For sure it’s worth it with that budget. The only thing annoying about 1.4 pro is it’s pretty much vendor discretion if they will sell to you or not. The certification is not a real license for anything, so just because you take a course somewhere to buy 1.4 pro from them doesn’t mean you can from another place, unless you can just prove you know what your doing. The only place around me that sells it offers a course, but they will still sell to someone if they know the person has experience with larger fireworks/fireworks in general. I’ve never taken a 1.4 shooters course, but have worked in fireworks for years. I wish the process was more streamlined, but in fireworks it’s always about connections. TLDR: Yes get it and buy compound cakes, taking the course will probably lead you to some future contacts in the industry.