Legacy Pathway to Master Bomb Technician Certification

To recognize deep expertise acquired before this standard came into force, without compromising current safety or legal requirements. The mechanism follows Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) principles already used in explosives qualifications and emergency-services certification.

* Measured from the expiry date of the last nationally recognized senior EOD certificate or badge (e.g., STANAG Cat A card, DoD badge).

1. Evidence of senior qualification – copy of badge/card, course certificate or unit record.
2. Service record – letter of release or DD-214/AF 1373-type document showing honorable service.
3. Task portfolio – legacy logbook or incident summaries totaling ≥ 100 completed EOD tasks across at least three hazard classes (may be wavered for Band L-3 if records lost).
4. Statement of physical and psychological fitness from licensed physician < 12 months old (waived for Emeritus).
5. Evidence of senior qualification – copy of badge/card, course certificate or unit record.
6. Service record – letter of release or DD-214/AF 1373-type document showing honorable service.
7. Task portfolio – legacy logbook or incident summaries totaling ≥ 100 completed EOD tasks across at least three hazard classes (may be wavered for Band L-3 if records lost).
8. Statement of physical and psychological fitness from licensed physician < 12 months old (waived for Emeritus).
9. Signed CMBT Code of Ethics.

The bridge module packages changes since the candidate’s last certification (new energetic materials, ROV sensors, AI decision aids, updated explosives law, etc.). Simulation or inert-range evolutions keep cost and risk low while still meeting competency evidence rules in IMAS 09.30 and DAOD 8000-1.

• CMBT (Active) – Full authority identical to standard pathway; certification valid 36 months followed by normal recert cycle.
• CMBT (Consultant) – May plan/advise, teach and sit on boards, but cannot lead live render-safe or demolition. Valid 36 months; may convert to Active by completing missing practical tasks within that period.
• CMBT (Emeritus) – Honorary title recognizing lifetime contribution; no operational or teaching privileges unless paired with an Active MBT. No expiration of certification.

• No automatic grandfathering – Every applicant undergoes at least documentary review and ethics re-affirmation (NFPA precedent that blanket grandfathering weakens public safety).
• Lapse buffer – Anyone who left EOD > 3 years ago but < 5 years must use this pathway (not the routine recert course).
• Sunset clause – Pathway closes five years after the CMBT program’s launch; thereafter, all applicants follow the standard RPL rules, preventing perpetual creep.
• Insurance and indemnity – CMBT-Consultant and CMBT-Emeritus must hold professional-liability cover if offering paid services.

A standing Legacy Assessment Panel (LAP) is appointed by the certifying body:

• Chair: Active CMBT with ≥ 10 years command experience.
• Member #2: Active CMBT clinical/CBRN specialist.
• Member #3: CMBT-Emeritus representing legacy community.

Panel decisions recorded and auditable under ISO 17024 certification-body requirements. Unsuccessful applicants receive written remediation guidance.