EventCrewOSEvent crew certifications: which ones matter and how to track them
Some event roles can only be filled by people with specific training. If you put an untrained person in one of them, you can have an injury, a citation or a canceled show. Here are the credentials you will see most often, and how to stay on top of expiry dates.
ETCP rigging and electrical
The Entertainment Technician Certification Program (ETCP), run by ESTA, certifies Arena Riggers, Theatre Riggers, Entertainment Electricians and Portable Power Distribution Technicians. Many arenas and productions require ETCP-certified riggers for overhead work. Certification has to be renewed, so record the expiry date, not just "yes".
OSHA 10 and OSHA 30
OSHA 10-Hour and 30-Hour cards come from OSHA's Outreach Training Program. They are training cards, not licenses. Some states and many employers require them for construction-type work, and some venues and productions ask for them for load-in and stage-build crews. The federal cards don't expire, but some employers and states require refreshers.
Forklift and powered industrial trucks
OSHA requires employers to train and evaluate forklift operators, and to re-evaluate them at least every three years (29 CFR 1910.178(l)). Training from another employer isn't automatically enough. The employer on site must certify that the operator was trained and evaluated. Telehandlers and aerial lifts have their own training.
Crowd managers
The NFPA 101 Life Safety Code calls for trained crowd managers at assembly occupancies, generally one for every 250 occupants, and local fire marshals often enforce it. Requirements depend on your jurisdiction's adopted code, so ask the venue or fire marshal.
Alcohol service and food handling
Bartenders and servers often need responsible alcohol-service training (programs like TIPS or ServSafe Alcohol). Whether it is mandatory depends on the state, the county and the venue's liquor license. Food handler cards are required in some states and counties for anyone handling unpackaged food. Venue concessionaires usually set their own minimums.
Security licenses
Event security staff often need a state or city security guard license, and the rules vary widely. Some states license guards statewide, others leave it to cities. Check the rules in the place where the event happens, not where your company is based.
How to track certifications
- Store the document, the issue date and the expiry date for each person. "Has OSHA 10" isn't enough when someone asks for proof.
- Tie certifications to roles. A rigger shift should only be offered to people with a current rigging credential.
- Warn before expiry. 30–60 days of notice gives people time to renew before they lose shifts.
- Have someone approve uploads before a certification counts.
EventCrewOS lets workers upload certifications, admins approve them and companies check them before hiring. Expiry alerts and blocking workers from roles they aren't certified for are part of the build. See features.
Frequently asked questions
Do stagehands need OSHA 10?
It depends on the venue, the union local, the state and the type of work. It is common for load-in and stage-build crews but not universal. Check the venue's and client's requirements for each event.
Does ETCP certification expire?
Yes. ETCP certifications have to be renewed, so record the expiry date and check it before every rigging assignment. See etcp.esta.org for the current renewal rules.
Is forklift training from another employer valid?
Not automatically. OSHA requires the employer to certify that each operator has been trained and evaluated. Prior training can count toward that, but the employer still has to evaluate the operator.