Prepare for the CTS Exam
What is CTS?
A Certified Technology Specialist performs general audiovisual tasks by creating, implementing, supporting, and servicing audiovisual solutions that meet the client’s needs. The Certified Technology Specialist™ (CTS) certification demonstrates AV knowledge and is the most widely recognized professional credential in the industry. CTS covers the full lifecycle of an AV system—from needs analysis and system design to installation, troubleshooting, and long-term performance.
IATSE TTF/AVIXA Partnership
The IATSE TTF/AVIXA partnership grants you access to a free AVIXA Elite Membership, which includes 90+ online courses, webinars, CTS exam application discounts, and more. You’ll need to sign in to your AVIXA account to take the online courses listed below. Click here to learn more about membership benefits and apply for a free account →
AVIXA Certified Technology Specialist (CTS) Exam Preparation Pathway
The CTS Prep Pathway can help you practice your test-taking skills and identify areas you need to focus on in your studies. The pathway includes four courses, which you can take at your own pace, and the CTS Sample Questions, which are designed to give you an idea of the types of questions you might find on the CTS Exam. You do not have to take these courses to obtain your CTS; these are completely optional and meant to prepare you for the exam.
Quick Start: Onboarding the AV Industry:
Discover AV organizations, jobs, and technology
Explore the industry and plan your career path
Review industry segments, AV disciplines, and professional relationships
Learn the basics of audiovisual systems and special applications
CTS 1: AV Technology: CTS 1 is the first course in a two-course series that is designed to prepare learners with the essential knowledge, skills, and abilities that are essential to the CTS Exam, such as: the role of AV industry standards, fundamental scientific principles, identification of audiovisual system components, the role of networking in AV systems, industry roles, fundamentals of project management, and effective communication.
AV Math Online: This course not only strengthens your core math skills but also empowers you to apply these skills in practical AV scenarios. It reinforces essential concepts, including using proportions to solve for aspect ratios, sizing displays, calculating scales, applying Ohm’s Law, understanding power calculations, and determining decibel changes.
CTS 2: Applied AV and AV Project Process:
Comprehend AV industry standards and their application in ensuring quality and reliability
Develop proficiency in mathematical tools such as ratios, logarithmic functions, and scientific calculators
Gain insight into technical concepts relevant to AV projects and systems
Master skills in customer information gathering, needs analysis, site survey, and program report creation
Expertise in interpreting architectural drawings and understanding design phases in AV projects
Learn about sound alteration, projection system factors, screen selection, and aspect ratio knowledge
Understand project management principles and their application in AV projects
Acquire skills in AV system installation, testing, commissioning, and maintenance
Develop proficiency in troubleshooting techniques and logical problem-solving approaches for AV systems
CTS Sample Questions: These questions are designed to give you an impression of the types of questions you may encounter on the CTS Exam. Developed by AVIXA’s subject matter experts, these sample questions follow the same rigorous question-writing process as the actual exam.
This is the order AVIXA suggests, but you can take the courses in any order you like.
Quick Prep: Certification Overview and Exam Drills
The new CTS Quick Prep: Certification Overview and Exam Drills course is now available! This 8-hour, on-demand course gives you helpful test-taking strategies and practice questions approved by AV industry experts. It’s a great way to reinforce what you know and strengthen your exam day mindset.
Focused Review: Focused review of key CTS exam concepts rooted in the job task analysis
Smart Test Strategies: Helpful test-taking strategies to boost confidence
Scenario-Based Practice: Scenario-based critical thinking exercises
Practice Makes Prepared: 40+ practice questions vetted by SMEs and instructors
Additional Resources
Download the CTS Handbook and the comprehensive exam outline. The CTS exam content outline breaks down the duties and tasks you’ll be tested on.
CTS Exam Guide: You can purchase the current edition of the CTS Exam Guide at most major booksellers. The guide covers all current exam objectives, and each chapter includes best practices, checklists, diagrams, photos, and review questions with in-depth explanations to help build your confidence.
CTS Exam
There are no prerequisites for taking the exam, but we recommend preparing with the courses and resources listed above. Once you are ready to take the exam:
Submit your exam application with payment. The regular fee is $490, but you get a $100 discount with your Elite Membership through the IATSE TTF/AVIXA partnership. The discount is applied automatically when you sign in to your account.
Schedule your exam at a Pearson VUE Testing Center. After your application and payment are processed, AVIXA will email your CTS Candidate Eligibility Notice. You’ll find your Candidate ID and directions on how to finish your registration in the email. You’ll have 120 days to take the exam from the day your Eligibility Notice is emailed to you.
Take the exam.
If you have any questions about the certification process, you can email AVIXA directly.
CTS Exam Certification Reimbursement
Congratulations on receiving your CTS certification! You can now apply for up to $300 exam reimbursement through the Certification Reimbursement program. Here’s what you’ll need:
Proof of payment: This is your official receipt from AVIXA.
Proof of certification: Scan or photograph your CTS certification.
Complete the online application: Fill in all fields, upload all required documents, and click submit.