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CTS Prep

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Introduction Agenda

• About InfoComm• Logistics• About one another• About this course

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About InfoComm International®

• Leading non-profit association serving the professional AV communications industry worldwide

• Member-driven• Everything Audiovisual

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InfoComm International Resources

www.InfoComm.org

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InfoComm Standards

• Current Approved Standards:– Audio Coverage Uniformity in Enclosed Listener

Areas – Standard Guide for Audiovisual Systems Design

and Coordination Processes– Projected Image System Contrast Ratio– Audiovisual Systems Energy Management

• Visit the standards website, www.infocomm.org/standards, to learn more

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Introduction Agenda

About InfoComm• Logistics• About one another• About this course

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Housekeeping Items

• Attendance– If you are sick, late – call

• Hours• Restrooms • Security• Smoking• Parking• Communication devices • Laptops and Wi-Fi access

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Attendance

• You are expected to be here on time, every day, all day

• If you cannot attend, please contact us

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Positive Learning Environment

• Free from intimidation, hostility, harassment or other actions which might interfere with student learning

• It is inappropriate to make negative comments about companies or competitors products

• Any student who misses two hours or more of class time will not complete the course

• Please read the notice inside your binders

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Antitrust Guidelines

• Don’t discuss:– Prices– Production– Marketing procedures

• If you’re not sure, ask legal counsel!

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Introduction Agenda

About InfoCommLogistics• About one another• About this course

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Introductions

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Introduction Agenda

About InfoCommLogisticsAbout one another• About this course

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Course Goals

• Prepare for the CTS exam– Explore exam format– Study individually and collaboratively

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What are your course resources?

• Student Guide– Exercises– Breakout sessions

• CTS Exam Guide Second Edition

• CTS Exam Content Outline

• Course Roadmap

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Course Overview

• Exam Content Outline– Domain A: Creating AV Solutions– Domain B: Operating AV Solutions– Domain C: Conducting AV Management

Activities– Domain D: Servicing AV Solutions

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Questions?

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Why have you decided to become a CTS?

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Value of a CTS for You

• InfoComm CTS program is the most widely recognized AV certification in the world with more than 8,400 CTS holders

• Only AV certification to receive outside accreditation from ANSI/ISO/IEC

• Will help you get into the $75 billion global AV industry• Adds momentum to your career• Demonstrates commitment to professional excellence and ethical

behavior• Reinforces your commitment to continuous improvement through

continuing education

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Why has your company decided to send you to attain your CTS?

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Value of a CTS for Your Company

• Specifiers, government agencies and purchasers of AV systems worldwide recognize ANSI/ISO/IEC as a valuable measure of an individual’s qualifications

• Federal, state and local regulators depend upon certification bodies for the accurate and unbiased certification of individuals working in certain fields

• Purchasers of AV equipment and services want to buy from companies that have qualified staff—a CTS demonstrates a commitment to quality

• Hiring and developing CTS holders highlights the company’s investment in high performance standards and commitment to continuous improvement

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Role of a CTS Professional

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.

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General and Specialized CTS Exams:What’s the difference?

• The majority of the CTS exam content is technical skills• The general CTS provides a wider view of the industry by

including a basic understanding of fundamental concepts of project management, estimating, purchasing, sales and job costing

• The general CTS is based upon the job description and job task analysis (JTA) for an individual who becomes certified as a CTS, not upon what any particular person does or does not do in their current position

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Overview of Exam Process

• External Validation• Exam Creation• Exam Preparation• Exam Registration• InfoComm Resources

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External Validation Achieved for All Three InfoComm Certifications

• The International Organization for Standardization's (ISO) United States representative, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), has accredited all three of InfoComm’s CTS credentials under ISO/IEC 17024.  

• ISO/IEC 17024 establishes a global benchmark for the certification of personnel.

• ANSI accredits standards developers, certification bodies and technical advisory groups to both the ISO and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).

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Exam Creation

• Volunteer Subject Matter Experts (SMEs)• Professional Test Experts (Psychometricians)• Job Task Analysis (JTA)– Domains, tasks, and steps

• Development of Exam Content Outline• Volunteer item writers (test questions)• Test question review• Pilot testing• Continuous improvement

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Exam Preparation

• Everyone’s path is different• Read the handbook, especially the exam

content outline• Self-assess• Develop your study plan• Use the list of resources found at

www.infocomm.org/cts• Try sample questions• Monitor the web site for webinars and new info

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Exam Registration

• Review handbook and assess eligibility• Submit your application• Notice of your eligibility will be sent to Pearson Vue• Make a test appointment

http://www.pearsonvue.com/infocomm/ • Allow 2-3 weeks to schedule• Take the exam at the testing center• Receive the test results• Retest if necessary

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InfoComm Resources

• The Certification Committee and InfoComm, in keeping with the accreditation requirements of the ISO/IEC 17024 standard, do not link any training or education programs or any other educational provider's educational programs offered, to obtaining a CTS credential.