What is ETCP?
The Entertainment Technician Certification Program (ETCP), focuses on disciplines that directly affect the health and safety of crews, performers, and audiences. There are two areas of certification - electrical skills and rigging skills, and an entertainment technician may take exams to hold one or more of the following certifications: Rigger–Arena, Rigger–Theatre, and Entertainment Electrician.

Who created ETCP and what is the ETCP Council?
In March of 2003, the ESTA Board of Directors made plans to establish a personnel certification program for entertainment technology technicians. That same year, ESTA was joined by IATSE, USITT, IAAM, TEA and CITT, and in 2004, AMPTP, InfoComm International, Live Nation, and PRG, also came aboard to assist in the development of the program. Since then, the ETCP Council has added to its impressive list of members with The League of American Theatres and Producers, BASE Entertainment and Cirque du Soleil / MGM MIRAGE.

The Council, which is the governing body for ETCP, marks an unprecedented alliance of leaders representing all facets of the entertainment technology industry. At the core of the Council are the industry organizations whose presence ensures their members ' voices will be heard during the development process. Representing potential candidates, those who employ them, and those in whose facilities they work, these organizations have embraced the benefits that personnel certification can bring to our industry.

Representing the Electrical and Rigging Subject Matter Experts on the Council are the Chairs of these groups, all highly respected authorities in their fields. Bringing additional viewpoints and leadership skills to the Council are individuals appointed for their experience in a wide range of areas including program development, marketing and fundraising, legal issues, and training.

Why should I become certified?
Obtaining an ETCP certification gives an entertainment technician a stamp that says, “ I am confident in my abilities, and you can trust that I know what I am doing.” ETCP certification helps employers immediately identify riggers and electricians with proven capabilities. Companies that hire ETCP Certified Riggers and Entertainment Electricians, are saying that they want to further an industry-wide standard that ensures the safest possible workplace and a highly efficient workforce.

Major employers and unions have devoted many hours and dollars to the development of the program with the intention to integrate these certifications for lead positions into job bids and contracts. In fact, a few months ago, two major industry employers, Live Nation and Global Spectrum, announced the signing of collective bargaining agreements with IATSE which phase in a requirement for ETCP certified technicians in a variety of venues operated by the two companies. The new agreements call for IATSE to provide the venues with an ETCP Certified Rigger at any rigging call and an ETCP Certified head Electrician where a lead position is required. Most contracts call for a one to three year phase-in of the requirement.

What is the difference between certification and a certificate?
Certification results from an assessment process that recognizes an individual's knowledge, skills and competency in a particular specialty. Becoming certified indicates mastery/competency as measured against a defensible set of standards, usually by application or exam. It is awarded by a third-party organization that has set standards through a defensible industry-wide process resulting in an outline of required knowledge and skills. Certification typically results in credentials to be listed after one's name, has on-going requirements in order to maintain, and the holder must demonstrate that he/she continues to meet requirements.

A certificate (usually a certificate of attendance) indicates the completion of a course or series of courses with a specific focus. The course content is determined solely by the provider. There are no eligibility requirements for attaining the certificate and generally no, or limited, efforts are made to assess the degree to which the attendee has mastered the knowledge and skills presented in the educational program.

Will being certified expose me to lawsuits, even if I'm not the crew chief?
"Certification under the ETCP Certification Program establishes that a certified person possesses a certain level of knowledge and skill in the industry. It does not, however, increase liability for persons who are certified under the Program and there is simply no legal basis on which to make that claim." -David M. Saltiel at Bell, Boyd & Lloyd LLC

Will this certification prove me to be a "qualified person" as defined by OSHA and NEC?
The goal of ETCP is for technicians to use ETCP Certification as a support in claiming oneself "qualified personnel." The ETCP Council is in the beginning stages making this objective (authorities having jurisdiction use this certification) a reality.

Which ETCP certification is right for me?
The rigging certifications are designed for highly experienced riggers (rigging supervisors, high steel riggers, fly-persons, etc.). The Arena certification encompasses rigging that employs chain hoists and truss systems to temporarily suspend objects from overhead structures in any environment. The Theatre certification encompasses rigging that employs the use of counterweighted systems, mechanical systems and hydraulic systems, usually, but not always, permanently installed in facilities for the use of theatre technicians in the execution of their rigging responsibilities.

The Electrical certification encompasses the installation, interconnection, safe use, and repair of all portable distribution; utilization of entertainment-industry-related electrical equipment; and the safe use of all venue electrical equipment. Additionally, this certification encompasses the design, layout, and interconnection of portable electrical distribution equipment, including generation if necessary, as well as the safe connection of portable distribution feeders to fixed power sources. Applicants will be expected to know electrical theory and the safe installation and use of entertainment electrical equipment.

How will others know I am an ETCP Certified Technician?
Once you pass the exam you will receive a certificate and wallet-sized ID card with your credential/s listed. You can also advertise your certification with an embroidered patch, a pin and stickers for your roadcase. ETCP lists you on the website and Employers have already begun using this service when seeking qualified personnel.

How do I become ETCP Certified?
Individuals must meet eligibility requirements to take the exam. These requirements focus on work experience (3000 hours); internships, apprenticeships and undergraduate and graduate degrees can be factors as well. Courses taken outside a formal program of undergraduate or graduate studies do not count towards eligibility to sit for the certification examinations. A complete outline is available in the handbooks or online at http://etcp.esta.org.

The next step is to complete the application and submit it to ETCP, 875 Sixth Avenue, New York, NY, 10001. along with your fee. Once an application is accepted, the candidate will receive written acceptance from ETCP, and information will be sent on how to schedule the examination at a site, time, and date that is available and most convenient. There are over 190 computer-based testing centers available across the U.S. and Canada, and these centers are open most business days.

Are the exams ever offered as paper and pencil exams?
All three examinations will be offered as paper and pencil exams at LDI 2008 in Las Vegas, NV. The electrical exam will be administered on Friday, October 24 and both rigging examinations will be given consecutively on Saturday, October 24 so candidates may take any combination of exams. The deadline for applications is September 25, 2008 - all applications must be into the ETCP office by that date. Also, if you should have as few as ten candidates interested in taking the test, we can bring the test to you. We can also schedule a proctor to come to your site, provided your space meets the requirements or schedule the exam at a site provided by our testing company, AMP.

How do I get more information?
All candidate information, including handbooks, eligibility requirements and applications, is available on the ETCP website (http://etcp.esta.org), or if you would like the information mailed to you, please contact Meredith Moseley-Bennett, ETCP Certification Coordinator, at 212-244-1505 or .

What if I don’t pass on the first try?
If you are not successful at passing your exam on the first attempt, you can retake the examination quickly and privately. The retake fees are now $150 (with the member discount) or $200 (without the member discount). When you are ready to retake the exam, submit a letter of intent with the appropriate fee to the ETCP office. You can schedule your exam as soon as four days after the payment is processed.

What is the cost?
Developing a high-quality, rigorous examination is very costly. From the job analysis, to question writing, to setting the passing rate, ETCP is following the industry standards set by the National Organization of Competency Assurance (NOCA). ETCP works closely with a psychometric firm, Applied Measurement Professionals, to monitor and guide ETCP through this complicated and detailed process.

There is a complete fee structure in the candidate handbooks outlining the cost of each examination. Examinations cost $600, but members or employees of a member of one of the ETCP Council organizations (AMPTP, CITT, ESTA, IATSE, IAAM, InfoComm International, The League of American Theatres and Producers, TEA, and USITT) receive a $100 discount. Multiple examination discounts for the rigging examinations are also available. For more information see page 8 in both of the handbooks.

Can my employeror union pay for my exam?
All you can do is ask! Having ETCP certified technicians on staff gives your employer a competitive edge. Many companies and unions are either paying the exam fee outright or they are reimbursing examination fees for their employees/members. Please contact your employer or union to see if this option is available.

How do I renew my certification? Do I have to take the test again?
Both the rigging and electrical certifications require recertification every five years. There are a variety of ways you can maintain your certification without re-taking the examination, including work experience, training classes, standards writing, and teaching. For more information regarding certification renewal, please visit: http://www.etcp.esta.org/cert_renewal/rigging_renewal.htm or http://www.etcp.esta.org/cert_renewal/electrical_renewal.htm.

What is on the Entertainment Electrician examination?
The intent of this Certified Entertainment Electrician Examination is to evaluate the competency of the upper third of electricians working in the entertainment industry. These positions typically involve liability issues, the health and safety of workers and audiences, and compliance with the electrical and other laws of the local area, including laws requiring performance by Qualified Personnel. They are the leads, supervisors, and managers of entertainment electrical work.

This certification encompasses the installation, interconnection, safe use, and repair of all portable distribution; utilization of entertainment-industry-related electrical equipment; and the safe use of all venue electrical equipment. Additionally, this certification encompasses the design, layout, and interconnection of portable electrical distribution equipment, including generation if necessary, as well as the safe connection of portable distribution feeders to fixed power sources. Applicants will be expected to know electrical theory and the safe installation and use of entertainment industry electrical equipment.

For a complete content outline overview, please see pages 14-17 of the electrical candidate handbook or the ETCP website at http://www.etcp.esta.org/candidateinfo/electricalexams/ElectricalContentOutline.htm.

How should I study for the electrical exam?
The title of "Entertainment Electrician" suggests a broad-based knowledge of electrical practices. Therefore, when studying the material, candidates may want to review other entertainment electrical traditions. Candidates are encouraged to gain knowledge, skills, and abilities in all areas in the content outline.

ETCP recognizes there is a demand for resource material and training courses to aid in examination preparation. In accordance with national standards, ETCP does not endorse, support, or provide examination preparation materials or courses. However, a list of seminars and bibliography information can be found on The ESTA Foundation website: http://www.estafoundation.org/seminars/resources.htm.

Also, many electricians are forming study groups to prepare for the examination. Investigate if there are any in your area by contacting the union local or start up a group with others interested in taking the exam.

Do I have to memorize all of the formulas?
For the electrical examination, most complex formulas will be provided in the examination, but basic (Ohm’s Law, Watt’s Law, etc.) will not be given.

What is the different between the two rigging examinations?
There are currently two divisions of the main ETCP Certified Rigger credential: "ETCP Certified Rigger – Arena" and "ETCP Certified Rigger – Theatre." The Arena certification encompasses rigging that employs chain hoists and truss systems to temporarily suspend objects from overhead structures in any environment.

ETCP recognizes that these methods and hardware are used throughout the entertainment industry in arenas, convention and trade show spaces and in theatrical venues. However, the principles, practices, and components are consistent and similar in all applications and are different from those used in traditional theatrical spaces.

The Theatre certification encompasses rigging that employs the use of counterweighted systems, mechanical systems and hydraulic systems, usually, but not always, permanently installed in facilities for the use of theatre technicians in the execution of their rigging responsibilities. An applicant may seek certification in either or both of these divisions. Each division has its own Handbook separate examination covering the specific knowledge, skills and abilities needed.

For a complete content outline overview, please see pages 14-21 of the rigging candidate handbook or the ETCP website at: http://www.etcp.esta.org/candidateinfo/riggingexams/CandidateHandbook.html.

How should I study for rigging exam?
The title of "Certified Rigger – Arena" or "Certified Rigger - Theatre" suggests a broad-based knowledge of rigging practices in these two areas. Therefore, when studying the material, candidates are encouraged to gain knowledge, skills, and abilities in all areas in the content outline.

ETCP recognizes there is a demand for resource material and training courses to aid in examination preparation. In accordance with national standards, ETCP does not endorse, support, or provide examination preparation materials or courses. However, a list of seminars and bibliography information can be found on The ESTA Foundation website: http://www.estafoundation.org/seminars/resources.htm.

Also, many riggers are forming study groups to prepare for the examination. Investigate if there are any in your area by contacting the union local or start up a group with others interested in taking the exam.

Do I have to memorize all of the formulas?
For the rigging examination, many formulas are provided as well. The goal of the examinations is to test knowledge and not memorization skills. Not all of the formulas will be provided within the examination, so candidates are advised to study all relevant formulas.