Top 10 Entertainer Certifications

Certifications are essential for entertainers in the job market. They demonstrate a certain level of skill and professionalism that employers look for when hiring entertainers. Certification programs provide an opportunity to gain knowledge, experience, and credentials in specific areas of entertainment. Certifications also help entertainers stand out from other applicants by highlighting their specialized skills and expertise. By having certifications, entertainers can prove to potential employers that they have the necessary skills and qualifications required for the job. Additionally, certifications give employers added confidence that they are hiring someone who is competent and knowledgeable in their field.

This article reviews the top certifications for Entertainers and explains how they can help expand an entertainer's career.

What are Entertainer Certifications?

Entertainer certification is a process that involves verifying the credentials and qualifications of an entertainer. This can include background checks, references, and other forms of verification. This is especially important for those who are involved in the entertainment industry, as it provides assurance to employers, clients, and potential customers that they are dealing with a reliable and reputable entertainer.

The certification process helps to ensure that an entertainer meets all legal requirements for their industry or profession. It also confirms that the person has the necessary skills and training to provide quality services. The certification process can also help protect the public from fraud or deception by confirming that the entertainer is credible and trustworthy. Additionally, having a certified entertainer on board can increase the credibility of a business or organization. Finally, obtaining certification may be required to receive certain government grants or contracts related to entertainment services.

Pro Tip: Make sure to get your entertainer certification from a reputable source. It is important to ensure that the certifying organization is recognized and accredited by the appropriate authorities in your area. Additionally, make sure to research any additional requirements for certification in your area, such as licensing or insurance.

Related: What does an Entertainer do?

Top 10 Entertainer Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Entertainers today.

1. Screen Actors Guild (SAG)

The Screen Actors Guild (SAG) is a labor union representing over 160,000 actors and other performers in the entertainment industry. It is the largest labor union for performers in the United States and has been in existence since 1933. The SAG provides protection, support, and advocacy for its members through collective bargaining agreements with employers, as well as providing health insurance and pension plans.

It typically takes several months to get accepted into SAG. To become a member of SAG, you must have worked on at least one union-covered project or have earned at least $3,000 from acting work within the last 12 months. Additionally, you must be sponsored by two current SAG members who can vouch for your professional experience and ability. You will also need to submit an application along with your headshot and resume.

The cost of joining SAG varies depending on your membership type. Initiation fees range from $2,500 - $3,500 for regular members and $500 - $1,000 for associate members. There are also annual dues of around $200 - $300 that must be paid each year to maintain membership status.

2. American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA)

The American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) is a labor union that represents performers and broadcast journalists in the United States. It was founded in 1937 and is affiliated with the AFL-CIO. AFTRA negotiates wages, working conditions, and other benefits for its members.

It does not take any specific amount of time to become an AFTRA member. However, applicants must meet certain requirements to be eligible for membership. These include having worked in the entertainment industry for at least one year, or having earned a minimum of $2,000 from acting or broadcasting work within the last two years. Applicants must also submit proof of their professional experience by providing copies of contracts or pay stubs.

To become an AFTRA member, you must fill out an application form online or download it from the organization’s website and mail it in with a check or money order for the initiation fee ($150). Once your application has been approved, you will receive your membership card and access to all of AFTRA’s benefits and services.

The cost of becoming an AFTRA member includes an initiation fee ($150) as well as annual dues ($77). The dues are prorated depending on when you join during the year.

3. Writers Guild of America (WGA)

The Writers Guild of America (WGA) is a labor union representing professional writers in the entertainment industry. It was founded in 1933 and is made up of two separate organizations, the WGA East and the WGA West. The WGA negotiates and administers contracts that protect the creative and economic rights of its members, who are primarily involved in writing for television, film, new media, radio, and other forms of media.

In order to become a member of the Writers Guild of America, you must have written or co-written a script for an eligible production. Eligible productions include those produced under a Writers Guild signatory agreement or those produced outside the United States but using Writers Guild rules. You must also be sponsored by two current members in good standing with the guild.

It can take several weeks to get your membership approved once you have submitted your application materials. Once approved, there is an initiation fee (currently $2,500) that must be paid before becoming a full member. There are also annual dues which vary depending on your earnings as a writer; these range from $100 to $2,500 per year.

4. Directors Guild of America (DGA)

The Directors Guild of America (DGA) is a labor organization that represents the creative and economic rights of directors in the United States. It was founded in 1936 by a group of filmmakers who sought to protect their rights and ensure fair compensation for their work. The DGA negotiates and enforces collective bargaining agreements with employers on behalf of its members, which include feature film directors, television directors, documentary directors, and assistant directors.

It typically takes several years to become a member of the DGA. To be eligible for membership, an individual must have directed at least six minutes of professional motion picture or television footage released theatrically or broadcast nationally within the last five years. The individual must also be sponsored by two current DGA members in good standing. Once these requirements are met, applicants must submit an application along with supporting materials such as resumes and demo reels.

The cost to join the DGA varies depending on the type of membership being sought (i.e., associate or full). An associate membership costs $2,000 for a one-time fee; a full membership costs $4,000 for a one-time fee plus annual dues ranging from $50-$150 depending on income level.

In addition to providing its members with collective bargaining protection, the DGA also offers educational programs and seminars to help its members stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices. The organization also provides networking opportunities through its regional councils and special events such as its annual awards ceremony honoring outstanding achievements in directing across all genres of television and film.

5. Producers Guild of America (PGA)

The Producers Guild of America (PGA) is a professional organization for producers in the motion picture, television, and new media industries. The PGA was established in 1989 to recognize and honor outstanding achievement in producing motion pictures and television programs. It is also responsible for protecting the interests of producers in the entertainment industry.

To become a member of the PGA, you must be an active producer who has produced at least one feature film or two television episodes within the past five years. You must also have at least three years of experience as a producer or production executive, or have been employed as a producer or production executive on at least three feature films or six television episodes within the past five years. Additionally, you must be recommended by two current PGA members who can vouch for your qualifications and character.

Once you have met all of these requirements, you can apply for membership online by submitting an application form along with supporting documents such as your resume and credits list. Your application will then be reviewed by the Membership Committee to determine if you are eligible for membership. If approved, you will receive an invitation to join the PGA.

The cost of joining the PGA varies depending on your level of experience and type of membership chosen (basic or associate). Basic membership costs $150 per year plus a one-time initiation fee of $100; associate membership costs $75 per year plus a one-time initiation fee of $50.

6. International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE)

The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) is an international labor union representing over 140,000 technicians, artisans and craftspeople in the entertainment industry. IATSE members work in the film, television, live theatre, trade show and exhibit industries.

To become a member of IATSE, you must be employed by an employer who is a signatory to the IATSE collective bargaining agreement or be recommended by a current IATSE member. You will then need to complete an application form and pay initiation fees. Once your application is approved and your initiation fees are paid, you will become a full-fledged member of IATSE.

The cost of joining varies depending on the local union that you join. Generally speaking, initiation fees range from $50-$400 with annual dues ranging from $50-$400 as well.

It usually takes between two weeks to one month for your application to be processed and approved. Once approved you can begin taking advantage of all the benefits that come with being an IATSE member such as access to job referrals, discounts on health insurance plans and other services offered through the union.

7. Equity Membership Candidate Program (EMCP)

The Equity Membership Candidate Program (EMCP) is a program offered by Actors' Equity Association (AEA), the labor union representing professional actors and stage managers in the United States. The EMCP is designed to provide aspiring performers with an opportunity to become members of AEA, which provides access to important benefits such as health insurance, pension, and other protections.

In order to become an EMCP candidate, applicants must have at least one year of professional experience as an actor or stage manager. This experience can include work in regional theaters, summer stock theaters, dinner theaters, theme parks, cruise ships, etc. Once accepted into the program, candidates are required to complete a series of classes and workshops over a two-year period. These classes cover topics such as contracts and negotiations, auditioning techniques, business management and more. At the end of this period, candidates must pass a final exam in order to be granted full membership in AEA.

The cost for the EMCP varies depending on where you live and how much experience you have. Generally speaking, it costs between $300-$500 for the application fee plus additional fees for each class taken during the two-year period.

Overall, the EMCP is a great way for aspiring actors and stage managers to gain access to important benefits while also developing their skills within the industry.

8. National Association of Broadcasters Education Foundation Certification Program (NABEF CP)

The National Association of Broadcasters Education Foundation Certification Program (NABEF CP) is a comprehensive training and certification program designed to provide individuals with the skills, knowledge and experience necessary to become successful broadcast professionals. The program consists of two parts: an online course and an on-site assessment.

The online course is self-paced and provides a comprehensive overview of the broadcasting industry, including topics such as radio and television production, media law, broadcast journalism, marketing and sales, engineering, management and more. It takes approximately 10-12 weeks to complete the course.

The on-site assessment is a hands-on evaluation administered by experienced broadcasters. It includes practical exercises such as operating audio equipment, producing commercials or news stories, writing scripts or developing promotional campaigns. The assessment typically takes one day to complete.

To get certified through NABEF CP you must first register for the program online at www.nabefcp.org/register/. Once registered you will receive access to the online course materials which you can complete at your own pace. After completing the online course you will be eligible to take the on-site assessment which must be scheduled in advance with NABEF CP staff.

The cost of NABEF CP varies depending on whether you are a member of NAB or not. For non-members it costs $499 while members pay only $299 for certification.

9. National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences (NARAS)

The National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences (NARAS) is a professional organization that honors excellence in the recording industry. It was founded in 1957 and is best known for its Grammy Awards, which are presented each year to recognize outstanding achievement in the music industry. NARAS also provides educational programs, professional development opportunities, and networking events for its members.

It takes about one to two years to become a member of NARAS. To become a member, you must have at least three years of professional experience in the music industry and submit an application along with supporting materials such as a resume and letters of recommendation from other professionals in the field. The cost to join NARAS is $100 per year for regular members and $50 per year for student or retired members.

10. Grammy Awards

The Grammy Awards are the music industry's most prestigious awards. The Grammys recognize outstanding achievement in the recording arts and sciences, and are awarded annually by the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences (NARAS).

The process of getting a Grammy Award begins with an artist or group submitting their work for consideration. This can be done through a record label, or independently. Once submitted, the material is reviewed by a panel of judges who decide which recordings are eligible for nomination.

Once nominated, the recordings are voted on by members of NARAS. Winners are announced at the annual Grammy Awards ceremony, which takes place in February each year.

It typically takes around one year from submission to receiving a Grammy Award, although this can vary depending on when an artist or group submits their work for consideration. There is no cost associated with submitting material for consideration; however, if an artist or group wins a Grammy Award they will have to pay a fee to receive it.

Do You Really Need a Entertainer Certificate?

Yes, you really do need an entertainer certificate if you are planning to perform in any type of professional capacity. An entertainer certificate is a legal document that verifies your qualifications as an entertainer and ensures that you are properly licensed for the job. It also serves as proof that you have met the necessary requirements to be able to work in the entertainment industry.

An entertainer certificate is often required by employers when hiring performers for events or shows. It is a form of identification that helps employers ensure they are hiring someone who is qualified and experienced enough to deliver their performance to the highest standards. Additionally, many venues or promoters may require performers to have an entertainer certificate before they will book them for their show.

Having an entertainer certificate also allows you to prove your credentials when applying for jobs or auditioning for roles within the entertainment industry. Without one, it can be difficult to prove your skills and experience in order to get booked for gigs or contracts.

In conclusion, having an entertainer certificate is essential if you plan on performing professionally as it demonstrates that you meet all the necessary requirements and qualifications needed in order to do so safely and successfully.

Related: Entertainer Resume Examples

FAQs About Entertainer Certifications

Q1. What is an entertainer certification?

A1. An entertainer certification is a document that provides proof of an individual's qualifications and experience in the entertainment industry. It can be used to demonstrate to potential employers, clients, and other industry professionals that an entertainer has the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their job successfully.

Q2. How do I get an entertainer certification?

A2. In order to obtain an entertainer certification, you must complete a training program or course offered by a recognized institution. The requirements for these programs vary depending on the type of entertainment you are looking to become certified in (e.g., stage performance, music production, etc.).

Q3. Do I need an entertainer certification?

A3. While it is not required by law in many countries, having an entertainer certification can be beneficial for those looking to establish themselves as professionals in the entertainment industry. Having this certification will provide evidence that you have the necessary skills and experience needed for success in your chosen field of work.

Q4. How long does it take to get an entertainer certification?

A4. The length of time it takes to receive your certification will depend on the type of program or course you choose and how much time you are able to dedicate to studying and completing all of the requirements for your chosen program or course. Generally speaking, most courses require at least several months of study before completion and receiving your certificate.

Q5. Is there any cost associated with getting an entertainer certification?

A5: Yes, there are usually fees associated with enrolling in a program or course that offers an entertainer certification. These fees can vary depending on the institution offering the program or course as well as what type of entertainment you are seeking a certificate in (e.g., dance performance vs music production).