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.

Under the auspices of the Entertainment Services and Technology Association (ESTA), ETCP is being developed with the following organizations: 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 enterainment business leaders: BASE Entertainment, Cirque du Soleil / MGM MIRAGE, Live Nation, and PRG.

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 focuses on disciplines that directly affect the health and safety of crews, performers, and audiences. Two key areas were identified for initial development - electrical skills and rigging skills, and there are currently three certifications: Rigger – Arena, Rigger – Theatre, and Entertainment Electrician.