Entertainment Technician Certification Program (ETCP)

CITT is a member of the Entertainment Technician Certification Program (ETCP) Certification Council and its representative is Monique Corbeil, CITT's National Coordinator.

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. ETCP focuses on disciplines that directly affect the health and safety of crews, performers, and audiences. You may become certified through ETCP in the following areas: Rigger – Arena, Rigger – Theatre, and Entertainment Electrician.

Personnel certification is a 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.

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, Themed Entertainment Association (TEA), and United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT).

The ETCP Certification 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 is heard during the development process, and their involvement is an invaluable resource as the program continues to grow.

The Certification Council membership also includes the following entertainment business leaders: BASE Entertainment, Cirque du Soleil/MGM MIRAGE, Disney Theatrical Productions, Live Nation, NBC Universal, and PRG.

To date, there are over 650 certified technicians across North America, including 95 in Canada. CITT, through its Québec Section CQICTS, has been working in collaboration with the Conseil québécois des ressources humaines en culture (CQRHC) to have the Arena and Theatre Rigging exams translated into French. They should be made available in the fall of 2009.

For more information, please visit the ETCP website at www.etcp.esta.org