The 529 education savings plan now covers the costs of AVIXA certification exams and preparation resources.

AVIXA certification exams and related education expenses are now eligible under the 529 education savings plan in the United States. Recent legislation has expanded the scope of education and training costs covered by a 529 plan, making access to professional development easier.

This expansion allows students and professionals in the audiovisual sector to use tax-advantaged funds to obtain industry-recognized credentials.

Funds from a 529 savings plan cannot be used for AVIXA memberships, but eligible expenses include certification exam fees, preparation courses, and related training materials. This includes both in-person and online courses, offering flexible learning options 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 for CTS, CTS-D, CTS-I, and ANP are also covered.

The expansion of 529 education savings plan coverage opens up new opportunities for professionals in the pro AV industry. They now have easier access to earn AVIXA’s valuable credentials, which showcase their AV expertise and open doors for career advancement, said Adrienne Knick, Senior Director of Certification at AVIXA.

Available for purchase as a single package, the recently updated AVIXA CTS Prep Pathway helps AV professionals prepare for the CTS exam. This update reflects ongoing changes in the industry and enhances accessibility to a broader range of entry points into the world of professional AV. It includes CTS 1: AV Technology (formerly 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 certification holders worldwide, AV professionals can now use their 529 funds to earn credentials that demonstrate highly valued core skills in the industry.

Both AVIXA’s ANP Prep course and its certification exam serve as tools to help AV and IT professionals demonstrate their audiovisual networking expertise, as the two fields continue to converge.

Whether an AV expert learning about networking or an IT professional integrating AV systems, 529 funds cover the associated cost of a certification that enables professionals to demonstrate experience in integrating AV within a network.

.