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AVIXA · Collaboration & AV · Associate

AVIXA Certified Technology Specialist (CTS) exam guide

Exam CTS

AVIXA's CTS is the core general credential for audiovisual professionals, covering how AV systems are designed, installed, operated and supported. In 2026, with hybrid meeting rooms and unified communications everywhere, CTS remains the baseline many AV integrators and corporate AV teams require.

QuestionsSee official page
Time limitSee official page
Passing scoreSee official page
Exam fee$490 USD
Valid for3 years
DeliveryPearson VUE test center only (no online option); also offered at InfoComm

Format: Multiple choice, computer-based. Fee note: AVIXA Premium and Elite member price $390; discounts in eligible emerging economies.

Who it's for

AV technicians, integrators, sales engineers, project managers and IT staff responsible for meeting-room and event technology, with at least six months in AV.

What the exam covers

Creating AV Solutions—
Conducting AV Operations—
Managing AV Activities—

A dash means the vendor does not publish a weight for that domain.

Eligibility & prerequisites

Required: None. After approval you have 120 days from the eligibility notice to sit the exam.

Recommended: AVIXA recommends at least six months of AV industry experience.

Keeping it active

Valid three years; earn 30 AVIXA renewal units (RUs) in each three-year period and pay the renewal fee when you apply online.

Skills & careers

Skills it validates

  • Identifying client needs and AV system requirements
  • Audio and video signal flow fundamentals
  • Display, projection and image sizing basics
  • Networked AV and control system concepts
  • Installation, verification and troubleshooting practices
  • AV project documentation and coordination

Job roles

AV TechnicianAV IntegratorAV Project ManagerAV Sales EngineerMeeting Room Support SpecialistEvent Technology Specialist

Where it fits in your path

Take before

CompTIA A+

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AVIXA Certified Technology Specialist (CTS)

Planning a degree too? See how this cert earns college credit in the College Credit Navigator.

Build my study plan

  1. Week 1-2: Download the CTS Candidate Handbook and exam content outline; read the CTS Exam Guide chapters on AV fundamentals.
  2. Week 3-4: Practise core math (decibels, Ohm's law, image size and viewing distance).
  3. Week 5-6: Study signal flow, networking for AV, control systems and project process.
  4. Week 7: Take AVIXA practice tests and redo weak areas; book within your 120-day window.

Make it yours: pick your exam date and weekly hours. We'll split your time by domain weight and give you a printable plan.

Exam-day tips

  • Bring confidence with AV math formulas; calculation questions are common and the formulas are not given in every case.
  • Answer from AVIXA standards and best practices rather than your own shop's habits.
  • Plan for a test center only; there is no online proctored CTS.
  • Book early after approval; the 120-day eligibility window expires.

Key terms for this exam

All 110 terms Study with thinQcards™

Commonly confused on this exam

Frequently asked questions

How much does the CTS exam cost?

$490 for non-members and $390 for AVIXA Premium and Elite members.

Can I take the CTS online?

No, it is delivered only at Pearson VUE test centers.

How do I renew CTS?

Earn 30 renewal units every three years and pay the renewal fee.

Is CTS hard?

It is broad; candidates without design or networking exposure usually need 6-8 weeks of study.

CTS vs CTS-D vs CTS-I?

CTS is the general credential; CTS-D (design) and CTS-I (installation) are specialised next steps.

Official page: www.avixa.org. Reviewed November 2026. Vendors change fees and objectives, so confirm with the vendor before you book. Spot something out of date? Tell us.