AVIXA certification exams and related preparation resources are now eligible expenses under U.S. 529 education savings plans, following recent legislation that expanded the types of education and training costs these plans can cover.
The change allows professionals pursuing credentials in the pro AV industry to use tax-advantaged 529 funds for certification exam fees, prep courses and related training materials. AVIXA memberships remain ineligible under the program.
Eligible expenses include preparation courses and exam fees for Certified Technology Specialist, CTS-D, CTS-I and Audiovisual Network Professional certifications. Covered prep resources include CTS Prep Pathway, CTS Prep Pathway Plus Exam, CTS-I Prep, CTS-D Prep and ANP Prep, along with associated certification exams. Both in-person and online prep courses qualify.
“The expansion of 529 education savings coverage opens up new opportunities for professionals in the pro AV industry,” said Adrienne Knick, senior director of certification at AVIXA. “They now have easier access to earn AVIXA’s highly valued credentials, which showcases their AV expertise and opens doors for career advancement.”
AVIXA recently updated its CTS Prep Pathway, which is available as a bundled package to support professionals preparing for the CTS exam. The pathway includes CTS 1: AV Technology, CTS Certification Overview and Study Drills, and CTS 2: Applied AV and AV Project Process. AVIXA said the updates reflect changes in the industry and are designed to improve accessibility for professionals entering the pro AV field.
More than 15,000 professionals worldwide currently hold CTS credentials. With the expanded eligibility of 529 funds, AVIXA said learners can now use education savings to earn credentials that demonstrate core pro AV skillsets.
The ANP Prep course and certification exam are also eligible expenses. AVIXA said the credential is designed to help AV and IT professionals demonstrate networking knowledge as the two disciplines continue to converge. The certification applies to AV professionals expanding into networking and IT professionals integrating AV systems.
More information about AVIXA certifications is available on the organization’s website.
