Personnel certification is the voluntary demonstration and recognition of knowledge, skills, and abilities in a given field. Many people in the entertainment technology industry have asked ESTA to begin work in this area because of ESTA’s success in bringing the industry together to develop technical standards.

ESTA launched a three part feasibility study in September with its first on-line survey targeted to a small but crucial sampling of individuals in all areas of entertainment technology, from seasoned veterans to college students, to employers and educators. Over 1,000 responses were received which provided us with invaluable information to use in Phases 2 and 3 of the study. Phase 2 consisted of two focus groups conducted in Las Vegas just prior to LDI2002 led by Mike Hamm, one of the leading experts in the field of certification.

Now ESTA needs you! Please join us in Phase 3 of the study by giving us your opinions on the need for and value of a certification program for industry technicians. It is vitally important we hear from everyone in the industry who could be affected by a certification program and from everyone who might wish to be involved in its development. ESTA expresses its appreciation to those who took part in the first survey and we encourage you to continue your input by participating in this next survey.

Developing a high quality, industry supported certification program is a major undertaking for ESTA, requiring a significant commitment of volunteer time and association resources. Please take a few moments to complete the on-line survey by going to www.esta.org. Your input is essential to help us meet the needs of the industry.

If you would like more information, please contact us at certification@esta.org.

The Entertainment Services and Technology Association (ESTA) is one of the world’s leading trade organizations for the entertainment technology industry. Its over 450 members in North America and around the world work in all areas of the industry and include dealers, manufacturers, reps, service and production companies, scenic houses, designers, and consultants. Through ESTA’s Technical Standards Program, industry leaders are drafting standards in seven areas: camera cranes, control protocols, electrical power, floors, fog and smoke, photometrics, and rigging. ESTA, a co-sponsor of LDI and other major industry events, is a member of the World Entertainment Technology Federation.