There are more than 9,500 CTS holders. The InfoComm Certified Technology Specialist (CTS®) designation is internationally recognized and supported by the industry.

A candidate for certification is not required to be a member of InfoComm or take any InfoComm courses in order to be certified. InfoComm offers courses that may help an audiovisual specialist prepare for the certification exam and earn renewal units, but candidates and certificants may utilize program offerings by groups other than InfoComm. Membership does, however, offer discounts on both courses and testing.

There are two levels of CTS: General and Specialized. The first level (general) Certified Technology Specialist (CTS) is required before applying for and testing for the Certified Technology Specialist- Installation (CTS-I) or the Certified Technology Specialist - Design (CTS-D). Specialized certifications have additional eligibility requirements. For a complete description of additional eligibility requirements, please see the Candidate Handbook for the designation you seek.

		A Certified Technology Specialist (CTS) performs general technology solution tasks by creating, operating and servicing AV solutions, while conducting AV management activities which provide for the best audiovisual resolutions of the client's needs, both on time and within budget.
		A Certified Technology Specialist - Installation (CTS-I) installs and maintains audiovisual systems by following specifications, schematics, codes, and safety protocols; administering installation process logistics; troubleshooting and problem solving systems; maintaining tools and equipment; and communicating with clients, designers, other trades, other installers and staff to provide the best audiovisual solutions for clients' needs, on time and within budget.
		A Certified Technology Specialist - Design (CTS-D)  demonstrates detailed knowledge of how to analyze, select and plan seamless audiovisual communications equipment interoperation. The CTS-D demonstrates his or her experience in the form of complete specifications and drawings that deliver a desired outcome to meet a client's needs. A minimum of two years' industry experience accompanies the theoretical and practical competencies. InfoComm and the InfoComm Independent Certification Committee are in the process of applying to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) for accreditation of this certification under the International Standard ISO/IEC 17024 General Requirements for Bodies Operating Certification Schemes of Persons program.

Ongoing professional education is required to maintain the credentials at any level. A certification is valid for three years. Certified individuals must earn 30 renewal units (RUs) within each three-year period, remain in good standing, and abide by the CTS Code of Ethics and Conduct.

Benefits of certification are not limited to but include:

Certificants

Acknowledgement of mastery of skill and knowledge at a high level

Evidence of technical proficiency 

Adherence to a strict code of ethics and conduct

Industry

A respected career path for AV professionals

An open, tested, clear set of industry standards by which consumers can evaluate audiovisual providers.

Business

Reassurance to customers of competency, experience, and ethical behavior

Increased consumer confidence

Consumer

Reassurance of competency, experience, and ethical behavior

An open, tested, clear set of industry standards to evaluate audiovisual providers

Ready to find out more? The best source of information for those interested in pursuing one or more of the CTS credentials are the Candidate Handbooks; available for the CTS and CTS-I (CTS-D in Spring of 2008), free, and downloadable. The "About Certification" section will tell you more about the administration of the exams, the directory of CTS professionals, the latest news, and benefits of certification. Selecting "Seeking Certification" will take you to the Candidate Handbooks.