AVIXA certification exams and related preparation resources are now eligible expenses under 529 education savings plans in the United States, expanding access to professional development for pro AV professionals.

The change follows recent legislation that broadened the types of education and training costs covered by 529 plans. While AVIXA memberships remain ineligible, funds can now be used for certification exam fees, prep courses and related training materials for AVIXA credentials.

Eligible certifications include Certified Technology Specialist, CTS-Design, CTS-Installation and Audiovisual Network Professional. Covered expenses include both in-person and online preparation courses, as well as exam fees for each certification.

“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.”

Among the eligible offerings is the AVIXA CTS Prep Pathway, which is available as a single package and has been recently updated to reflect ongoing changes in the pro AV industry. 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 are designed to improve accessibility and support a wider range of entry points into the industry.

With more than 15,000 CTS holders worldwide, AVIXA said the expanded eligibility allows professionals to pursue credentials that demonstrate validated AV skill sets using funds originally intended for education savings.

The Audiovisual Network Professional prep course and certification exam are also covered under 529 plans. The ANP credential is designed for AV and IT professionals as networking and audiovisual systems continue to converge. AVIXA said the certification helps professionals demonstrate experience integrating AV systems into networked environments.

Additional eligible preparation options include CTS Prep Pathway Plus Exam, CTS-I Prep, CTS-D Prep and ANP Prep. AVIXA said both exam and preparation costs qualify under the updated 529 guidelines.

More information on AVIXA certifications is available on the organization’s website.