The Entertainment Technician Certification Program (ETCP) was established in September 2003 to set standards for safer practices in entertainment venues in order to reduce workplace risk. The program is being created by ESTA with the support of CITT, IATSE, IAAM, TEA, and USITT. Experts from the entertainment industry are developing rigorous standards and will conduct examinations and award credentials to qualified entertainment technicians. ETCP will focus on disciplines that directly affect the health and safety of performers, crews, and audiences, beginning with rigging skills and electrical skills.

USITT is represented by Dennis Dorn and Joe Aldridge, Vice President for Conferences, on the Certification Council which is the governing body for the Entertainment Technician Certification Program. USITT has committed financial resources to help to make ETCP a reality because of the importance of the program to USITT membership, many of whom will be required to obtain this certification in the future. Setting and promoting standards, including DMX, has been a major emphasis by USITT since the Institute began.

The first ETCP rigging examinations (arena and theatre) were held in November 2005 in conjunction with the ETS-LDI tradeshow, and continue. Candidate information, including eligibility requirements, rigging handbook, and application forms are available on the ETCP website at http://etcp.esta.org/candidateinfo/riggingexams.html.


The first electrical certification exams were offered in October 2006. The eligibility requirements, candidate handbook, and application materials are available at http://etcp.esta.org/candidateinfo/electricalexam.html.

For more information about ETCP visit www.etcp.esta.org and to learn about the other organizations participating, see the Related Sites page.