529 Education Savings Plan Now Covers Expenses for AVIXA Certification Exams and Prep Resources

AVIXA certification exams and related education expenses are now eligible under the 529 education savings plan in the US. Recent legislation expanded the scope of education and training costs covered by a 529 education savings plan, making professional development more accessible. This expansion can empower pro AV learners to pursue industry-recognized credentials using tax-advantaged funds.

Funds from a 529 savings plan cannot be used for AVIXA memberships, but eligible expenses include certification exam fees, prep courses, and related training materials. This includes expenses related to both in-person and online prep courses to provide flexible learning for professionals seeking Certified Technology Specialist (CTS), CTS-D, CTS-I, and Audiovisual Network Professional (ANP) certifications. Eligible courses and fees include CTS Prep Pathway, CTS Prep Pathway Plus Exam, CTS-I Prep, CTS-D Prep, and ANP Prep. In addition, exam fees are covered for CTS, CTS-D, CTS-I, and ANP.

"The expansion of 529 education savings coverage opens up new opportunities for professionals in the pro AV industry," says Adrienne Knick, senior director, certification, AVIXA. "They now have easier access to earn AVIXA's highly valued credentials, which showcases their AV expertise and opens doors for career advancement."

Available to purchase in one package, the recently updated AVIXA CTS Prep Pathway supports AV professionals in preparation for their CTS exams. This recently updated pathway reflects ongoing changes in the industry, as well as enhancing accessibility to a broader range of entry points into the world of pro AV. It includes CTS 1: AV Technology (previously Essentials of AV Technology), CTS Certification Overview and Study Drills, and CTS 2: Applied AV and AV Project Process. With more than 15,000 CTS holders worldwide, pro AV professionals can now use their 529 funds to earn credentials that demonstrate valued pro AV skillsets.

AVIXA's ANP Prep course and certification exam both serve as tools to help AV and IT professionals prove their AV networking skills as these two fields continue to converge. From an AV expert learning networking or an IT pro integrating AV systems, 529 funds cover the associated cost for a credential that provides pro AV and IT professionals with the ability to demonstrate their experience in integrating AV into a network.

Learn more about AVIXA certifications at www.avixa.org/certification.