E*STAR - ELECTRONIC INITIATION SYSTEM

E*STAR University (E*UNI) is a division of Austin Powder University (APUNI), which provides training on the E*STAR Electronic Initiation System. The Austin Powder University offers training programs throughout the Austin Powder corporation to ensure a consistent and high level of training that ensures the safe and secure use of Austin Powder products.

E*UNI provides a complete range of theoretical knowledge and practical skills that lead to the safe use of the E*STAR system. Our E*UNI instructors are meticulously selected from experienced E*STAR system users with extensive blasting works experience. All Austin E*UNI instructors are trained and certified beyond the standard levels of E*UNI.

E*UNI is divided into several levels to ensure proper training for each required skill level. This offers a comprehensive E*STAR journey from basic acquaintance with the system to the ability to coach other students. A student progressively completes individual levels, which serve as milestones in their E*STAR journey.

To complete most E*UNI levels, one must demonstrate theoretical knowledge through a test and practical skills with dummies and in real field blasts.

Only a student who has passed through E*UNI and holds a valid E*UNI certificate is authorised to handle the E*STAR system.

It’s necessary to have E*STAR equipment in hands for CTA or any higher level.

OUR COURSES

Introduction to E*STAR World

Introduction to E*STAR World is the initial milestone in the E*STAR journey of every E*UNI student.
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CTA – Certificate to Assist

CTA represents the first certified level, authorising the holder to perform basic operations with the E*STAR system.
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CTO – Certificate to Operate

CTO is the minimum qualification required to fire an E*STAR blast.
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CTS – Certificate to Supervise

CTS ensures that upon successful completion of this course, the student is capable of not only firing the E*STAR blasts but also performing all the troubleshooting.
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CTD – Certificate to Design

CTD is a specialised extension to the CTS to expand their knowledge of blasting operations.
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CTT – Certificate to Train

CTT irepresents the highest possible level of E*STAR education that can be obtained and allows the holder to coach all levels of E*UNI.
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Reach out to our support team with any inquiries about the E*STAR University training programs. Whether you need help with registration, course selection, or certification details, we’re just a message away.
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Introduction to E*STAR world
  • Austin Powder E*STAR portfolio
  • Function of electronic detonators
  • Differences between types of detonators
  • Advantages of using electronic detonators
  • Overview of E*STAR equipment

This foundational level encompasses solely theoretical knowledge and does not cover practical skills. Level 1 does not grant the holder the right to work with the E*STAR system. Level 1 is not concluded with a test or any other form of assessment, and no certificate is issued for this level; the student receives a confirmation of participation and may thus proceed to study further levels of E*UNI.

Certificate to Assist
  • Priming, connecting, stemming, and leakage checking
  • Product handling
  • Handling of explosives
  • Hazards and safety on the bench
  • Flow of blast preparation
  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
  • ETC.

CTA encompasses theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the classroom and the field. CTA authorises the holder to work with the E*STAR system. CTA doesn’t authorise the holder to program and fire an E*STAR blast. Successful completion of CTA requires passing a knowledge test and practical skills examinations. At the end of the course, the student must demonstrate their skills in two blasts without help or intervention from an instructor.

Certificate to Operate
  • Programming
  • Data transferring
  • Arming
  • Firing
  • Etc.

CTO includes theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the classroom and the field. The CTO authorises the holder to work with the E*STAR system and to carry out E*STAR blasting operations. Successful completion of CTO requires passing a knowledge test and practical skills exams. At the end of the course, the student must demonstrate their skills in three blasts without help or intervention from an instructor.

Certificate to Supervise
  • E*Star components
  • Equipment firmware and compatibility
  • Quality and Control (Q&C)
  • Investigation procedures
  • All possible in-field scenarios
  • Understanding error messages and behaviours
  • Etc.

CTS includes theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the classroom and the field. CTS authorises the holder to work with the E*STAR system, carry out E*STAR blasting operations, and perform troubleshooting. Additionally, the holder is entitled to coach other students at levels 1, 2, and 3. To successfully complete CTS, one must pass a knowledge test and practical skills examinations.

Certificate to Design
  • Blast designing
  • Blast timing
  • Undesired effects of blasting
  • Blast efficiency
  • Evaluation of blast results
  • Optimization of blasting
  • Etc.

CTD comprises solely theoretical knowledge. CTD is not concluded with a test or any other form of assessment. CTD does not authorise the holder to perform blasting operations. Upon successful completion of the course, the student receives a CTD certificate, which has unlimited validity. This certificate does not replace a shotfirer’s license.

Certificate to Train
  • All E*STAR equipment and modules related to the trainee's operation
  • E*UNI structure
  • E*UNI levels and requirements
  • Training materials
  • Testing materials
  • Communication skills
  • E*STAR users database
  • Etc.

CTT includes theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the classroom and the field. CTT authorises the holder to coach other students at all levels of E*UNI. To successfully complete CTT, one must pass a knowledge test and practical skills examinations. Furthermore, the student must execute 30 E*STAR blasts within 3 months (especially for tunnels and underground mines) or 20 E*STAR blasts within 12 months (especially for surface blasting works).