Membership Requirement Changes

As of January 1, 2012, the requirement for having to employ a CEDIA Certified professional will be lifted. CEDIA shall have one category of ESC member, one membership fee, and all members will have access to the logo, and be listed on the CEDIA Finder Service. All ESC companies will receive tools to increase consumer awareness and garner business support.

CEDIA leadership believes the association must be inclusive and welcoming of all companies and professionals who deliver Electronic Lifestyles®.

Q: Why did the Board of Director decide to lift the requirements?

To provide more opportunities for electronic systems contractors to have access to and benefit from current and new membership programs, benefits, and CEDIA’s brand.
To accommodate the shift in the diversification of association membership
To eliminate sub-class of membership i.e. Provisional
To enable growth in CEDIA membership
To grow the next generation of ESCs

Q: As an ESC, how much will my annual dues be?

Annual dues will be $500 for all ESCs.

Q: When does this change take affect?

January 1, 2012.
Dues rates will be reflected on your 2012 invoice

Q: I’m currently a Provisional Member, what happens to my membership?

Your membership category will be as an Electronic Systems Contractor. Levels of membership will be eliminated.

Q: What additional benefits will my company receive?

Consumer Leads – Listing on the CEDIA Finder Service, which receives an average of 20,000 hits monthly
Brand Awareness - Use of the CEDIA logo – Media and Industry Partner related exposure
Marketing Tools - ESC Marketing On-Demand - $800 Savings, Electronic Lifestyles® Awards competition, etc.
Credibility – Participation in the Electronic Lifestyles® Awards – The highest recognition within our industry

Q: I went through the process to get CEDIA Certified (or had an employee become certified). How does this change benefit me?

CEDIA leadership appreciates and recognizes the achievements of those companies who adopted the certification requirement and is offering them additional member benefits above and beyond what they currently receive.
- Consumer Leads – “Premier” listing on the Finder Service, which receives an average of 20,000 hits monthly. (Premier listing will take effect with new system launch in Q2 2012)
- CEDIA Research Reports - One year of free access to CEDIA research through reports designed specifically for certified members

Q: Does the association still consider CEDIA Certification important?

Yes! In no way does this change diminish the value, importance, or belief in the exceptional benefit that certification brings to our individual professionals, our member companies, and our industry. CEDIA leadership believes that value stands alone and requires no incentive beyond awareness of the many benefits certification brings.
CEDIA Certification continues to increase the credibility of our industry in the eyes of consumers, maintains a competitive-edge, and provides a clear and objective standard by which companies can evaluate their employee’s skills.

Q: Who can I call if I have questions?