Certification Reimbursement

We reimburse eligible IATSE workers who successfully obtain approved industry certifications and recertifications for the cost of the certification exam. Participants should not take a course with the expectation that they will be reimbursed. All applications will be considered based on responses given and funds available.

Review courses and other fees incurred during the certification or recertification process are not reimbursable, and we can't reimburse for multiple attempts at passing an exam.

Approved Certifications

First Aid/CPR/AED Certification
To qualify for reimbursement, the certification course/exam must have a live, in-person component where you are tested on the equipment. Online-only courses are not eligible for reimbursement. The American Red Cross, Canadian Red Cross, and American Heart Association offer live classroom courses.

CTS Certification & Recertification | up to $300
If you need CTS renewal units, check out the IATSE TTF/AVIXA partnership page for distance learning opportunities and access to on-demand courses.

ETCP Certification & Recertification for Arena Rigger, Theatre Rigger, Entertainment Electrician, Portable Power Distribution Technician | up to $550

SPRAT Certification & Recertification | up to $1,600

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) | Behind the Scenes (in the U.S.) and AFC or MHFA.CA (in Canada) only

Forklift Operator
To qualify for reimbursement, the certification course/exam must include a live, in-person component where you are tested on the equipment (hands-on practical evaluation). Online-only courses are not eligible for reimbursement. Operator safety training must be provided by a major equipment vendor (Sunbelt Rentals, Herc Rentals, JLG, or United Rentals).

Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWP) Operator
To qualify for reimbursement, the certification course/exam must include a live, in-person component where you are tested on the equipment (hands-on practical evaluation). Online-only courses are not eligible for reimbursement. Operator safety training must be provided by a major equipment vendor (Sunbelt Rentals, Herc Rentals, JLG, or United Rentals).

How Do I Request Reimbursement?

Your certification issue/effective date must fall within the calendar year or six months of the date of your application.

We can't issue reimbursements without proof of payment and proof of certification. Proof of certification must be in the form of a scanned or photographed official certification. Proof of payment must be in the form of an official receipt from the certifying agency or organization offering the certification exam and must clearly reference payment for the applicant’s fees. If another source is making partial reimbursement, proof of the amount of that reimbursement is required from that source.

How to Fill Out the Application

Download and save the fillable PDF form, fill it out using Adobe Acrobat Reader, and save your completed and signed form. Include a copy of your certification and receipt when you email the completed application to funding@iatsetrainingtrust.org.

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