Some local unions such as the International Alliance of Threatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Hollywood chapter local #728, have been qualifying members by certification and recognition through the Entertainment Stage Technologies Association (ESTA) with their Entertainment Technicians Certification Program (ETCP).
Working conditions for lighting technicians vary a great deal from one job to another.
Lighting technicians generally spend a lot of time on their feet and the pace of work can become hectic.
Last-minute changes are often required and safety precautions must be observed when handling hot lamps, climbing ladders or working on high voltage electrical cables and equipment.
Lighting technicians are routinely required to lift and carry the heaviest and more dangerous equipment compared to the other departments and office staff.
A budget deciphered from the production schedule, script and vision mandates the types of lights and how to proceed with rigs.