CHAPTER 2

The CTS-D Exam

In this chapter, you will learn about

•  The scope of the CTS-D exam

•  The skills and knowledge that the exam covers

•  Exam preparation and math strategies

•  The process required to apply for, schedule, and complete the CTS-D exam

•  The types of questions you might encounter on the exam

Now you’re ready. You understand the role of an AV designer and appreciate the professional commitment it takes to earn your CTS-D. It’s time to start preparing.

This chapter takes you inside the CTS-D exam, from what it covers in general terms to specific examples of questions you might see on the test. Along the way, we’ll describe helpful preparation strategies, point you to additional resources, and detail exactly how to apply for the exam (and plan for the big day). We will even take you through a quick-and-dirty review of some basic math concepts you’ll absolutely need to know to succeed on the exam and in your chosen field—AV design.

The Scope of the CTS-D Exam

As noted earlier, the CTS-D exam tests the knowledge and skills required by an AV professional to earn CTS-D certification. To create the CTS-D exam, a group of volunteer audiovisual subject-matter experts (SMEs), guided by professional test development experts, participated in a job task analysis focused on AV design. The results of this study form the basis of a valid, reliable, fair, and realistic assessment of the skills, knowledge, and abilities required for certified AV design professionals.

In creating the JTA, the group of volunteer SMEs identified major categories, or domains, of knowledge, as well as topics within each domain, based on the tasks that a certified individual might perform on an AV design job. The exam development team examined the importance, criticality, and frequency of AV design tasks and used the data to determine the number of CTS-D exam questions related to each domain and task.

Based on the JTA, the CTS-D exam content outline divides design tasks into four domains of knowledge, each of which will be addressed on the exam. The CTS-D Certified Technology Specialist-Design Exam Guide was written to cover the exam content in a manner that spends the most time on areas that make up the largest portion of the exam. At the same time, topics are covered in a logical manner, meaning the book doesn’t go in exactly the same order as the content outline. As you proceed through the book, you will see information at the beginning of each chapter, called “Domain Checks,” that describe how the material in the chapter relates to domains and tasks in the CTS-D exam content outline.

The complete CTS-D exam content outline is shown in Table 2-1.

Table 2-1    CTS-D Exam Domains and Tasks

Exam Preparation Strategies

You can prepare for the CTS-D exam in many ways, including studying this book. In fact, studying this book alone may not be enough to help you pass the exam. You are required to have two years of design experience and a valid CTS, so real-world training is key to your success. That said, another way to start your CTS-D studies is by performing a self-assessment of your existing AV design knowledge to identify your strengths and weaknesses. You will find a free practice test composed of questions that are similar to the questions presented on the CTS-D exam available for download (see Appendix D). You will also find helpful questions in the “Chapter Review” sections throughout this book, though such questions are not actual practice exam questions.

Keep in mind that because the CTS-D exam is designed to comply with ANSI standards, the CTS-D practice exam cannot include actual exam questions. In fact, the practice exam questions may not be informed by the exam itself. Any practice question you find here or elsewhere is written to be similar to an actual CTS-D exam question.

InfoComm provides other resources to help you prepare for the CTS-D exam. The glossary toward the end of this book covers most of the acronyms, technical terms, and other language you will need to be versed in to navigate the CTS-D exam and life as a certified designer. Also, refer to Appendix A, “AV Math for Design,” for a handy reference to important math formulas used in AV design. InfoComm also offers online courses, such as AV Math Online, AV Math for Design Online, and AV Design Levels 1 – 3 Online for a fee. Courses are discounted for InfoComm members. (Read more about math strategies later in this chapter.)

As you prepare for the CTS-D exam, keep the exam content outline and JTA handy. Figure out not only where you’re strongest but also where the JTA has placed the most emphasis.

Not surprisingly, the part of the exam that covers developing AV designs (Domain C) counts the most (50 percent). So, spend extra time on sections that inform the five tasks in Domain C, which have a lot to do with drawings and documentation—critical components of a good AV design. You will find information about drawings and documentation, for example, in Part II, “Environment,” where we discuss the needs analysis, program reports, AV documentation, and more. You will find more information about drawings and documentation near the end of the book, in Part IV, “Applied Design,” where we discuss closing out a project and handing over documentation to the client. Documenting an AV design is an important part of a CTS-D’s job and occurs throughout a project.

In addition, as you prepare to take the CTS-D exam, refer frequently to the CTS-D Candidate Handbook, which you can download from www.infocomm.org/ctsd. In addition to information about the exam, the JTA, and the exam content outline, the CTS-D Candidate Handbook lays out the important knowledge and professional attributes required of CTS-D candidates. From there, download and refer to the entire JTA, also available at www.infocomm.org/ctsd, for a complete breakdown of knowledge, attributes, and skills required across all domains and tasks.

For example, under Domain A: Conducting a Needs Assessment, Task 4: Review client technology master plan, the detailed JTA indicates CTS-D candidates should have good written and verbal skills, plus knowledge of the following:

•  Basic fiscal planning terminology (return on investment, and so on)

•  Client’s structured cabling system

•  Equipment life cycles

•  Restriction of hazardous substances (RoHS) and other green issues

As another example, under Domain B: Collaborating With Other Professionals, Task 2: Coordinate architectural/interior design criteria, the JTA indicates CTS-D candidates should demonstrate the following attributes:

•  The ability to calculate area

•  The ability to identify three-dimensional interference issues from two-dimensional plans

•  The ability to visualize spatial relationships from plans

•  An understanding of AV maintenance requirements

•  An understanding of AV systems operational requirements

•  An understanding of equipment space and access requirements

•  An understanding of ergonomic best practices

•  An understanding of Inverse Square Law

•  The ability to utilize reference materials

This type of information is detailed in the JTA and can help guide your thinking as you work through the CTS-D Certified Technology Specialist-Design Exam Guide. The content and practice questions in this book are based on the same JTA and exam content outline as the CTS-D exam. However, because the exam questions are confidential, there can be no guarantee that this book will cover every question on the exam or that the exam will address every topic in this book. This exam guide prepares you for a career as a certified AV designer—not just for the credentialing exam.

And as you might expect, technology and best practices change over time. Therefore, the CTS-D exam must change. When InfoComm revises the CTS-D exam, it will publish such revisions on its website, www.infocomm.org/ctsd.

Math Strategies

Some of the questions on the CTS-D exam can be answered only by solving math equations. When you earned your CTS certification, chances are you had to brush up on a pair of important mathematical concepts, which we will review briefly: the order of operations and Ohm’s law. Both are important math principles for AV professionals and will serve you long after you’ve taken the CTS-D exam.

There are a lot of mathematical formulas associated with AV design, but you don’t have to memorize them all. On test day, CTS-D candidates have access to relevant math formulas on the computer screen while they test. The formula sheet does not cover every possible formula that you may encounter on the exam, but it does contain many common (and complicated) formulas. You can download the list ahead of time and use it to practice AV math functions before test day. Find it at www.infocomm.org/CTSDmath.

You are not allowed to bring a calculator into the CTS-D exam room. You will, however, have access to a virtual, computer-based calculator that simulates a Texas Instruments TI-30XS MultiView calculator (see Figure 2-1). The TI-30XS is a scientific calculator, designed to perform complex operations that are not common in everyday math (for example, exponent and square root). Many AV design tasks call for complex calculations, so you should learn how to use a scientific calculator.

Figure 2-1    The TI-30XS MultiView calculator

As you work your way through this exam guide, keep an actual TI-30XS MultiView calculator handy. Even though you won’t be able to use it on exam day, you should become familiar with its functions so you can easily navigate the onscreen calculator.

Order of Operations

Many AV math formulas use addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, exponents, and logarithms. These formulas require a solid foundation in the order of operations. The order of operations helps you correctly calculate the desired result by prioritizing which part of the formula to use first. It is a way to rank the order in which you work your way through a formula.

This is the order of operations:

1. Any numbers within parentheses or brackets

2. Any exponents, indices, or orders

3. Any multiplication or division

4. Any addition or subtraction

If there are multiple operations with the same priority, then proceed from left to right: parentheses, exponents, multiplication, division, addition, and subtraction. You can remember the order of operations by using the acronym PEMDAS.

Practice Exercise 1: Order of Operations

Solve the following equation using the order of operations:

2 + (5 / 8² * 9)

Step 1    Anything inside parentheses is processed first. Inside the parentheses, calculate the exponent first.

2 + (5 / 8² * 9)

2 + (5 / 64 * 9)

Step 2    Inside the parentheses are now two operations that have the same priority: multiply and divide.

Because they are the same priority, begin solving them from left to right.

2 + (5 / 64 * 9)

2 + (0.078125 * 9)

2 + (0.703125)

This step is typically where a mistake might be made. If the formula is at a stage where the operations are of the same priority, continue solving from left to right. If this step is not completed, you will arrive at the wrong answer.

Examine the following incorrect processing shown here:

2 + (5 / 64 * 9)

2 + (5 / 576)

2 + (0.009)

In this example of incorrect processing, multiplication was performed first. The incorrect processing of right to left within the parentheses means that the final answer will be wrong.

Step 3    Now the only remaining operation is addition.

2 + (0.703125) = 2.703125

Answer    Rounded to the nearest tenth, the result is 2.7.

Practice Exercise 2: Order of Operations

Solve the following equation using the order of operations:

6² + 4 / (3 * 8) – 8

Step 1    Anything inside parentheses is processed first. Inside the parentheses, multiply first.

6² + 4 / (24) – 8

Step 2    There are no more operations in parentheses. Calculate the exponent next.

36 + 4 / 24 – 8

Step 3    The next operation is divide. Calculate the division.

36 + 0.16667 – 8

Step 4    The only two operations remaining are addition and subtraction. Both addition and subtraction are the same priority. Solve the formula from left to right. Remember to process from left to right.

36.16667 – 8 = 28.16667

Answer    Rounded to the nearest tenth, the result is 28.2.

Ohm’s Law and Electrical Circuits

Now that you’ve practiced basic mathematical principles, you can apply them to a fundamental concept in AV design: Ohm’s law. Ohm’s law can be hard to understand without a basic understanding of electricity, so let’s first review the essentials of circuit theory. Then you’ll practice Ohm’s law calculations.

An electrical circuit is a closed-loop path that goes from a power source, through a load, and back to the power source. As shown in Figure 2-2, all circuits must have these three physical items connected together:

Figure 2-2    Simple illustration of a circuit path

•  Conductive material, such as wires

•  Voltage source, such as a battery

•  Load, such as a light source

When the switch is set to the “on” position, the circuit is closed, and four factors (current, voltage, resistance, and power) work together to make a light bulb glow, for example.

It is important to know what the words current, voltage, resistance, and power represent and to understand the relationship between them.

•  Current is the rate of electrons flowing through a circuit per second. It is typically represented in math by I for “intensity” or A for “amperes.” Current is measured in amps.

•  Voltage is the electrical potential to create current flow in a circuit. It is represented in math by the letter V for “volts” or E for “electromotive force.” Voltage is measured in volts.

•  Resistance is the property opposition of the flow of electrical current. It is typically represented in math by the letter R for “resistance.” Resistance is measured in ohms.

•  Power is equivalent to an amount of energy consumed per unit time. Energy expended in one form manifests itself into another form—motion, heat, or light. Power is the rate at which energy is utilized. Power is represented by the letter P and is measured in watts (W).

In the AV industry, Ohm’s law and the power equation are used to calculate and predict voltage, current, resistance, and power. These elements help AV professionals calculate the total electrical impedance of a group of loudspeakers that are connected by cabling, and they help calculate the amount of current required to power the AV equipment in a rack. They can also be used to determine signal level at the end of a long cable run.

Ohm’s law defines the electrical relationships in DC circuits. It will also help approximate for AC circuits. However, AC circuit calculations are frequency dependent, and Ohm’s law does not account for the influence of frequency in a circuit. The results of Ohm’s law or power equation calculations are given to a professional electrician or an AV systems designer to incorporate into a design.

The Simple Ohm’s Law Formula Wheel

The simple Ohm’s law formula wheel can help you remember how to calculate voltage, current, and resistance (see Figure 2-3). If you know the value of two of these variables, you can easily calculate the third.

Figure 2-3    Simple Ohm’s law formula wheel

To use the wheel, locate the value you want to calculate.

•  V = Voltage (volts)

•  I = Current (amps)

•  R = Resistance (ohms)

Calculate the value by performing the operation between the two remaining variables (see Figure 2-4).

Figure 2-4    Three Ohm’s law formula wheels

•  If variables are on top of each other, divide the top variable by the bottom.

•  If variables are next to each other, multiply them.

Ohm’s law defines the relationship between current, voltage, and resistance in an electrical circuit as proportional to applied voltage and inversely proportional to resistance.

Current and Voltage

Current, voltage, resistance, and power interact with each other in a predictable way.

The current in an electrical circuit is proportional to the applied voltage, meaning that an increase in voltage produces an increase in current if resistance stays the same.

Current and Resistance

The relationship between current and resistance is inversely proportional, meaning that an increase in resistance produces a decrease in current if voltage stays the same.

As an analogy of the relationship between current and resistance, think of a sink with a stopper. The water pressure in the sink basin is like voltage. It has the potential to go down the drain, but it hasn’t yet. If you remove the stopper, the volume of water flowing through the drain pipe is like current. The pipe diameter presents a resistance to the current. A wider pipe will drain more quickly than a narrower pipe. Thus, the total volume of flowing water will increase because the pipe is wider (less resistance allows for an increase in the flow of current) than the narrower pipe (there is higher resistance in a narrower pipe).

Current and Power

Just as Ohm’s law describes the relationship between current, voltage, and resistance, the power equation describes the relationship between power, current, and voltage.

Power is created when current, voltage, and resistance are present. However, unlike current, power is consumed as it travels along the circuit, and it never makes it back to the source. Typically, it is used up performing some work, such as moving a speaker cone, or in the form of heat.

If current increases, so does power. If the voltage increases, so does power.

The Simple Power Formula Wheel

The simple power formula wheel can help you remember how to calculate power, current, and voltage (see Figure 2-5). If you know two of these variables, you can easily calculate the third.

Figure 2-5    Simple power equation formula wheel

To use the wheel, locate the value you want to calculate.

•  P = Power, measured in watts

•  I = Current, measured in amps

•  V = Voltage, measured in volts

Calculate the value by performing the operation between the two remaining variables (see Figure 2-6).

Figure 2-6    Simple power formula wheels

•  If variables are on top of each other, divide the top variable by the one below.

•  If variables are next to each other, multiply them.

Memorize the simple power formula wheel; one simple wheel will help you remember three formulas. As soon as you sit down for the exam, draw this wheel on the erasable whiteboard that is provided in your test cubicle.

Combined Formula Wheel

These simple Ohm’s law and power formula wheels appear as a combined formula wheel on the CTS-D Master List of Formulas and Symbology Descriptions sheet (see Figure 2-7). The simple wheels, however, are easy to memorize and utilize on the exam.

Figure 2-7    Combined formula wheel

To use the combined wheel, first locate the measurement you want to determine in the “hub” of the wheel. Then locate the two measurements you know in the same quadrant of the outer wheel. You can then perform the mathematical operation shown in the outer wheel, and the result will be the value or the measurement you are seeking. For example, if you want to determine the number of watts or power (P) resulting when there are 3 amps of current (I) at 12 volts (V), simply find the P in the center of the wheel and then find the V and I in the same quadrant. Apply the math operation shown (*, or multiply) to the values for V and I (12 * 3), and the result (36) is the number of watts.

Apply the math operation shown here:

P = V * I

P = 12 * 3

P = 36

There are 36 watts of power.

Practice Exercise 1: Ohm’s Law Calculation

Perform the following calculation using Ohm’s law:

Calculate the current in a circuit where the voltage is 2V and the resistance is 8 ohms.

Step 1    Ohm’s law formulas all have three variables. If any two of the three are known, you can solve the formula.

In this example, volts and resistance are known, and you are solving for current. Because you already have values for voltage and resistance, the correct formula to use is I = V / R.

Step 2    Divide voltage by resistance.

I = 2 / 8

I = 0.25 A

Answer

I = 0.25 A

Practice Exercise 2: Ohm’s Law Calculation

Perform the following calculation using Ohm’s law:

Calculate the voltage in a circuit where the current is 4 amps and the resistance is 25 ohms.

Step 1    In this example, current and resistance are known, and you are solving for voltage. Because you already have values for current and resistance, the correct formula to use is V = I * R.

Multiply current times resistance.

V = 4 * 25

Step 2    Calculate.

V = 100 V

Answer

V = 100 V

Practice Exercise 3: Ohm’s Law Calculation

Perform the following calculation using Ohm’s law:

Calculate the resistance in a circuit where the voltage is 4 V and power is 2 watts.

Step 1    In this case, you have only one known Ohm’s law variable: voltage. However, you have two known power equation variables: voltage and power. You can use the power formula to derive another Ohm’s law variable, current, and then solve for resistance.

First, use the power equation to solve for current.

I = P / V

I = 2 / 4

I = 0.5

The current is 0.5 A.

Now that you know the current, use Ohm’s law to solve for resistance.

R = V / I

R = 4 / 0.5

R = 8

Answer    The resistance is 8 ohms.

Practice Exercise 4: Ohm’s Law Calculation

Perform the following calculation using Ohm’s law:

Calculate the voltage in a circuit where the resistance is 16 ohms and power is 4 watts.

Step 1    In this example, resistance and power are known, and you are solving for voltage. Because you already have values for power and resistance, the correct formula to use is the following:

V = √(P * R)

Enter the values from the question.

V = √(16 * 4)

Step 2    Calculate the value in parentheses first.

V = √(64)

Step 3    Calculate the square root.

V = 8

Answer    The voltage is 8 V.

The CTS-D Exam Process

When you’re ready to take the CTS-D exam, review the application process. All the information you need is posted on InfoComm’s website at www.infocomm.org/ctsd and in the CTS-D Candidate Handbook. Bear in mind the following:

•  You must meet all eligibility requirements as of the date of the application.

•  You may apply for the exam using the application in the CTS-D Candidate Handbook or by downloading the most recent application. Mail, fax, or e-mail the application to the InfoComm certification office for review and subsequent approval.

•  Applications will not be processed unless all required information on the application is completed and the application fee is received.

•  You must provide phone and e-mail contact information to facilitate e-mail confirmation of receipt of the application and any necessary phone contact prior to or following the exam.

•  InfoComm will review and respond to your application within approximately 10 business days. For applications that are incomplete or lack documentation and/or payment, InfoComm will contact the applicant regarding the missing requirements. Once you have been approved for eligibility, InfoComm will notify you within one day of notifying Pearson VUE of your eligibility. You may then contact Pearson VUE after a 24-hour period to make your testing appointment. You can find the list of available testing locations at www.pearsonvue.com/infocomm.

•  Your application is approved for a period of 120 days from the date of the eligibility approval notice, and you must arrange for and be tested during that 120-day period. The exam application fee must be paid by using a major credit card or by check at the time the application is submitted.

Getting to the Testing Center

On the scheduled day of the CTS-D exam, you should report to the exam center as instructed in your appointment confirmation letter. Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your scheduled start time. Allow extra travel time for unforeseen events, such as traffic delays. If you arrive after your assigned exam time, you will be considered a “no-show” and will not be admitted. To take the exam, you will need to reapply by contacting InfoComm and paying a reinstatement fee.

It is not necessary (although it is preferred) to bring your e-mail or letter of confirmation with you. However, you must have proper identification (as described shortly). The name on the ID must match the information on file with InfoComm and the vendor responsible for presenting the exam.

Identification Requirements

Candidates must check in at the testing center with two forms of valid ID, one of which must be a government-issued photo ID with signature (driver’s license, government ID, or passport). (See the “On the Day of the Exam” section in the CTS-D Candidate Handbook.) For testing center identification purposes, you must bring both a valid government-issued ID and a secondary ID that has a matching signature to the name on the government ID. The first and last names on the ID must match exactly the name submitted on the application or you will be denied admission.

Candidates can make changes to their names by contacting InfoComm ([email protected]) prior to scheduling their exam appointment. Candidates will also be required to provide a digital signature and have a digital photo taken when checking in. This information is retained in a secure database for no more than five years from the last exam date. The candidate’s electronic signature is not linked to the candidate’s personal identification information, such as address or credit card information.

For certain Asian countries, specifically, China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, identification requirements may differ. Please see the CTS-D Candidate Handbook for more details.

Items Restricted from the Exam Room

You are not allowed to bring anything into the exam room. Secure lockers are provided to store personal items while taking the exam. The following are examples of items that are not permitted in the exam room or testing center:

•  Slide rules, papers, dictionaries, or other reference materials

•  Phones and signaling devices such as pagers

•  Alarms

•  Recording/playback devices of any kind

•  Calculators (a calculator will be displayed on the test computer screen)

•  Photographic or image-copying devices

•  Electronic devices of any kind

•  Jewelry or watches (time will be displayed on the computer screen and wall clocks in each testing center)

•  Caps or hats (except for religious reasons)

This list is not exhaustive. To be safe, you shouldn’t expect to be allowed to bring any item into the testing room.

About the Exam

You will take the exam on a computer. The exam includes multiple-choice questions. For each question, the computer will display four possible answers (A, B, C, and D). One of the answers represents the single correct response, and credit is granted only if you select that response.

Candidates get 180 minutes to answer 135 questions, 10 of which don’t count because they’re pilot questions used to study future additions to the CTS-D exam. They won’t be scored, but you will not know which are the pilot questions.

There is a brief onscreen computer-based tutorial just prior to starting the exam and a brief online survey at the end of the exam. The time necessary to complete the tutorial and survey do not count against the 180 minutes you’re given to finish the exam.

To get familiar with the testing interface, use the online tutorial practice exam from Pearson VUE’s InfoComm International Testing page at www.pearsonvue.com/infocomm. The questions you find there are not AV-related; the tutorial is simply intended to familiarize you with the testing interface. You can use this free resource any time before you take the CTS-D exam.

During the Exam

What is it like inside the exam room? Knowing ahead of time should help you plan for any eventuality. Bear in mind the following:

•  Candidates should listen carefully to the instructions given by the exam supervisor and read all directions thoroughly.

•  Questions concerning the content of the exam will not be answered during the exam.

•  The exam center supervisor will keep the official time and ensure that the proper amount of time is provided for the exam.

•  Restroom breaks are permitted, but the clock will not stop during the 180 minutes allotted for the actual exam.

•  During the exam, candidates will be reminded when logging in to the testing center computer screen and prior to being allowed to take the exam that they have agreed to follow the CTS Code of Ethics and Conduct and nondisclosure agreements presented earlier in the application process.

•  Candidates will have access to a computer-based calculator and a wipe-off note board provided by the testing center.

•  Candidates will have the ability to provide comments for any question, as well as mark questions and return to them for review.

•  There will be an onscreen reminder when only five minutes remain to complete the exam.

•  No exam materials, notes, documents, or memoranda of any kind can be taken from the exam room.

For best results, pace yourself and periodically check your progress. This will allow you to adjust the speed at which you answer questions, if necessary. Remember that the more questions you answer, the better your chance of achieving a passing score. In other words, don’t leave any question unanswered. If you are unsure of a response, eliminate as many options as possible and choose from the answers that remain. You will also be allowed to mark questions for review prior to the end of the exam.

Dismissal or Removal from the Exam

During the exam, the exam supervisor may dismiss a candidate from the exam for any of the following reasons:

•  The candidate’s admission to the exam is unauthorized

•  A candidate creates a disturbance or gives or receives help

•  A candidate attempts to remove exam materials or notes from the testing room

•  A candidate possesses items that are not permitted in the exam room

•  A candidate exhibits behavior consistent with attempting to memorize or copy exam items

Any individual who removes or attempts to remove exam materials, or is observed cheating in any manner while taking the exam, will be subject to disciplinary or legal action. Sanctions could result in removing the credential or denying the candidate’s application for any InfoComm credential.

Any unauthorized individual found in possession of exam materials will be subject to disciplinary procedures in addition to possible legal action. Candidates in violation of InfoComm testing policies are subject to forfeiture of the exam fee.

Hazardous Weather or Local Emergencies

Hey, you never know. In the event of hazardous weather conditions or any other unforeseen local emergencies occurring on the day of the exam, the exam presentation vendor will determine whether circumstances require cancellation. Every attempt will be made to administer all exams as scheduled.

When an exam center must be closed, the vendor will contact all affected candidates to reschedule the exam date and time. Under those circumstances, candidates will be contacted through every means available: e-mail and all phone numbers on record. This is an important reason for candidates to provide and maintain up-to-date contact information with InfoComm and the exam vendor.

Special Accommodations for Exams

InfoComm complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (or country equivalent) and is interested in ensuring that no individual is deprived of the opportunity to take the exam solely by reason of a disability as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act (or equivalent). Two forms must be submitted to receive special accommodations:

•  Request for InfoComm (CTS, CTS-D, CTS-I) Exam Special Accommodations

•  InfoComm (CTS, CTS-D, CTS-I) Exam, Healthcare Documentation of Disability Related Needs

Applicants must complete both forms and submit them with their application information to the InfoComm certification office no later than 45 days prior to the desired exam date.

Requests for special testing accommodations require documentation of a formally diagnosed or qualified disability by a qualified professional who has provided evaluation or treatment for the candidate.

You can find these forms, along with more information about the process, at the InfoComm CTS-D website and in the CTS-D Candidate Handbook.

Exam Scoring

Candidates receive their results immediately upon test completion. The final passing score for each examination is established by a panel of SMEs using a criterion-referenced process. This process defines the minimally acceptable level of competence and takes into consideration the difficulty of the questions used on each examination.

Candidates who do not pass the exam receive their score and the percentages of questions they answered correctly in each domain. InfoComm provides these percentages to help candidates identify their strengths and weaknesses, which may assist them in studying for a retest. It is not possible to arrive at your total exam score by averaging these percentages because there are different numbers of exam items in each domain on the exam.

Retesting

If you do not pass the CTS-D exam, you may take it again two more times following your original exam date. There is a minimum 30-day waiting period between each retest. After your retest application has been approved, you have 120 days from the date of the reissued eligibility notice to retake the exam.

If, after two retests, you still have not passed the exam, you must wait 90 days before restarting the application process. This period gives you time to adequately prepare and prevents overexposure to the exam. Candidates must meet all eligibility requirements in effect at the time of any subsequent application. You can find the CTS-D Exam Retest Application form and current retest fees at the InfoComm website.

Currently certified CTS-D individuals may not retake the CTS-D exam, except as specified by InfoComm’s CTS-D renewal policy.

CTS-D Exam Practice Questions

To reiterate, the CTS-D exam consists of 135 multiple-choice questions that address each of the domains and tasks listed in Table 2-1. The questions focus primarily on issues that an AV professional may encounter when working on a specific job or task, rather than on general AV technology knowledge.

Let’s take a look at examples of CTS-D exam questions. For each question, the domain and task from which the question is drawn are identified first. Not to sound like a broken record, but remember that these are sample questions, not actual CTS-D exam questions. They may be similar to exam questions, but because of the way the CTS-D exam is designed to meet ANSI standards, there can be no guarantee that these practice questions reflect the actual exam. That said, both the practice questions and the exam questions are guided by the same JTA.

  1. [Conducting a Needs Assessment/Review client technology master plan]

How do you determine the client’s long-term plans and needs in terms of equipment and support maintenance?

A. Ask advice from other AV industry experts and vendors

B. Contract with a consulting company to determine client needs

C. Consult the owner, examine standards and design manuals, and create the project report

D. Design a generic system that fits any organization of that size

  2. [Conducting a Needs Assessment/Identify regulatory requirements and project certification goals]

In a proposed presentation room with a flat floor and theater-style seating, which has the greatest influence on the visibility of a projection screen?

A. Ceiling height

B. Projection room location

C. Location of windows

D. Width of the room

  3. [Collaborating With Other Professionals/Coordinate architectural/interior design criteria]

For a flat-floor auditorium with rows of staggered seats, evenly spaced for proper horizontal viewing, which row or rows will determine the preferred minimum height of the bottom of the image on a display at the front of the room?

A. First three front rows of the room

B. Ends of the back row of the room

C. Rear three rows of the room

D. Second row from the back of the room

  4. [Developing AV Designs/Create draft AV design]

Which of the following signals can coexist in one conduit without interference?

A. Serial control and video

B. Speaker level audio and serial control

C. Video and microphone-level audio

D. Data network and line-level audio

  5. [Conducting Project Implementation Activities/Participate in project implementation communication]

In an AV project involving a courtroom, sightlines from the jury box are obscured by an architectural feature. How should the issue be addressed?

A. Communicate with the project manager

B. Contact the architect with recommended changes

C. Let the judge manage the situation

D. No consult necessary; move forward with your recommendations

Answers to CTS-D Practice Questions

Did you peek or read ahead? Here are the answers to the preceding practice questions:

  1. C. When determining a client’s long-term plans and needs in terms of equipment and support maintenance, you should consult the owner, examine standards and design manuals, and create the project report.

  2. A. Ceiling height has the greatest influence on the visibility of a projection screen in a presentation room with a flat floor and theater-style seating.

  3. C. For a flat-floor auditorium with rows of staggered seats, evenly spaced for proper horizontal viewing, the rear three rows of the room will determine the preferred minimum height of the bottom of the image on a display at the front of the room.

  4. A. Serial control and video signals can coexist in one conduit without interference.

  5. A. If you have sightline issues from the jury box of a courtroom, communicate with the project manager.

Chapter Review

Upon completion of this chapter, you should have a clear understanding of the following:

•  How the CTS-D exam is designed

•  The skills, knowledge, and AV design-related tasks that the exam covers and why

•  How and why this guide covers the exam material differently than the exam content outline

•  How to study and prepare for the CTS-D exam

•  How to solve AV-related mathematical equations using the order of operations

•  How to solve calculations using Ohm’s law

•  How to apply for the exam

•  What to expect on the day of the exam

•  What the CTS-D exam questions might look like (but not exactly)

Now you’re ready to delve into the specific knowledge, skills, and responsibilities you will need to succeed in your career as a CTS-D–certified AV designer.