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UXO Frequently Asked Questions

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Application Process
Payment Information
UT-RELYANT UXO Training Program
UXO & Tech I’s
Registered Students

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Application Process:

How do I enroll?

Please register via the Enrollment tab to apply for the class or call 865-974-0150. Once you have applied, the application packet will be emailed to you.

How do I return the completed packet?

The completed application packet can be returned in the following ways:

  • Mail to:
    Amy Cox
    UT Center for Professional Education & Lifelong Learning
    600 Henley St., Suite 211
    Knoxville, TN 37996

  • Fax:
    865-974-6629

  • Email to:
  • mshaver@relyantglobal.com

Is there a physical required?

You are required to pass an OSHA physical prior to working as a UXO Tech I. The UT-RELYANT UXO Training Program has been designed to include the OSHA certified physical which is performed at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville Occupational Health Services. The OSHA physical will be performed during the first week of the program.


To work as a UXO Tech 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:

  1. Vital Signs
  2. Vision: Near and Far
  3. Audiogram
  4. A baseline Pulmonary Function Test (PFT)
  5. Electrocardiogram (EKG)
  6. Chest X-Ray (1 View)
  7. Blood Chemistry Panel
  8. CBC with Differential
  9. U/A Dip
  10. 6-Panel Drug Screen


Is a background check required?

Yes, results from a federal criminal history background check are required. These checks will be performed by the University of Tennessee Human Resources Department.


The application fee of $100 includes the cost of a federal background check. This background check application will be available to you in the application packet.


What is the age limit for students in the class?

Students must be at least 18 years of age to attend the UT-RELYANT UXO Training Program. There are no other age restrictions.


What are the educational requirements for UXO Tech I students?

You must have a high school diploma or GED. Students should be able to speak, read, and write the English language.


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Payment Information:


Am I eligible for FAFSA?

Because this is a non-credit (not for college credit) certificate program, we do not accept FAFSA.


Can I use my VA education benefits to pay for the program?

To verify eligibility and learn more about using your VA education benefits for this program, please check with the UT Veterans Success Center. Our Veterans Affairs Coordinator & School Certifying Official, Jayetta Rogers, can be reached via phone at 865-974-1500 or in person at the Veterans Success Center. The Veterans Success Center 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.

Is there a deposit to be paid to secure a seat in a class?

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.

What is your cancellation/refund policy?

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 $12,500.

*Application fees may be transferred to another course session only once. All transfer requests must be made before June 30th.

Does the UXO program accept other forms of payment?

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 on the Enrollment page.

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UT-RELYANT UXO Tech I Course:


How long is the course? What are the normal class hours?

The course is seven weeks long, Monday through Friday. There are two Saturdays scheduled for the course as well. Normal class hours are from 8:00 AM until 5:00 PM.


What is the average class size?

We average a class size of 16 students per class.


Is this course for ex-military or for anyone looking for a new career?

This course is for civilians. It is not limited to military or retired military.


Is this course certified by the Army Corps of Engineers?

There is currently no certification of approval provided by the Department of Defense (DOD) or U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). Our course 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.


Does the $9,495 course fee include the Hazardous Waste Operations (HAZWOPER) course?

Yes. The HAZWOPER training is included in the $9,495 course fee.


Does the course tuition include room and board?

No. Room and board are the responsibility of the student.


What is the pass/fail rate for UXO students?

Currently we are at 100% pass rate.


What are the topics covered during the seven weeks of classes?


  • 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
  • Résumé Training

What certificates will I obtain during the seven weeks?


  • 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
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UXO & Tech I’s:


Is the HAZWOPER course required to be a UXO Tech I?

You are required to be HAZWOPER certified to work at DOD facilities as a UXO Tech I.


How often do I need to redo my certification?

UXO Tech 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

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Registered Students:


What time does class start?

Class begins at 8 a.m. Instructors will ask for you to arrive a few minutes early.


What do I wear to class?

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.


What do I need to bring with me to the class?

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.




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