AVIXA Certified Technology Specialist Practice Exam

CTS (Certified Technology Specialist) is AVIXA's core certification for audiovisual professionals and the most widely recognized AV credential in the world. The exam has 115 multiple-choice questions in 150 minutes, and the passing score is 350 out of 500. There are no experience prerequisites, and the exam is available in English, Spanish and German.

About the CTS Exam

The CTS is the foundation credential of AVIXA's Certified Technology Specialist program and the required first step before the advanced CTS-D (Design) and CTS-I (Installation) certifications. A Certified Technology Specialist performs general audiovisual tasks by creating, implementing, supporting and servicing AV solutions that meet the client's needs.

The CTS program is accredited under ANAB / ISO/IEC 17024:2012, the international standard for personnel certification, and is approved for reimbursement to US veterans under the GI Bill. CTS questions are job-task based, testing how you apply AV knowledge in real situations rather than how well you remember facts.

CTS Exam Overview

• Code : CTS

• Exam Name : Certified Technology Specialist

• Vendor : AVIXALevelCore (general)

• Number of Questions : 115 (100 scored + 15 unscored pilot questions)

• Duration : 150 minutes

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

• Passing Score : 350 out of 500 (scaled)

• Languages : English, Spanish, German

• Delivery : Pearson VUE testing centers

• Prerequisites : None (agree to the CTS Code of Ethics and Conduct)

• Exam Fee : $390 (AVIXA members) / $490 (non-members)

• Accreditation : ANAB / ISO/IEC 17024:2012

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

CTS Exam Content Outline

• Domain : A: Creating AV Solutions
  Weighting : 35%
  Key Tasks : Customer needs analysis, site surveys (lighting, acoustics, seating, dimensions), defining the AV project scope, and designing AV solutions (drawings, program report, bill of materials)

• Domain : B: Implementing AV Solutions
  Weighting : 30%
  Key Tasks : Integrating the AV solution (system verification, installation) and managing integration (training, schematics, warranties, operations manuals, as-built drawings)

• Domain : D: Servicing AV Solutions
  Weighting : 20%
  Key Tasks : Supervising AV operations, maintenance (preventive maintenance, firmware and equipment upgrades), and troubleshooting and repair

• Domain : C: Supporting AV System Operation
  Weighting : 15%
  Key Tasks : Providing AV support: troubleshooting, remote assistance, live event support, in-room operation and user training

Who Should Take the CTS Exam?

• AV technicians, installers and integrators starting their certification path

• AV sales, project management and support professionals

• IT professionals moving into audiovisual and unified communications

• Anyone planning to earn CTS-D or CTS-I, since CTS is required first

Once you've earned your CTS, take the next step with our CTS-D Design or CTS-I Installation practice exams.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the CTS exam?

CTS (Certified Technology Specialist) is AVIXA's core certification for audiovisual professionals. It validates the ability to create, implement, support and service AV solutions.

How many questions are on the CTS exam?

The exam has 115 multiple-choice questions, of which 15 are unscored pilot questions. You have 150 minutes to complete it.

What is the passing score for CTS?

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.

Are there any prerequisites for the CTS exam?

No. You only need to agree to the application terms and the CTS Code of Ethics and Conduct. No experience or training is required.

How much does the CTS exam cost?

The exam costs $390 for AVIXA members and $490 for non-members. Reduced fees are available in emerging economies.

What languages is the CTS exam available in?

The exam is available in English, Spanish and German. You choose the language when you schedule your appointment.

Which domain carries the most weight on CTS?

Creating AV Solutions carries the most weight, at 35%. It is followed by Implementing AV Solutions (30%), Servicing AV Solutions (20%) and Supporting AV System Operation (15%).

What comes after CTS?

After CTS, you can specialize with CTS-D (Design) for AV designers or CTS-I (Installation) for AV installers.

How often do I need to renew CTS?

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

Can I retake the CTS exam if I fail?

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