AVIXA Exams

The Pro AV Standard

The professional audiovisual industry is projected to exceed $400 billion in global revenue by 2030, driven by hybrid workplace setups and enterprise collaboration tools. Managing this infrastructure requires a specific blend of IT networking and physical hardware expertise. For over 30 years, the Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association (AVIXA) has maintained the baseline credential for this field. Founded in 1939, AVIXA produces major trade shows like InfoComm and sets the technical standards for the AV industry.

AVIXA issues the Certified Technology Specialist credential to validate an individual's ability to design, implement, and maintain AV systems. Unlike vendor-specific networking or cloud certifications, AVIXA credentials focus on universal principles of sound, video, and integrated control systems.

The AVIXA-CTS (Certified Technology Specialist) proves you understand how to navigate the intersection of physical space and digital content. It holds accreditation from the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Hiring managers at integration firms, higher education institutions, and corporate IT departments treat this credential as proof of baseline competence for AV technicians and field engineers.

What to Expect on the AVIXA-CTS Exam

Candidates face a 150-minute test consisting of over 100 multiple-choice questions. AVIXA uses a scaled scoring system from 0 to 500, requiring a minimum score of 350 to pass. The exam costs $390 for AVIXA members and $490 for non-members.

The syllabus divides into four main duties: Creating AV Solutions (35%), Implementing AV Solutions (30%), Servicing AV Solutions (20%), and Supporting AV System Operation (15%).

Questions test applied knowledge rather than raw memorization. You will encounter scenarios that ask you to diagnose visual distortion, adjust audio levels for a specific room size, or select the correct cabling based on distance and bandwidth requirements. You must know how to conduct site surveys, interpret visual diagrams, and follow standard integration practices.

Where the Credential Fits in IT

Enterprise IT and traditional AV have merged. Network administrators now routinely manage complex conferencing systems, digital signage networks, and executive boardroom hardware.

An IT professional with an AVIXA-CTS stands out because they understand the physical layer of collaboration technology. When a video feed drops or an audio array causes feedback, they know whether to troubleshoot the IP network, the hardware configuration, or the room's acoustics. They can verify impedance matching on an amplifier, calculate throw distances for projectors, and read architectural schematics to coordinate conduit placement before the drywall goes up.