Recent U.S. legislation has expanded the scope of 529 education savings plans to include professional development costs, now covering AVIXA certification exams and related training materials. This change allows pro AV professionals to use tax-advantaged funds for career advancement, making industry credentials more accessible.
Expanded Coverage for Pro AV Training
The legislative update enables individuals to use funds from a 529 savings plan for expenses related to gaining or maintaining professional credentials. For the pro AV industry, this means that fees for AVIXA certification exams, preparation courses and associated training resources are now considered qualified expenses.
Eligible expenses encompass a range of AVIXA’s offerings. This includes exam fees for the following certifications:
- Certified Technology Specialist™ (CTS®)
- CTS®-Design (CTS-D)
- CTS®-Installation (CTS-I)
- Audiovisual Network Professional (ANP) certification
In addition, related training materials and prep courses, whether in-person or online, are also covered.
While the new rules apply to certification and training, they do not extend to all AVIXA-related costs. For instance, funds from a 529 plan cannot be used for AVIXA membership fees.
Which Certifications and Courses are Eligible?
The expansion specifically benefits those seeking to validate their skills through AVIXA’s certification programs.
Professionals can now use their 529 funds for the following:
- Certification Exams: CTS, CTS-D, CTS-I and ANP
- Prep Courses and Pathways: This includes the CTS Prep Pathway, CTS-I Prep, CTS-D Prep and ANP Prep courses.
The updated CTS Prep Pathway, for example, is designed to support AV professionals as they prepare for their CTS exam. It reflects current industry practices and aims to create more accessible entry points into the pro AV field. With over 15,000 CTS holders globally, the ability to use 529 funds can help more professionals earn this credential.
Similarly, the ANP certification addresses the growing convergence of the AV and IT fields. The prep course and exam are now covered, helping both AV experts and IT professionals demonstrate their proficiency in integrating AV systems into a network.
Significance for the Pro AV Industry
This development provides a new financial pathway for professionals to invest in their careers. According to Adrienne Knick, senior director of certification at AVIXA, the expansion of 529 plan coverage opens up new opportunities. She noted that professionals now have easier access to earn valued credentials that showcase their expertise and can lead to career advancement.
By allowing the use of tax-advantaged savings for certification, this change reduces the financial barrier to professional development. It empowers individuals in the pro AV industry to pursue and maintain the certifications that validate their skills and knowledge in a competitive market.
