Certified Technology Specialist – Design Practice Exam

CTS-D (Certified Technology Specialist – Design) is AVIXA's advanced certification for audiovisual designers. The exam has 110 multiple-choice questions in 150 minutes, and the passing score is 350 out of 500. Candidates must already hold the general CTS certification. AVIXA recommends 3–4 years of AV design experience.

About the CTS-D Exam

The CTS-D is AVIXA's specialist credential for AV design professionals. It is one of the most respected certifications in the audiovisual industry. A Certified Technology Specialist – Design:

• assesses client needs and designs audiovisual solutions

• coordinates, communicates and documents ongoing design responsibilities and activities

• conducts system verification and project closeout activities

The CTS program is accredited under ANAB / ISO/IEC 17024:2012, the international standard for personnel certification. Exam questions are job-task based: rather than testing memorized facts, they test how you apply knowledge to real AV design work.

CTS-D Exam Overview

• Exam Name : Certified Technology Specialist – Design (CTS-D)

• Vendor : AVIXA

• Level : Advanced (specialty)

• Number of Questions : 110 (100 scored + 10 unscored pilot questions)

• Duration : 150 minutes

• Question Format : Multiple-choice, four options, one best answer

• Passing Score : 350 out of 500 (scaled)

• Language : English only

• Delivery : Pearson VUE testing centers

• Prerequisite : A current general CTS certification

• Recommended Experience : 3–4 years of AV design experience

• Exam Fee : $490 (AVIXA members) / $590 (non-members)

• Accreditation : ANAB / ISO/IEC 17024:2012

• Renewal : Every 3 years, with 30 renewal units (RUs)

CTS-D Exam Content Outline

Domain : A: Conduct a Needs Assessment
Weighting : 20%
Key Tasks : Identifying functional requirements (user stories, user experience, benchmarking), reviewing the client technology master plan, generating and reviewing the program report

Domain : B: Coordinate with Other Professionals
Weighting : 28%
Key Tasks : Working with architects and interior designers, structural, MEP (mechanical, electrical and plumbing), IT and network security, acoustical, and life safety professionals

Domain : C: Develop and Document AV Designs
Weighting : 38%
Key Tasks : Creating the conceptual AV design, adapting it to site conditions and the A&E drawing package, producing the final design and drawings, and finalizing documentation (bill of materials, bid specification, scope of work)

Domain : D: Deploy AV Designs
Weighting : 14%
Key Tasks : Supporting project execution, verifying system performance, and handling project closeout (as-builts, system manuals, training)

Who Should Take the CTS-D Exam?

• AV system designers and design engineers

• AV consultants and technology consultants working with architects

• CTS holders who want to specialize in AV design

• Professionals who create AV drawings, specifications and bid documents

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the CTS-D exam?

CTS-D (Certified Technology Specialist – Design) is AVIXA's advanced certification for audiovisual designers. It validates the ability to assess client needs, design AV systems and manage design documentation.

How many questions are on the CTS-D exam?

The exam has 110 multiple-choice questions, of which 10 are unscored pilot questions. You have 150 minutes to complete it.

What is the passing score for CTS-D?

The passing score is 350 on a scale of 500. Scores are scaled, so the exact number of correct answers needed may vary slightly between exam forms.

Do I need CTS before taking CTS-D?

Yes. You must hold a current general CTS certification and be in good standing with the AVIXA Certification Committee.

How much experience do I need for CTS-D?

AVIXA recommends 3–4 years of audiovisual design experience.

Which domain carries the most weight on CTS-D?

Develop and Document AV Designs carries the most weight, at 38% of the exam. It is followed by Coordinate with Other Professionals (28%), Conduct a Needs Assessment (20%) and Deploy AV Designs (14%).

Where can I take the CTS-D exam?

CTS-D is taken at Pearson VUE testing centers after AVIXA approves your application.

How often do I need to renew CTS-D?

CTS-D must be renewed every three years by earning 30 renewal units (RUs) through continuing education.

Can I retake the CTS-D exam if I fail?

Yes. You can retake it two more times at a reduced fee, with at least 30 days between attempts.