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AVIXA · Collaboration & AV · Professional

AVIXA CTS-I (Installation) exam guide

Exam CTS-I

The AVIXA Certified Technology Specialist - Installation (CTS-I) validates the ability to install, configure, verify and maintain audiovisual systems according to design documents and AVIXA standards. It is the leading AV installation credential for lead technicians and field supervisors.

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. Fee note: AVIXA member and nonmember pricing; check AVIXA for current fees.

Who it's for

Lead AV installers, field technicians and installation supervisors who build, commission and troubleshoot AV systems.

What the exam covers

Reviewing documentation and site preparation—
Installing AV systems and infrastructure—
Rack building and cable termination—
Configuring and calibrating audio and video—
System verification and commissioning—
Maintenance, repair and troubleshooting—

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

Eligibility & prerequisites

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

Recommended: Several years installing AV systems including racks, displays, audio DSPs, control and AV-over-IP.

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

  • Interpreting AV drawings and signal flow
  • Rack building to AVIXA standards
  • Cable termination and testing
  • Audio system calibration and gain structure
  • Video system setup and EDID/HDCP troubleshooting
  • System verification per AVIXA standards

Job roles

AV Installation TechnicianLead AV TechnicianAV Field EngineerAV Commissioning TechnicianInstallation Supervisor

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-I exam content outline and AVIXA CTS-I exam guide.
  2. Weeks 3-4: Study rack building, cable handling, termination and safety standards.
  3. Weeks 5-6: Audio and video calibration, gain structure, network AV basics.
  4. Weeks 7-8: AVIXA system performance verification standard, practice tests, 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

  • Know the AV System Performance Verification standard and what each test checks.
  • Gain structure and audio calibration questions are common; practice them on real DSPs if possible.
  • Safety and rigging questions are easy points; review them.
  • Answers follow design documents; installers do not change the design unilaterally.
  • Learn basic networking for AV-over-IP (VLANs, multicast, QoS).

Frequently asked questions

Do I need CTS before CTS-I?

Yes. An active CTS is required.

How do I renew CTS-I?

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

CTS-I vs CTS-D?

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

Is CTS-I worth it?

Yes for lead technicians; many integrators prefer CTS-I holders for supervisory roles.

How long does CTS-I prep take?

Most experienced installers prepare in about two months.

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.