Get Certified: Portable Power Distribution Technician

All experienced power distribution technicians 21 years of age and above are invited to take ETCP's PPDT exam. The intent of this examination is to evaluate and validate the knowledge and skill base of the upper two-thirds of Portable Power Distribution Technicians working in the entertainment industry. These positions typically involve the health and safety of technicians, performers and audiences, and require compliance with OSHA and other laws. Those who pass this rigorous test will become ETCP Certified Portable Power Distribution Technicians.

This certification meets a need within the entertainment industry to define the required knowledge and skillsets surrounding the assembly, use, and disassembly of portable power systems. This certification will provide documentation of knowledge and assist the employer in determining a worker’s status as a qualified portable power technician.

The ETCP PPDT Certification is focused on a large population of industry workers in the roles of lighting technicians, stagehands, portable power set/strike technicians, as well as facility maintenance personnel for a wide variety of venues. This certification targets the top two-thirds of people working with this technology at various types of facilities in the corporate, trade show, outdoor event, theatrical, and motion picture/television segments of the entertainment industry.

Individuals must meet Eligibility Requirements (see below) to take the exam. These requirements focus on work experience; formal education and apprenticeships/internships can be factors as well. The Candidate Handbook (available in English or French) and Application Materials can be viewed and downloaded.

The Candidate Handbook (available in English or French) is designed to offer information and advice regarding the examination and your preparation for it. Please read the information in this handbook thoroughly; it will answer many of the commonly asked questions, as well as explain the content and construction of the examination.

ETCP has two electrical certifications: Entertainment Electrician Certification and Portable Power Distribution Technician. To determine which certification is right for you, please read the Scope of Work Document. 

Eligibility Requirements

ETCP uses a point system to determine eligibility to sit for examinations. A candidate must have 20 points to apply for the ETCP Portable Power Distribution Technician Examination. This table lists the points awarded for various work experience, training (i.e., internships or apprenticeships), licensure, and degrees from accredited institutions. Points can be earned through work experience alone or through a combination of the above. Courses taken outside a formal program of undergraduate or graduate studies do not count towards eligibility. Please review the Candidate Handbook and Application Materials for more detailed information.

ABOUT GETTING CERTIFIED
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ENTERTAINMENT ELECTRICIAN
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Scope of Work

PORTABLE POWER DISTRIBUTION TECHNICIAN
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Application Materials
Examination Content
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Scope of Work

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(French Version)

RIGGER -
ARENA / THEATRE
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Exam Content: Arena
Exam Content: Theatre
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