The USITT BACKstage Exam (Basic and Comprehensive Knowledge Exam for High School Technical Theatre Students) is designed to evaluate the knowledge and work readiness of technical theatre students at the high school level.

Technicians holding this certificate have passed a 100 question exam covering a full range of high school level questions on several topics: basics & safety, venue, personnel, audio, costume & wardrobe, lighting, electrics, rigging, & scenic construction.

There are standard terms and knowledge expected of all persons working in entertainment. From what the parts of a typical theatre are called e.g. fly rail, grid, downstage, proscenium, to basic safety knowledge of Personal Protective Equipment, what is OSHA and why do we have Safety Data Sheets. This exam covers workplace safety, stage directions, basic theatre architecture and job descriptions common to the entertainment industry, knowledge that is required regardless of where you work.

Technicians holding this certificate have passed a 100 question exam covering workplace safety, stage directions, basic theatre architecture, and basic job descriptions common to the entertainment industry.

The eSET Audio Examination will cover a wide variety of skills and knowledge related to the work of an entertainment audio technician. Areas covered include sound system components including microphones, cables, mixing consoles, amplifiers, loudspeakers; signal processing; signal routing; acoustic theory; networking and communication protocols; electrical theory; common practices; reading a speaker plot and common audio paperwork; accessories and procedures; tools and safety.

Technicians holding these certificates have passed at least one of the concentration specific online technical exams. Each of these exams is 100 questions, covering safety, vocabulary, equipment recognition, area specific jobs and more. To take this exam, the candidate must hold a Level 1 certificate. Topical examinations currently available.

The eSET Costume online examination will cover a wide variety of skills and knowledge related to the production and usages of costumes. Areas covered include positions and duties of those working in costume, as well as in fabrics and fibers, hand and machine stitches and appropriate usage, machines used the production of costumes, accessories, wigs and makeup, wardrobe and quick change, machines used for the production of costumes, common costume paperwork, tools and safety.

Technicians holding these certificates have passed at least one of the concentration specific online technical exams. Each of these exams is 100 questions, covering safety, vocabulary, equipment recognition, area specific jobs and more. To take this exam, the candidate must hold a Level 1 certificate. Topical examinations currently available.

The eSET Lighting & Electrics online examination will cover a wide variety of skills and knowledge such as naming equipment as pictured and Illustrated, conventional and automated fixtures and their general usage, light plot symbols, digital control and common communication protocols, hardware, tools, safety, and basic lighting and electrics math used in production and design.

Technicians holding these certificates have passed at least one of the concentration specific online technical exams. Each of these exams is 100 questions, covering safety, vocabulary, equipment recognition, area specific jobs and more. To take this exam, the candidate must hold a Level 1 certificate. Topical examinations currently available.

The eSET Projections online examination will cover a wide variety of skills and knowledge related to the following; knowledge of video distribution and communication protocols, identification of video connectors and other equipment, understanding of display systems and video content, basic math in calculating lens ratios and image size, as well as knowledge of industry terminology in production and design for projections applications.

Technicians holding these certificates have passed at least one of the concentration specific online technical exams. Each of these exams is 100 questions, covering safety, vocabulary, equipment recognition, area specific jobs and more. To take this exam, the candidate must hold a Level 1 certificate. Topical examinations currently available.

The eSET Rigging online examination will cover a wide variety of skills and knowledge related to naming equipment in pictures and illustrations, standard procedures for preparing and using wire rope, systems, basic math and load ratios, knowledge of fall arrest safety and operation, proper procedures for operating a counterweight rigging system and for using chain motors as used in production and design for rigging applications.

Technicians holding these certificates have passed at least one of the concentration specific online technical exams. Each of these exams is 100 questions, covering safety, vocabulary, equipment recognition, area specific jobs and more. To take this exam, the candidate must hold a Level 1 certificate. Topical examinations currently available.

The eSET Wardrobe online examination will cover a wide variety of skills and knowledge related to the production and usages of the wardrobe such as the following: Name the Equipment or Stitches Illustrated, Costume Shop/ Studio Terminology, Identifying Common Historical Garments and Accessories, Wardrobe Terms and Techniques, Basic Construction Terms and Techniques, Knowledge of Hardware, Tools, & Safety.

Technicians holding these certificates have passed at least one of the concentration specific online technical exams. Each of these exams is 100 questions, covering safety, vocabulary, equipment recognition, area specific jobs and more. To take this exam, the candidate must hold a Level 1 certificate. Topical examinations currently available.

Practical Technicians holding these certificates have passed a practical exam with a proctor from the installation, manufacturing, commercial theatre, or regional theatre side of the industry. To sit for this exam, the candidate must hold a Level 2 certificate. These certificates are available in most of the area concentrations. More information coming soon on how to schedule a practical and to see dates for upcoming practicals.