CHAPTER 1
What Is a Certified Technology Specialist-Design?
In this chapter, you will learn about
• InfoComm certifications and audiovisual (AV) industry standards
• The benefits of earning a Certified Technology Specialist-Design (CTS-D) credential
• What types of work an AV designer does
• Eligibility criteria for taking the CTS-D exam
You might be holding this book for many reasons. You could be a professional audiovisual systems designer in search of a handy reference. You could be a user or operator of AV systems at a company, school, house of worship, or other organization and need in-depth information to make sure those systems work properly and deliver the best possible experience. Or you’re a Certified Technology Specialist (CTS). You’ve already proven yourself to be an expert AV professional, committed to a higher standard of workmanship and to keeping abreast of the fast-moving technology and best practices that characterize this highly dynamic industry. But now you’re ready for more.
As a current CTS holder, you’ve decided to take your skills to the next level and become a Certified Technology Specialist-Design. CTS-D is a specialized industry accreditation, recognized by employers, customers, and international standards bodies. A CTS-D demonstrates the broad expertise of a CTS but also the skills and knowledge required to design AV systems. You demonstrate the skills and knowledge by excelling on the CTS-D exam. Throughout this book, you will learn what you need to know to be a CTS-D holder, but first let’s align your ambition with what’s expected of a CTS-D.
Introducing InfoComm International
InfoComm International created and administers the Certified Technology Specialist program. Founded in 1939, InfoComm is the leading nonprofit association serving the professional audiovisual communications industry worldwide. Through activities that include tradeshows, education, certification, standards, government relations, outreach, and information services, InfoComm promotes the industry and enhances members’ ability to conduct business successfully and competently.
InfoComm has offered certification programs for nearly 35 years, as well as industry-specific and general business training and education for people seeking careers in professional AV. Every year, InfoComm certifies more qualified AV professionals than anyone else in the industry.
InfoComm is also an American National Standards Institute (ANSI)–accredited standards developer, creating voluntary performance standards for the AV industry. InfoComm develops both independent and ANSI-approved standards, as well as joint standards with other professional associations. It is important for certified professionals to recognize, understand, and (if appropriate) apply relevant standards when designing AV systems. Although implementing InfoComm standards is not a requirement for being a CTS-D, the standards themselves are available to CTS-D exam item writers and could be referenced on the exam. The following are the current approved standards:
• Audio Coverage Uniformity in Enclosed Listener Areas
• Audio, Video and Control Architectural Drawing Symbols
• Audiovisual Systems Energy Management
• Audiovisual System Performance Verification
• Standard Guide for Audiovisual Systems Design and Coordination Processes
• Projected Image System Contrast Ratio
Many standards are in development. Visit the standards website at www.infocomm.org/standards to learn more.
Why Earn Your CTS-D Credential?
Certification shows your commitment to being among the best in a professional field. This benefits you, your company, and your clients.
In the field of AV and information communications, the CTS credential is recognized worldwide as the leading credential. Being a CTS holder shows your professionalism and technical proficiency. It increases your credibility and boosts customers’ confidence in your work.
There are currently three available CTS certifications:
• Certified Technology Specialist (CTS)
• Certified Technology Specialist-Design (CTS-D)
• Certified Technology Specialist-Installation (CTS-I)
All three of InfoComm’s certifications have achieved accreditation through the International Organization of Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) as administered by ANSI in the United States. They have been accredited by ANSI to the ISO/IEC 17024:2012 personnel standard—the AV industry’s only third-party accredited personnel certification program. These are the only certifications in the AV industry to achieve ANSI accreditation.
The certification programs are administered independently by InfoComm’s certification committee. You can learn more about how the exams are developed and administered, as well as how to maintain your certification, by visiting the certification website at www.infocomm.org/certification.
Although certification is not a guarantee of performance by certified individuals, CTS holders at all levels of certification have demonstrated AV knowledge and skills. They adhere to the CTS Code of Ethics and Conduct and maintain their status through continued education. Certification demonstrates commitment to professional growth in the audiovisual industry and is strongly supported by InfoComm.
Why take the next step toward specialized certification? Simply put, you’re ready for more. You have a deep understanding of the many aspects of a successful AV system, from the AV components themselves to the other building systems and networks with which they integrate. You know how to translate what clients say they need into a technology solution that helps them achieve their goals. And you know how to build a team of professionals from inside and outside the AV industry that can execute on time and on budget. We’ve just described a CTS-D.
A career in AV design is a commitment. You’re dedicating your professional life to a higher level of excellence that can be achieved only through education and expertise in the AV field. The continuing education that accompanies CTS-D certification will help keep you up to date on advancing technologies and position you as a major player on project teams. In short, pursuing advanced certification is an excellent decision for your career and your company.
What Does a CTS-D Do?
A CTS-D is a leader in the AV industry. As a designer of AV systems, from conference spaces to performance venues, a CTS-D often takes the reins early in a project and performs specific tasks to assess a client’s needs, design appropriate AV systems, prepare supporting documents, and coordinate and collaborate with other professionals to create systems that satisfy the client’s requirements. A CTS-D is more than a technologist and recognizes that the goal of an AV system is to create an experience for the client that combines content, space, and technology so that the client and the client’s clients can communicate better, work more efficiently, or be entertained.
To identify specifically what a CTS-D does, InfoComm developed a job task analysis (JTA). The JTA is a comprehensive list of the key responsibilities (referred to as domains) and tasks in which an AV designer should demonstrate proficiency. You will learn more about the JTA in Chapter 2, but in general, the many tasks that a CTS-D must perform fall into four general categories.
• Conducting a needs assessment and identifying a scope of work
• Collaborating with other professionals, including architects, engineers, electricians, interior designers, and more
• Developing AV designs, drawings, and documentation to describe the required audio, video, and network systems
• Conducting project implementation activities, from verifying system performance to troubleshooting
Based on the JTA, InfoComm’s independent certification committee created a CTS-D exam content outline. Both the JTA and outline are available at the organization’s website and are included in the free CTS-D Candidate Handbook (available in print and online at www.infocomm.org/ctsd).
It is important to note that the content and practice exercises in this book do not follow the CTS-D exam content outline perfectly. Nor do they follow the order in which actual CTS-D exam questions may be presented. Instead, the book follows the real-world course of an AV design, from conducting the needs analysis to commissioning and supporting AV systems. It is organized into three parts:
• Environment, which covers information for laying the groundwork of an AV design
• Infrastructure, which covers acoustic, lighting, mechanical, and other considerations that affect an AV design
• Applied design, which details specific aspects of an AV design, including audio, video, network, security, and other specifications
Upon completing this book, you will have been exposed to the knowledge and skills identified by the JTA and included in the exam outline.
NOTE A JTA is a study conducted to identify the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for professional competence in a particular field. Such an analysis is often conducted to determine the content and competencies that should be included in a certification or exam. InfoComm’s independent certification committee conducts periodic JTAs to make sure the various CTS exams and certification processes align with the real-world skills required of AV professionals.
Are You Eligible for the CTS-D Exam?
To be considered eligible to take the CTS-D exam, you must meet the following prerequisites:
• Hold a current CTS certification
• Be in good standing with the certification committee (in other words, have no ethics cases or sanctions)
• Have two years of audiovisual industry experience in design
There are several other prerequisites, such as an application form, proof of identity, and application fee. You can find information about all requirements and more in the CTS-D Candidate Handbook.
Throughout this book, you will see references to online videos that reinforce what you read and offer additional insight into the CTS-D exam. You can find links to all the videos in Appendix C. To get you started, watch a video on demystifying InfoComm certification and beginning preparation for the CTS-D exam at www.infocomm.org/CertVideo.
Chapter Review
A CTS-D is a jack-of-all-trades and master of pretty much everything about an AV project. Proficient in audiovisual and other technology principles, a CTS-D also understands how to coordinate the efforts of many different trades and translate the stated needs of users into a solution that meets their goals.
Achieving CTS-D certification demonstrates an AV designer’s mastery of everything from conducting a needs analysis to coordinating audiovisual and network technologies to training users on a system once it’s been installed. The CTS-D exam measures an aspiring professional’s skills and knowledge in a series of tasks identified by experienced industry peers. Good luck in your pursuit of CTS-D accreditation and in your professional AV career.