous Waste Site Worker 29CFR1910.120{(e)(3)} certification is included in our course at no additional cost (required for employment as a UXO technician). This is not an online section. All training will be done in-person with real hands-on experience.
- International Mine Action Standards (IMAS) training included at no additional cost, led by former U.S. Armed Forces EOD Technicians with over 30 years of combined experience.
- State-of-the-art facilities and computer labs for student use. Every classroom equipped with AV and wireless Internet.
Certificate
UT and RELYANT Global designed the UXO training program to provide most certifications possible to ensure the graduates from the course receive the best possible job offers. Upon completion, our graduates will receive the following certificates:
- UXO Technician I Certificate
- 40-Hour HAZWOPER, Hazardous Waste Site Worker 29CFR1910.120{(e)(3)} Certificate
- Confined Space Overview Certificate
- 8-Hour Welding, Burning, Hot-Work Certificate Permit
- OSHA’s Permit Required Confined Space Standard Certificate
- Backhoe Operator Safety Certificate
- Forklift Operator Safety Certificate
- First Aid CPR/AED Certificate
- National Safety Council First Aid Course Certificate
- National Safety Council CPR Course Certificate
- International Mine Action Standards (IMAS) Certificate
- Minelab F3 Metal Mine Detector Certificate
- Wallet placards for the following: HAZWOPER, Confined Space, Backhoe, and Forklift Certificates
UXO Technician Career and Job Possibilities
After graduating from the UT-RELYANT UXO Training Program, you’ll receive not only a UXO Technician I certificate, but you’ll also earn HAZWOPER and heavy machinery certifications.
These certifications are essential to making you employable in the UXO industry. Upon entering this field, you’ll already start at a commanding salary; however, there is plenty of room for growth.
Senior UXO Supervisor
Minimum years of EOD/UXO Experience: 10
Special requirements: Significant experience in all aspects of munitions response actions or range clearance activities, as appropriate for the contracted operation. Five years experience in supervisory positions.
UXO Safety Officer
Minimum years of EOD/UXO Experience: 8
Special requirements: Experience in all phases of munitions response actions or range clearance activities, as appropriate for the contracted operation, and applicable safety standards.
UXO Quality Control Specialist
Minimum years of EOD/UXO Experience: 8
Special requirements: Experience in all phases of munitions response actions or range clearance activities, as appropriate for the contracted operation, and the transportation, handling, and storage of munitions and commercial explosives.
UXO Technician III
Minimum years of EOD/UXO Experience: 8
Special requirements: Prior military EOD and/or commercial UXO experience in munitions response actions or range clearance activities, as appropriate for the contracted operation.
UXO Technician II
Minimum years of EOD/UXO experience: N/A or 3
Special requirements: Prior military EOD experience or three years of experience in response munitions response actions or range clearance activities (as appropriate for the contracted operation) plus specific project/explosives safety training.
UXO Technician I
Minimum years of EOD/UXO experience: 0
Special requirements: Successfully completed formal course of instruction appropriate to this skill level.
UXO Sweep Personnel
Minimum years of EOD/UXO experience: N/A
Special requirements: Safety equipment and site specific training. (Experience at this position is not required for UXO Technician I certification.)
UXO Salary Details
UXO Technician I annual compensation: $40,000-$65,000 per year
The base pay for a UXO Technician I typically starts out between $24-28 per hour.
The base pay for a Tech I is set on a per project basis, and there are several factors that go into setting base pay (e.g., location, hazard pay, local cost of living index). This does not include the daily per diem and lodging allowance, which can reach $130 per day. There is also an additional 8% increase for hazard compensation. A technician should expect to work more than a traditional 40-hour work week. Overtime pay starts after the initial 40 hours per week.
UXO Resources
Enrollment, Course and Payment Details
Application Requirements:
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Must be able to pass an OSHA physical
- Must be able to pass a background check
- Must be able to acquire a Tennessee Explosive Handler’s Permit
- Cannot be claustrophobic or color blind.
Every person wishing to enroll in the UT-RELYANT UXO Training Program will be required to complete multiple steps in the application process. Please refer to the timetable to ensure that you are able to enroll in your preferred session starting date.
Upon completing the online registration form, you’ll receive an application packet in the mail. The packet will include all of the necessary instructions and forms to complete all of the different steps in the registration process.
Course Description: UXO Technician I Training
- Certifications: UXO Tech 1 Certificate; HAZWOPER Certificate; IMAS Certificate; Heavy Machinery Certificate
- Course Duration: 7 weeks
- Course Fees: $9,795
- Course Locations: Knoxville and Greenback, Tennessee
- Questions: Please call 865-724-2446
Enrollment Timeline
- Process application – 1 week
- Obtain Federal Background Check – 3 business days (school will provide for you)
- Obtain TN Explosive Handler’s Certificate – must be applied for before the start of class
- Physical Exam and Drug Test – school will perform on the first day of class
Upcoming Course dates
Please click the course dates below for details.
Payment Options
There are several different methods to pay for the program. Many people have realized that VA benefits or student loans are the best way to pay for education. Please read the section below about both of these options. We would be more than happy to assist anyone with questions about payment. Please contact our office at 865-974-0150 or uxo@utk.edu.
VA Education Benefits
We encourage all active or former military personnel to check their VA Education Benefits. Most veterans can have their full tuition paid for plus additional money for excess expenses. Please check with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to see what you qualify for. Also, refer to the UT Office of Veteran Benefits Administration.
Visit the GI Bill on Facebook.
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Sallie Mae Student Loans
Please visit the Sallie Mae website for loan options.
When applying, make sure to use our school code: 00353097 or click on The University of Tennessee – Professional & Personal Development in the drop down menu.
*For cancellation/refund information, see our FAQs.
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EOD Warrior Foundation Scholarship Program
Prospective students in the UT-RELYANT UXO Training Program are eligible for the EOD Warrior Foundation Undergraduate & Trade School Scholarship. To apply, visit https://eodwf.smapply.net/.
Learn More about our UXO training Program
Complete the form below, or email enrollment specialist Mariah Shaver at mshaver@relyantglobal.com or call 865-924-2446 to enroll in an upcoming session.
Frequently Asked Questions
The first step is to apply online and pay the $100 application fee. After applying, you will be emailed an enrollment packet to complete and return.
The completed enrollment packet should be sent as a pdf document to: (Please do not send as a Google document).
Email: Jackie Dallas – jdallas9@utk.edu
You are required to pass an OSHA physical prior to working as a UXO Technician I. The UT-RELYANT UXO Training Program includes the OSHA certified physical which is performed at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s Occupational Health Services during the first week of the program.
To work as a UXO Technician I, you are required to pass all the physical requirements of OSHA Regulation 29 CFR 1910.120.
For the OSHA physical, in addition to some extensive medical forms that must be completed, the following 10 tests are required:
- Vital Signs
- Vision: Near and Far
- Audiogram
- Baseline Pulmonary Function Test (PFT)
- Electrocardiogram (EKG)
- Chest X-ray (1 view)
- Blood Chemistry Panel
- CBC with Differential
- U/A Dip
- 6-Panel Drug Screen
Yes, a background check is required. You will need to apply for a Tennessee Handler’s Permit and the background check is part of the Handlers Permit process through the state. The Handler’s Permit costs $115 and is available to apply for online (details are in the enrollment packet).
You must be at least 18 years of age to attend the UT-RELYANT UXO Training Program. There are no other age restrictions.
You must have a high school diploma or GED. You should be able to speak, read, and write in English.
Because this is a non-credit certificate program, we do not accept FAFSA.
To verify eligibility and learn more about using your VA education benefits for this program, please check with the UT Office of Veteran Benefits Administration. Our Veterans Affairs Coordinator & School Certifying Official, Jayetta Rogers, can be reached via phone at 865-974-1500 or in person at the UT Office of Veteran Benefits Administration. The UT Office of Veteran Benefits Administration is located on the ground floor of Hodges Library, G020 Hodges Library, 1015 Volunteer Blvd., Knoxville, TN 37996. Operation hours are Monday-Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Students are welcome by appointment or walk in. For general VA questions and information, you may use their general email at utkva@utk.edu.
Any covered individual will be able to attend or participate in the course of education during the period beginning on the date on which the individual provides to the educational institution a certificate of eligibility for entitlement to educational assistance under chapter 31 or 33 (a “certificate of eligibility” can also includes a “Statement of Benefits” obtained from the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) website – eBenefits, or a VAF 28-1905 form for chapter 31 authorization purposes) and ending on the earlier of the following dates:
1. The date on which payment from VA is made to the institution.
2. 90 days after the date the institution certified tuition and fees following the receipt of the certificate of eligibility.
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, will not impose any penalty, including the assessment of late fees, the denial of access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities, or the requirement that a covered individual borrow additional funds, on any covered individual because of the individual’s inability to meet his or her financial obligations to the institution due to the delayed disbursement funding from VA under chapter 31 or 33. More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
A non-refundable deposit of $1,000 is due within 14 days of registering for the course. If $1,000 is not received within the 14-day time frame, the seat will be released to the public.
*See separate refund policy for organizations.
If you must cancel your registration for the UXO Tech I Training Program, you will not receive any refund, transfer, or credit. All course fees (*application, seat deposit, and overall tuition fees) are non-refundable with notable exceptions. See below for fee waiver and refund information:
Students who apply using their GI Bill/VA Benefits must provide a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Students utilizing their VA benefits must also pay a $1,000 seat deposit to UT Center for Professional Education & Lifelong Learning within two weeks of registering for the course.
Students who receive full-coverage benefits will receive a refund of $1,100 (program and application fees) once the VA has remitted payment to our department. For students who receive only partial benefits, the $1,100 out-of-pocket will go toward the overall tuition fee. Students who apply for a Sallie Mae Smart Option Student Loan® must show proof of loan approval. Once approved, UT Administration will verify the loan and distribution date. Students must have loan approval at least 30 days before the start of class in order for the $1,000 seat deposit to be waived. A $1,000 seat deposit must be paid to UT Center for Professional Education & Lifelong Learning if loan approval is within 30 days of class starting. Once the department has received the loan check, it will issue a refund of $1,100. Note: The maximum loan amount is $13,713 (as of September 2024)
*Application fees may be transferred to another course session only once. All transfer requests must be made before June 30.
The UT-RELYANT UXO Training Program is approved for Sallie Mae Student Loans. Please visit the Sallie Mae website for loan options.
*For more specific information, please refer to the student timelines in the Enrollment Details section above.
The course is held Monday through Friday for seven weeks. There are two Saturdays scheduled for the program as well. Normal class hours are 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Our average class size is 16 students.
This program is for civilians. It is not limited to military or retired military.
There is currently no certification of approval provided by the Department of Defense (DOD) or U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). Our program meets and exceeds the requirements set by the Department of Defense Explosive Safety Board TP-18 (DDESB TP-18) and the USACE. Working with USACE, we facilitate our graduating students with obtaining their USACE corps number upon graduation, which allows them to work on all DOD sites.
Yes, the HAZWOPER training is included in the $9,795 course fee.
No. Room and board, as well as transportation, are the responsibility of the student.
We currently have a 100% pass rate.
- Module 1: Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER)
- Module 2: Concept of Operations for Material Handling Equipment
- Module 3: Basic First Aid/CPR Certification
- Module 4: Confined Space Training
- Module 5: Environmental Law (Federal and State overview)
- Module 6: Welding, Burning, and Hotwork Permit Training
- Module 7: Measurements and Mathematical Computations
- Module 8: Basic Electricity
- Module 9: Basic Physics
- Module 10: Range Clearance Activities
- Module 11: Explosives and Explosives Effects
- Module 12: Fuse Functioning
- Module 13: Surface Munitions Identification
- Module 14: Air Ordnance Identification
- Module 15: Chemical Munitions Identification {Chemical Munitions and Chemical Warfare Material (CWM)}
- Module 16: Pyrotechnic Munitions Identification
- Module 17: Underwater Munitions Identification
- Module 18: Electronic Detection Equipment
- Module 19: Munitions Response Planning
- Module 20: Personal Protective Equipment
- Module 21: Demolition Materials
- Module 22: Demolition Firing Systems
- Module 23: Munitions Demilitarization Procedures
- Module 24: Storage, Handling, and Transportation of Explosives
- Module 25: Skills Requirements
- Resume LinkedIn Training
- UXO Technician I Certificate
- 40-Hour HAZWOPER, Hazardous Waste Site Worker 29CFR1910.120{(e)(3)} Certificate
- 8-Hour Welding, Burning, Hot-Work Certificate Permit
- Confined Space Overview Certificate
- OSHA’s Permit Required Confined Space Standard Certificate
- Fire Safety and Extinguisher Handling Certificate
- Backhoe Operator Safety Certificate
- Forklift Operator Safety Certificate
- First Aid CPR/AED Certificate
- National Safety Council First Aid Course Certificate
- National Safety Council CPR Course Certificate
- International Mine Action Standards (IMAS) Certificate
- Minelab F3 Metal Mine Detector Certificate
- Wallet placards for the following: HAZWOPER, Confined Space, Backhoe, and Forklift Certificates
You are required to be HAZWOPER certified to work at DOD facilities as a UXO Technician I.
UXO Technician I’s with a 36-month continuous break in the performances of MEC-related activities requires requalification as a UXO Tech I based on a comprehensive assessment or supervised on-the-job training. Requalification must be accomplished by attending a UXO Tech I requalification training course or completion of a comprehensive assessment or by supervised on-the-job training that the employer documents. For other personnel with a 36-month continuous break in the performances of MEC-related activities, when appropriate, provide supervised on-the-job training that is documented by the employer. – DDESB TP-18 Paragraph 4.5
Class begins at 8 a.m. Please plan to arrive a few minutes early.
Please feel free to wear whatever clothes you are most comfortable in. However please do not wear apparel that would be offensive to others. The first four weeks of the course will be in a classroom setting with a couple of days outside for your HAZWOPER, backhoe, and forklift training. The remaining three weeks will take place in Greenback, Tennessee, where you will be doing field work. We will let you know which days we are going to be working in the field or outside so that you may dress accordingly.
Everything you will need for the course will be provided. We do suggest that you bring pencils, pens, notebook paper, and highlighters.
UT Center for Professional Education & Lifelong Learning provides every student an iPad and fully enclosed iPad case to use during the course. All learning material is downloaded onto the iPad to help students during the UXO instruction. Upon graduation, the student is able to keep the iPad to aid them in the field in the UXO industry.
