Press Room

For Immediate Release
November 21, 2008

Media Contacts:

Jamie (Antcliff) Riley
CEDIA
(317) 328-4336 x119
jriley@cedia.org

Holly Maenhout
CEDIA
(317) 328-4336 x154
hmaenhout@cedia.org

CEDIA Certification Approved for Participation in GI Bill Benefit Programs

Veterans, active duty service members and members of U.S. military reserves may use benefits to cover exam costs

INDIANAPOLIS (November 21, 2008) —The Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association (CEDIA) announced it has recently been accepted as an approved facility for certification tests for veterans eligible to receive Montgomery GI Bill benefits. The approved status allows eligible veterans, active duty service members and reservists who receive education funding through the GI Bill to use those funds to cover the costs of CEDIA Certification exams.

CEDIA’s Certification program has been approved by the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs, State Approving Agency and by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs at the federal level for participation in VA education benefit programs. The addition of CEDIA to the list of approved programs opens the door for thousands of service members to take the first steps toward gaining the skills and knowledge to establish a career in the electronic systems industry.

In order to receive the benefits to cover exam costs, the eligible veteran or service member must complete an application form before taking the exam. Those eligible can find the application online at http://www.gibill.va.gov/GI_Bill_Info/How_to_Apply.htm or may call 1-888-GI BILL-1 to receive a copy by mail.

CEDIA’s Certification program allows members of the electronic systems industry to demonstrate a level of proficiency in industry-standard knowledge and skills. The program offers exams designated for three areas of expertise: the Installer Level I exam is designed for professionals with less than one year of installation experience; Advanced EST is for those with more than five years of installation experience; and Designer targets those with more than five years of design experience. CEDIA Professional Certification is a mark of distinction for industry professionals in the eyes of employers, clients and peers.

CEDIA is currently exploring the steps necessary to have its educational courses, including the association’s popular hands-on Boot Camp training sessions, approved by the appropriate agencies.

To learn more about CEDIA Certification, visit www.cedia.org/certification, email certification@cedia.org or call (317) 328-4336.

CEDIA is an international trade association of companies that specialize in designing and installing electronic systems for the home. The association was founded in September 1989 and has more than 3,500 member companies worldwide. CEDIA Members are established and insured businesses with bona fide qualifications and experience in this specialized field. For more information on CEDIA, visit the association’s website at www.cedia.org.

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