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AVIXA · Collaboration & AV · Professional

AVIXA CTS-D (Design) exam guide

Exam CTS-D

The AVIXA Certified Technology Specialist - Design (CTS-D) validates the ability to design audiovisual systems: needs analysis, signal flow, acoustics, display and audio calculations, and documentation. It is the leading AV design credential and is commonly requested by AV integrators and consultants.

QuestionsSee official page
Time limitSee official page
Passing scoreSee official page
Exam feeSee official page
Valid for3 years
DeliveryTest centers or online proctoring via AVIXA's exam provider

Format: Multiple choice, including calculation questions. Fee note: AVIXA member and nonmember pricing; check AVIXA for current fees.

Who it's for

AV designers, engineers and consultants who produce AV system designs and drawings for integrators or clients.

What the exam covers

Conducting a needs analysis—
Coordinating with other trades and architecture—
Developing AV designs (audio, video, control, networking)—
Calculations (sightlines, display size, SPL, gain)—
Producing AV documentation and drawings—
Supporting project implementation and verification—

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

Eligibility & prerequisites

Required: An active AVIXA CTS certification plus documented AV design experience as set out in the CTS-D candidate handbook.

Recommended: Several years designing AV systems, with practice in AV math (display sizing, audio gain, power) and reading architectural drawings.

Keeping it active

AVIXA CTS credentials are valid 3 years; renew by earning AVIXA renewal units (RUs), including specialty RUs for CTS-D and CTS-I, and paying the renewal fee.

Skills & careers

Skills it validates

  • AV needs analysis and program reports
  • Display sizing and viewing distance calculations
  • Audio system design and SPL/gain calculations
  • Control and AV-over-IP network design
  • AV drawings and signal flow diagrams
  • Coordinating with electrical, IT and architectural trades

Job roles

AV Design EngineerAV Systems DesignerAV ConsultantCollaboration Solutions ArchitectAV Project Engineer

Where it fits in your path

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

Build my study plan

  1. Weeks 1-2: Review the CTS-D exam content outline and the AVIXA CTS-D exam guide.
  2. Weeks 3-5: Drill AV math: DISCAS display sizing, SPL, needed acoustic gain, power and voltage drop.
  3. Weeks 6-7: Study design documentation, drawing types and coordination with other trades.
  4. Weeks 8-9: Take AVIXA practice tests and the CTS-D prep course, then schedule the exam.

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

  • Calculation questions decide pass or fail; memorize and practice the core formulas.
  • Know AVIXA standards (DISCAS, audio coverage uniformity, rack building) by name and purpose.
  • Answers follow AVIXA design process order: needs analysis before design.
  • Bring an approved calculator and practice with it.
  • Read drawing-related questions carefully for scale and units.

Key terms for this exam

All 48 terms Study with thinQcards™

Commonly confused on this exam

Frequently asked questions

Do I need CTS before CTS-D?

Yes. An active CTS is required.

Is CTS-D hard?

It is considered challenging because of the calculation-heavy questions.

How do I renew CTS-D?

Every three years with AVIXA renewal units, including design-specific units, and a fee.

CTS-D vs CTS-I?

CTS-D is for designers; CTS-I is for installers and field technicians.

Is CTS-D worth it?

Yes for AV design and consulting careers, where it is often listed as preferred or required.

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.