THE ENTERTAINMENT TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION PROGRAM
The Entertainment Technician Certification Program (ETCP) is an industry-wide program that has brought together an unprecedented group of industry organizations, businesses and individuals to create a program of rigorous assessments for professional technicians. ETCP focuses on disciplines that directly affect the health and safety of crews, performers, and audiences. You may become certified through ETCP in the following areas: Rigger – Arena, Rigger – Theatre, Entertainment Electrician, and Portable Power Distribution Technician.
Personnel certification is the voluntary process by which a nongovernmental organization grants recognition to an individual who has demonstrated certain abilities, skills and knowledge. ETCP encompasses the creation of exams based upon identified bodies of knowledge, the conducting of those examinations, the awarding of certifications, and re-certifying individuals.
ETCP was created under the auspices of the Entertainment Services and Technology Association (ESTA), (now PLASA), and the following organizations maintain seats on the ETCP Council: Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), Canadian Institute for Theatre Technology (CITT), InfoComm International, International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), International Association of Assembly Managers (IAAM), The League of American Theatres and Producers, Safety and Health in Arts Production and Entertainment (SHAPE), Themed Entertainment Association (TEA), and United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT).
The ETCP Certification Council membership also includes the following entertainment business leaders: BASE Entertainment, Cirque du Soleil / MGM MIRAGE, Disney Theatrical Productions, Live Nation, NBC Universal, and PRG.
For additional information on the program, visit the official ETCP website: http://etcp.esta.org
The Local 728 Safety and Training Program has resources and study guides as well.