Convention centers, trade show venues, hotels, and event facilities are revising their rigging requirements. Among the new policies being implemented, all rigging installations must be performed under the supervision of a rigging supervisor who is certified through the Entertainment Technician Certification Program (ETCP). This requirement is an effort to enhance client and patron safety while meeting the challenges of ever-increasing technical demands and weight loads of equipment hanging overhead.
When public safety is paramount, venues need rigging technicians that are certified in proper knowledge of rigging principals, technical skills, equipment, and related engineering. With ETCP certification, venues can count on the knowledge of riggers working in their facility.
Venues looking to hire a competent rigger or entertainment electrician who is dedicated to safety on the job, can search the ETCP Technician listing by name, city, or certification type at https://etcp.esta.org/findtechnicians/search.php. Not only have these technicians passed a rigorous assessment, they also signed an agreement to abide by the ETCP Certified Entertainment Technician Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct.
There are three ways employees can be tested to receive certification: ETCP exams are available at 190 computer-based testing centers across the US and Canada, online live remote-proctored testing at the candidate’s location, and an employer/Local can request mobile testing where ETCP arranges for on-site computer-based test administration.
For candidate eligibility requirements, exam content outlines, and applications, visit http://etcp.esta.org, email certification@esta.org, or call 212-244-1505.
The ETCP Council members are key leaders drawn from entertainment business, labor, facilities, associations, and academia representing the diversity of the entertainment industry. Membership includes AMPTP, Broadway Across America, The Broadway League, Cirque du Soleil, CITT/ICTS, Disney Theatrical Productions, Encore, ESTA, IAVM, IATSE, InfoComm, Live Nation, PRG, NBC Universal, PRG, TEA, and USITT. ETCP is an ESTA initiative created to promote industry safety.
