Benefits of Obtaining a CTS Certification

Lesson Objectives:

After completing this lesson, students will be able to:

  • Explain the scope and structure of the CTS exam.
  • Describe how the CTS exam evolves over time to reflect industry standards.
  • Identify effective study strategies for the CTS exam.
  • Understand the types of questions and strategies for successfully answering them.
  • Know what to expect and how to prepare for the exam day.

1. Overview of the CTS Exam

The CTS exam is an essential part of AVIXA’s professional certification, designed to assess your knowledge and competency in performing key audiovisual (AV) job tasks. It tests both your theoretical knowledge and practical skills applicable to real-world scenarios.

Key Characteristics:

  • Based on a detailed Job Task Analysis (JTA) by industry experts.
  • Consists of 110 multiple-choice questions (100 scored and 10 pilot/unscored questions).
  • Time allowed: 150 minutes.

2. Scope of the CTS Exam

The CTS exam covers critical duties and tasks that AV professionals perform regularly. This ensures that certified individuals can handle AV tasks reliably in real-world scenarios.

Main areas covered include:

  • Creating AV solutions (e.g., evaluating sites, designing solutions)
  • Implementing AV solutions (e.g., installing, integrating)
  • Servicing AV solutions (e.g., troubleshooting, repair)

The exact distribution of questions is based on their relevance, importance, and frequency in daily AV tasks.

3. How the CTS Exam Evolves

The CTS exam is continuously updated every five years to maintain relevance to industry standards and technology advancements. Updates are driven by:

  • Regular Job Task Analysis (JTA) studies conducted globally.
  • Feedback from current CTS-certified professionals.
  • Psychometric assessments to maintain exam validity and fairness.

For example, recent updates have removed tasks less frequently performed by CTS holders, such as detailed financing or sales, allowing the exam to emphasize more relevant, contemporary skills.

4. How to Effectively Study for the CTS Exam

There is no single method guaranteed for CTS exam preparation, but here are recommended approaches:

Steps for Effective Preparation:

  1. Self-Assessment:
    • Begin with a free online CTS practice test available at AVIXA.org.
    • Identify your strengths and weaknesses based on results.
  1. Focused Studying:
    • Prioritize study time according to the number of exam questions per task.
    • Concentrate more on areas with higher question counts.
  1. Utilize AVIXA Resources:
    • Review the CTS Exam Content Outline and Job Task Analysis (available at AVIXA’s CTS page).
    • Consider completing AVIXA’s Essentials of AV Technology course or obtaining the AV Technologist Certificate as preliminary preparation.
  1. Tailored Learning Methods:
    • Hands-on learners may prefer classroom training or mentoring.
    • Independent learners might choose textbooks or virtual training.

5. Understanding CTS Exam Questions

The CTS exam primarily uses job/task-oriented questions, rather than simple memorization of AV technology facts.

Example Question Types:

  • Fact-based question:
Aspect ratio is the ___.
A. Relationship of width to height
B. Viewer’s attitude when viewing an image
C. Relationship of viewer distance to screen size
D. Number of viewers to screen size ratio
  • Job/task-oriented question:
When determining the width of a standard HD display, given the desired height, what aspect ratio would you use?
A. 1.33:1 (4:3)
B. 3:2
C. 1.78:1 (16:9)
D. 2.39:1

Job/task-oriented questions require application of knowledge rather than mere recall of facts.

6. Question-Evaluation Strategies for Success

To succeed on multiple-choice exams like the CTS, use the following strategies:

  • Read questions thoroughly before looking at answers.
  • Identify key terms to understand exactly what's being asked.
  • Eliminate clearly incorrect options first.
  • Always read every option before choosing your answer.
  • Guess if unsure (no penalty for wrong answers).
  • Use mark-and-review to revisit challenging questions before submitting your final responses.

7. What to Expect on Exam Day

Preparation goes beyond studying; understand what exam day involves:

Arrival and Check-in:

  • Arrive at least 30 minutes early.
  • Bring two forms of ID (one government-issued photo ID).
  • Ensure the names on IDs exactly match your registration.

Restricted Items (Not Allowed):

  • Phones, calculators, notes, watches, electronics, hats (except for religious reasons).

During the Exam:

  • Exam is computer-based with an on-screen calculator provided.
  • A wipe-off note board is available for notes.
  • 150-minute limit includes bathroom breaks.
  • A five-minute warning appears before the exam ends.

Conduct and Policies:

  • Strict adherence to AVIXA’s CTS Code of Ethics.
  • Cheating or misconduct results in immediate dismissal, penalties, or loss of eligibility.

8. After the Exam

Scoring:

  • Passing scores vary slightly to account for test difficulty (psychometric scoring).
  • Scores include feedback on performance by task area.

Retesting:

  • If you fail, you can retake the exam after 30 days (maximum two retests).
  • After two unsuccessful retests, a 90-day wait period is required before reapplying.

9. Special Considerations & Accommodations

AVIXA complies with disability accommodation laws (e.g., ADA in the U.S.). To request special accommodations:

  • Complete and submit required forms at least 45 days before your test date.
  • Provide documentation from a qualified healthcare provider.

Summary of Key Points:

  • The CTS exam evaluates practical AV job skills based on industry-wide standards.
  • Studying effectively involves self-assessment, understanding job-task-oriented questions, and focused preparation.
  • Exam questions are scenario-based, requiring application rather than memorization.
  • Exam-day preparation and understanding the exam environment are crucial for success.

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