CTS Certified Technology Specialist Exam Guide (2020) PDF

 CTS ® Certified Technology Specialist EXAM GUIDE  ABOUT THE AUTHOR Andy Ciddor is a technical writer, consultant, teacher, and systems technician. His unhealthy interest in how things work began when he terminally dismembered an army field telephone at the age of eigh...

 CTS ® Certified Technology Specialist EXAM GUIDE  ABOUT THE AUTHOR Andy Ciddor is a technical writer, consultant, teacher, and systems technician. His unhealthy interest in how things work began when he terminally dismembered an army field telephone at the age of eight. Andy’s interests eventually expanded into wireless, audio, lighting, electronics, AV, IT, software, control systems, communications, technical production, cosmology, rocket science, neurobiology, etc., as the opportunities arose. He has contributed on a wide range of subjects to publications across the English-speaking world and was the founding editor of AV Asia Pacific magazine. His favorite place is at the bottom of a steep learning curve. Previous Contributor Brad Grimes is the senior director of communications for AVIXA and the former edi- tor of Pro AV magazine. He has been writing about technology for more than 20 years, including positions covering information technology for Ziff Davis, International Data Group, and Post Newsweek Tech Media (now 1105 Government Information Group). Brad continues to author articles and white papers on everything from video commu- nications to cloud computing. His work has been recognized by the American Business Media, the American Society of Business Publication Editors, and the American Society of Magazine Editors. Technical Editors Amanda Beckner, CTS, is the vice president of learning for AVIXA. Since joining AVIXA in 2000, Amanda has researched, designed, authored, or revised more than 40 online courses, classroom courses, publications, and assessments for the audiovisual industry. Amanda holds a master’s degree in communication, culture, and technology from Georgetown University, and a bachelor’s degree in education studies from the Catholic University of America. Zachary Fisher, MA, is a curriculum developer for AVIXA. He has worked for AVIXA since 2016 designing, writing, and developing online and in-person audiovisual courses and assessments. Zachary graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Illinois in 2000 and a master’s degree in English from the University of Virginia in 2015.  CTS ® Certified Technology Specialist EXAM GUIDE Third Edition Andy Ciddor New York Chicago San Francisco Athens London Madrid Mexico City Milan New Delhi Singapore Sydney Toronto McGraw-Hill Education is an independent entity from AVIXA™ and is not affiliated with AVIXA in any fashion. This publication and accompanying media may be used in assisting students to prepare for the CTS Exam. Neither AVIXA nor McGraw-Hill Education warrants that use of this publication and online content will ensure passing any exam. Sample exam questions were not subject to the same item development process as questions on the actual exam and may or may not reflect the actual exam experience. Copyright © 2020 by McGraw-Hill Education and AVIXA. All rights reserved. Except as permitted under the United States Copyright Act of 1976, no part of this publication may be reproduced or distributed in any form or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system, without the prior written permission of the publisher, with the exception that the program listings may be entered, stored, and executed in a computer system, but they may not be reproduced for publication. ISBN: 978-1-26-013607-4 MHID: 1-26-013607-8 The material in this eBook also appears in the print version of this title: ISBN: 978-1-26-013608-1, MHID: 1-26-013608-6. eBook conversion by codeMantra Version 1.0 All trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners. 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Sample exam questions were not subject to the same item development process as questions on the actual exam and may or may not reflect the actual exam experience. All trademarks or copyrights mentioned herein are the possession of their respective owners and McGraw-Hill Education makes no claim of ownership by the mention of products that contain these marks. McGraw-Hill Education is not associated with any product or vendor mentioned in this book. AVIXA™, CTS®, and related marks are registered trademarks of AVIXA in the United States and/or other countries. Information has been obtained by McGraw-Hill Education from sources believed to be reliable. However, because of the pos- sibility of human or mechanical error by our sources, McGraw-Hill Education, or others, McGraw-Hill Education does not guarantee the accuracy, adequacy, or completeness of any information and is not responsible for any errors or omissions or the results obtained from the use of such information. 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This limitation of liability shall apply to any claim or cause whatsoever whether such claim or cause arises in contract, tort or otherwise.  CONTENTS AT A GLANCE Part I The Certified Technology Specialist and the CTS Exam Chapter 1 What Is a Certified Technology Specialist?................................ 3 Chapter 2 The CTS Exam................................................................ 9 Part II Essentials of AV Technology Chapter 3 Analog and Digital Signals................................................. 27 Chapter 4 Audio Systems.............................................................. 37 Chapter 5 Video Systems.............................................................. 79 Chapter 6 Networks.................................................................. 123 Chapter 7 Signal-Management Systems........................................... 143 Chapter 8 Control Systems.......................................................... 159 Chapter 9 Electrical Systems........................................................ 169 Chapter 10 Wireless Radio Systems.................................................. 181 Part III Creating AV Solutions Chapter 11 Gathering Customer Information....................................... 191 Chapter 12 Conducting a Site Survey................................................ 223 Chapter 13 Evaluating a Site Environment.......................................... 255 Chapter 14 Recommending Changes to the Site Environment.................... 279 Chapter 15 Developing an AV Project Scope........................................ 293 Chapter 16 Designing AV Solutions.................................................. 313 Part IV Implementing AV Solutions Chapter 17 Integrating AV Solutions................................................. 367 Chapter 18 Operating AV Solutions.................................................. 415 Chapter 19 Managing an AV Project................................................. 429 v  Infocomm AIO / CTS® Certified Technology Specialist Exam Guide, Third Edition / Ciddor / 013608-6 / Front Matter CTS Certified Technology Specialist Exam Guide vi Part V Servicing AV Solutions Chapter 20 Maintaining AV Operations.............................................. 445 Chapter 21 Conducting Maintenance Activities.................................... 457 Chapter 22 Troubleshooting and Repairing AV Solutions.......................... 465 Part VI Appendixes Appendix A Future Trends in AV....................................................... 489 Appendix B AVIXA Standards.......................................................... 495 Appendix C AV Math................................................................... 499 Appendix D About the Online Content............................................... 509 Appendix E AV Technology Image Library.......................................... E-1 Glossary................................................................... 513 Index....................................................................... 555 00-FM.indd 6 28/08/19 12:19 PM  CONTENTS Foreword............................................. xix Acknowledgments...................................... xxi Part I The Certified Technology Specialist and the CTS Exam Chapter 1 What Is a Certified Technology Specialist?..................... 3 What Does a CTS Do?.................................. 3 Why Earn Your CTS?................................... 4 The Purpose of the CTS Exam............................ 5 Are You Eligible for the CTS Exam?........................ 6 The CTS Exam Application Process........................ 7 Chapter Review........................................ 8 Chapter 2 The CTS Exam................................................ 9 The Scope of the CTS Exam.............................. 9 The CTS Exam Over Time............................... 10 Studying for the Exam.................................. 11 Sample CTS Exam Questions............................. 12 Question-Evaluation Strategies............................ 15 What to Expect on Exam Day............................. 16 Identification Requirements......................... 17 Data Retention Policy.............................. 17 Items Restricted from the Exam Room................. 18 The Exam....................................... 18 Chapter Review........................................ 21 Part II Essentials of AV Technology What Is an AV System?.................................. 24 AV System Goals....................................... 25 Chapter 3 Analog and Digital Signals.................................... 27 Analog and Digital Waveforms............................ 27 Digital Signal Basics.................................... 28 Digital Signal Processing and Sampling................. 28 Bit Depth of a Digital Signal......................... 29 Bit Rate......................................... 30 Signal Compression................................ 31 Digital Media Formats.............................. 32 vii CTS Certified Technology Specialist Exam Guide viii Noise and Signal Transmission............................ 32 Analog and Digital Signal Considerations.................... 34 Chapter Review........................................ 34 Review Questions................................. 34 Answers......................................... 35 Chapter 4 Audio Systems................................................ 37 Sound Waves.......................................... 37 Wavelength...................................... 38 Frequency....................................... 39 Bands and Octaves................................ 40 Harmonics...................................... 41 Logarithms...................................... 41 Decibels......................................... 42 The Inverse Square Law and Sound........................ 44 Digital Audio......................................... 44 Digitizing Analog Audio............................ 45 Digital Audio Compression.......................... 46 Digital Audio Network Protocols...................... 47 Acoustics............................................. 48 Reflected Sound Energy............................. 49 Reverberation.................................... 49 Absorption...................................... 50 Transmission..................................... 50 Ambient Noise................................... 50 Sound Capture........................................ 51 Microphones..................................... 51 Audio Signal Levels................................ 59 Audio Devices.................................... 61 Loudspeakers..................................... 67 Audio Signal-Level Monitoring....................... 69 Examples of Audio System Applications..................... 73 Sound Reinforcement or PA......................... 73 Mix-Minus...................................... 73 Intercom and Paging Systems........................ 73 Playback Systems.................................. 74 Audioconferencing and Audio for Videoconferencing...... 74 Sound Masking................................... 74 Chapter Review........................................ 74 Review Questions................................. 75 Answers......................................... 77 Chapter 5 Video Systems................................................ 79 Light................................................ 79 Units of Light Measure............................. 79 Inverse Square Law and Light........................ 82 Color........................................... 82  Contents ix Color Vision..................................... 82 Color Temperature................................ 83 Color Rendering Index............................. 84 Ambient Light.................................... 85 Image Capture........................................ 85 Camera and Focus................................. 85 Video Signals..................................... 89 Digital Signals.................................... 92 Producing an Image.................................... 95 Display and Projection Technology.................... 95 Flat-Panel Display Technologies....................... 97 Positioning a Display Within a Room.................. 98 Aspect Ratio..................................... 100 The Projected Image.................................... 102 Projector Optics.................................. 102 Video Projection Technologies........................ 104 Front Projection and Rear Projection................... 106 Screens......................................... 106 Perceived Quality.................................. 108 Viewer Placement................................. 109 Throw Distance................................... 112 Keystone Error and Correction....................... 114 Digital Display Alignment........................... 114 Projection System Brightness......................... 116 Brightness and Contrast Adjustments.................. 117 Chapter Review........................................ 118 Review Questions................................. 118 Answers......................................... 121 Chapter 6 Networks..................................................... 123 Types of Networks..................................... 123 Network Topology..................................... 124 Star Topology.................................... 124 Bus Topology..................................... 125 Ring Topology.................................... 125 Mesh Topology................................... 125 Ethernet............................................. 126 Ethernet Connections.............................. 127 Fiber-Optic Connections............................ 128 Wireless Connections.............................. 128 The OSI Reference Model............................... 129 The TCP/IP Networking Model........................... 132 Network Interface Cards and MAC Addresses................. 132 Internet Protocol Addressing.............................. 133 IPv4........................................... 133 IPv6........................................... 133 Subnet Masks.................................... 134 CTS Certified Technology Specialist Exam Guide x Static IP Addressing................................ 134 Dynamic IP Addressing............................. 135 The Domain Name System............................... 135 Network Switches and Routers............................ 136 Network Switches................................. 136 Routers......................................... 136 Gateways........................................ 137 Bridges......................................... 137 Network Security...................................... 137 Network Access Control............................ 137 Firewalls........................................ 138 Navigating Firewalls............................... 139 Chapter Review........................................ 139 Review Questions................................. 139 Answers......................................... 142 Chapter 7 Signal-Management Systems................................. 143 Wire and Cable........................................ 143 Conductors...................................... 144 Insulation....................................... 145 Shields.......................................... 145 Jackets.......................................... 146 Cable Types........................................... 147 Coax Cable...................................... 147 Twisted-Pair Cable................................. 147 Fiber-Optic Cable................................. 147 Connectors........................................... 148 Signal Integrity........................................ 151 Distance Limits........................................ 151 Switchers............................................. 152 Switcher Ins and Outs.............................. 152 Switcher Types.................................... 153 Distribution Amplifiers.................................. 153 Rack-Building Considerations............................. 154 Chapter Review........................................ 155 Review Questions................................. 155 Answers......................................... 157 Chapter 8 Control Systems.............................................. 159 Control System Functions................................ 159 Control System Components and Interfaces.................. 160 Control Signals........................................ 161 Types of Control Systems................................ 162 Contact-Closure Control............................ 162 Variable-Voltage Control............................ 162 Infrared (IR) Control............................... 162 Serial Digital Control.............................. 163  Contents xi Radio-Frequency (RF) Control....................... 164 Networked Control Systems......................... 165 Chapter Review........................................ 165 Review Questions................................. 165 Answers......................................... 167 Chapter 9 Electrical Systems............................................. 169 Electrical Basics........................................ 169 Potential Difference and Current...................... 169 Resistance and Impedance........................... 171 Power.......................................... 171 Ohm’s Law...................................... 172 Electrical Circuits................................. 173 Safety Grounding (Earthing)......................... 174 Isolated Grounding................................ 175 Electrical Power and Distribution.......................... 175 Technical Power................................... 175 Electrical Safety........................................ 176 Fixed Installations................................. 176 Temporary Installations............................. 177 General Precautions................................ 177 Chapter Review........................................ 177 Review Questions................................. 178 Answers......................................... 179 Chapter 10 Wireless Radio Systems....................................... 181 Radio, Wireless, and RF................................. 181 Transmitting and Receiving Radio Waves.................... 182 Transmission Paths................................ 182 Allocation of Radio Frequencies........................... 182 Antennas............................................. 183 Antenna Orientation............................... 183 Parabolic Antennas................................ 184 Vertical Antennas.................................. 184 Diversity Systems...................................... 185 Chapter Review........................................ 186 Review Questions................................. 186 Answers......................................... 187 Part III Creating AV Solutions Chapter 11 Gathering Customer Information.............................. 191 Communicating with Clients............................. 191 Obtaining Client Contact Information................. 192 Face-to-Face Communication........................ 192 Speaking on the Phone............................. 196 Business Writing.................................. 197 CTS Certified Technology Specialist Exam Guide xii Obtaining Information About Client Needs.................. 199 Conducting Initial Meetings with the Client and End Users... 200 Conducting a Needs Analysis........................ 201 Benchmarking.................................... 210 Obtaining Drawings of the Customer Space.................. 214 Obtaining Information About Constraints................... 216 Chapter Review........................................ 218 Review Questions................................. 218 Answers......................................... 220 Chapter 12 Conducting a Site Survey..................................... 223 Health and Safety Requirements at a Work Site............... 223 Safety Regulations................................. 224 Safety Equipment................................. 225 Gathering General Site Information........................ 225 Interpreting Site Layout Drawings......................... 228 Drawing Views................................... 229 Title Blocks and Drawing Schedules................... 233 Drawing Dates................................... 238 Drawing Scales................................... 239 Common Architectural Drawing Abbreviations........... 241 Architectural Drawing Symbols....................... 242 Converting Measurements............................... 247 Calculating Area and Volume............................. 248 Chapter Review........................................ 249 Review Questions................................. 250 Answers......................................... 253 Chapter 13 Evaluating a Site Environment................................. 255 Identifying the Needs of the Space......................... 256 Types of Spaces................................... 256 General Room Features and Characteristics.............. 258 The Technical Functions of a Space.................... 260 Functions of Associated Spaces....................... 262 Assessing the Environment of the Space..................... 263 Assessing the Acoustic Environment................... 263 Assessing the Visual Environment..................... 265 Assessing Room Lighting............................ 271 Assessing Services...................................... 272 Assessing Electric Power Availability................... 272 Assessing Data System Capabilities.................... 273 Identifying Cable Access Locations.................... 273 Assessing HVAC Components........................ 273 Chapter Review........................................ 274 Review Questions................................. 274 Answers......................................... 276  Contents xiii Chapter 14 Recommending Changes to the Site Environment............. 279 Addressing Environment Issues in the Space.................. 280 Acoustic Issues.................................... 280 Sightline Issues................................... 282 Ambient and Artificial Lighting Issues.................. 286 Furniture and Room Finish Issues..................... 286 Addressing Building Environment Issues..................... 287 Building Services Issues............................. 287 Building Structure and Substructure Issues.............. 287 Building Regulation Issues........................... 288 Chapter Review........................................ 290 Review Questions................................. 290 Answers......................................... 291 Chapter 15 Developing an AV Project Scope.............................. 293 Compiling Information for the Functional AV System Scope..... 294 Needs Determine Applications....................... 295 Form Follows Function............................. 296 Gathering Information About Facilities................. 296 Conducting Project Planning and Coordination Meetings... 299 Documenting the Functional AV Scope with the Concept Design/Program Report..................... 301 Objectives of the Concept Design/Program Report........ 301 Contents of the Report............................. 301 Presenting the Report to the Client......................... 306 Distributing the Report............................. 306 Preparing for the Client Presentation................... 308 Conducting the Client Presentation................... 308 Report Approval and Next Steps........................... 309 Chapter Review........................................ 310 Review Questions................................. 310 Answers......................................... 311 Chapter 16 Designing AV Solutions....................................... 313 Designing the Display System............................. 314 Determining the Display System’s Purpose.............. 315 Identifying the Display Devices....................... 316 Identifying Monitoring, Feed, and Recording Requirements... 317 Identifying the Display Signal Sources.................. 320 Identifying Switching and Distribution Components...... 322 Addressing Video Signal Issues....................... 323 Adding Processing and Conversion.................... 323 Designing the Audio System.............................. 324 Identifying the Audio System’s Purpose................. 325 Addressing the Three Parameters for an Audio System...... 326 Identifying the Audio Sources........................ 330 CTS Certified Technology Specialist Exam Guide xiv Identifying the Audio Destinations.................... 331 Meeting Mixing and Amplification Requirements......... 333 Adding Processing and Conversion.................... 333 Considering Power Amplifiers and Loudspeaker Wiring.... 336 Calculating Power Required at the Loudspeaker.......... 342 Designing Control Systems............................... 344 Defining the Control System......................... 345 Integrating with IT Networks............................. 346 Network Considerations for AV Systems................ 346 Planning for Networked AV Systems................... 349 Assessing Network Readiness for AV Systems............ 350 Providing System Design Documentation.................... 351 System Drawings.................................. 352 Bill of Materials................................... 358 Other Design Considerations............................. 359 Future Provisions.................................. 359 Value Engineering................................. 359 Design and Measurement Tools....................... 360 Chapter Review........................................ 360 Review Questions................................. 360 Answers......................................... 363 Part IV Implementing AV Solutions Chapter 17 Integrating AV Solutions...................................... 367 Installing AV Equipment and Systems....................... 368 Preparing for the Installation......................... 368 Job Site Safety Concerns............................ 369 Cable Termination................................. 369 Rack Building.................................... 375 Cable Handling and Pulling......................... 382 Mounting AV Components.......................... 388 Setting Up and Configuring AV Control Systems.............. 394 Termination for Control Systems...................... 395 Assembling the Control System....................... 396 Using Control System Software....................... 397 Testing and Installing the Control System............... 398 Final Control System Testing......................... 398 Configuring Networked AV Systems........................ 399 Subnetting....................................... 399 VLANs......................................... 400 VPNs.......................................... 401 IP Addressing.................................... 401  Contents xv Producing AV Events................................... 402 Preparing for the Event............................. 402 Loading and Unloading a Truck...................... 403 Setting Up Equipment.............................. 404 Supporting AV Systems.................................. 409 Chapter Review........................................ 409 Review Questions................................. 409 Answers......................................... 413 Chapter 18 Operating AV Solutions....................................... 415 Verifying That AV Equipment Is Operating Properly........... 416 AudioVisual Systems Performance Verification........... 416 The AV Systems Performance Verification Process......... 417 Checking Signal Flow.............................. 418 Providing Support, Training, and Documentation.............. 419 Briefing the Client on AV System Operation............. 419 Training Users and Support Staff...................... 419 Documenting How to Operate the AV System........... 420 Documenting the AV Systems Themselves.............. 421 Documenting Preventive Maintenance...................... 423 Striking from an Event.................................. 424 Chapter Review........................................ 425 Review Questions................................. 425 Answers......................................... 427 Chapter 19 Managing an AV Project....................................... 429 Managing Project Activities and Resources................... 430 Creating a Work Breakdown Structure................. 430 Creating a Logic Network for Coordinating Resources..... 430 Managing the Project Budget........................ 432 Monitoring Work at the Client Site.................... 434 Coordinating Project Activities............................ 434 Holding a Project Kickoff Meeting.................... 435 Attending Project Status Meetings..................... 436 Creating Project Schedules.......................... 436 Coordinating AV Work with Other Trades.............. 437 Providing Project Documentation.......................... 438 Information-Related Documents...................... 439 Change Documentation............................ 439 Chapter Review........................................ 441 Review Questions................................. 441 Answers......................................... 442 CTS Certified Technology Specialist Exam Guide xvi Part V Servicing AV Solutions Chapter 20 Maintaining AV Operations.................................... 445 Working with Vendors, Suppliers, and Customers.............. 446 Managing Levels of Stock and Materials..................... 446 Ensuring the Security of Equipment and Supplies.............. 449 Hiring Security Guards............................. 449 Deterring Theft................................... 449 Keeping Up-to-Date Equipment Records............... 450 Maintaining the Professional Skills and Knowledge of Your Staff.... 451 Resources for AV Staff.............................. 451 Training......................................... 452 Monitoring Client Sites.................................. 452 Conducting Administrative Work.......................... 453 Chapter Review........................................ 454 Review Questions................................. 454 Answers......................................... 456 Chapter 21 Conducting Maintenance Activities........................... 457 Maintaining AV Systems and Components................... 458 Maintenance Warranties and Agreements............... 458 Performing AV System Maintenance................... 459 AV System Testing Equipment............................ 461 Documenting Maintenance Activities....................... 462 Chapter Review........................................ 463 Review Questions................................. 463 Answers......................................... 464 Chapter 22 Troubleshooting and Repairing AV Solutions.................. 465 Preparing to Troubleshoot................................ 466 An Overview of the Troubleshooting Process.................. 467 Recognizing Symptoms and Elaborating on Them........ 467 Selecting a Strategy................................ 468 A Troubleshooting Scenario............................... 469 An Overview of the Repair and Restoration Process............ 470 Addressing Common AV System Problems................... 471 AV Problems and Solutions.......................... 471 Basic Network Troubleshooting Tools.................. 481 Maintenance and Repair Records.......................... 482 Billing for Repair Activities............................... 483 Chapter Review........................................ 483 Review Questions................................. 483 Answers......................................... 485  Infocomm AIO / CTS® Certified Technology Specialist Exam Guide, Third Edition / Ciddor / 013608-6 / Front Matter Contents xvii Part VI Appendixes Appendix A Future Trends in AV........................................... 489 It’s a Brave New World.................................. 489 Even Higher Resolution............................. 490 Next-Generation Projection.......................... 490 The Humble LED and Flexible Screens................. 490 Wireless Connectivity.............................. 491 AI and Machine Learning........................... 492 Sound That’s All Around............................ 492 AV Over IT Networks.............................. 493 Looking Ahead........................................ 493 Appendix B AVIXA Standards.............................................. 495 Published Standards, Recommended Practices, and Technical Reports................................ 496 Standards in Development............................... 497 Appendix C AV Math...................................................... 499 Using the Proper Order of Operations...................... 499 Steps to Solving Word Problems........................... 499 Step 1: Understand the Problem...................... 500 Step 2: Create a Plan............................... 500 Step 3: Execute Your Plan........................... 501 Step 4: Check Your Answer.......................... 502 Rounding............................................ 502 AV Math Formulas..................................... 503 Appendix D About the Online Content..................................... 509 System Requirements................................... 509 Your Total Seminars Training Hub Account.................. 509 Privacy Notice.................................... 509 Single User License Terms and Conditions................... 509 TotalTester Online..................................... 511 Technical Support...................................... 511 Appendix E AV Technology Image Library................................. E-1 Glossary.................................................. 513 Index..................................................... 555 00-FM.indd 17 28/08/19 12:19 PM This page intentionally left blank  FOREWORD What does it take to create an exceptional, integrated audiovisual experience? To deliver not only the kind of spectacle that wows people but also the type of collaboration space that makes companies more productive? It takes the right combination of content, space, and technology, but it also takes you. It takes trained professionals—integrators, designers, manufacturers, distributors, technology managers. Building integrated audiovisual experiences also takes engagement with users— especially users who understand not only the strategic value of AV but also the fact that AV integration is a craft. It’s guided by the science of sight and sound, activated by technology, and realized by dedicated specialists. AVIXA™, the Audiovisual and Inte- grated Experience Association, believes in the value of creating experiences through technology—experiences that lead to better outcomes, whether they’re enhanced com- munication, entertainment, or education. To deliver these experiences and outcomes, our industry must continually master its craft. That means staying well-trained, using and understanding standards, and committing to professional certifications. For more than 30 years, AVIXA has administered the Certified Technology Specialist™ (CTS®) program, which is recognized as the leading AV professional credential. There are three CTS credentials: general (CTS), design (CTS-D), and installation (CTS-I). There are currently more than 12,000 CTS holders, and more than 2,000 of them are CTS-D or CTS-I holders. The CTS program is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) to meet the International Organization of Standardization (ISO) and International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) ISO/IEC 17024:2012 certifications of personnel standards. CTS is increasingly recognized globally as the most important, respected professional AV certification in the world. In 2018, through ANSI’s acceptance as a signatory to the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) Multilateral Recognition Arrangement (MLA), the CTS program gained even greater international standing. Many government bodies only accept certifications that are accredited by an in-country accreditation body or an IAF MLA signatory. With ANSI’s acceptance to the IAF MLA, AVIXA’s certifications are now equivalent to those accredited by local accreditation bodies in dozens of countries around the world. Therefore, congratulations are in order. By pursuing your CTS cer- tification, you are embarking on perhaps the most important journey toward mastering your craft—and the world is going to know about it. This brings me to the matter at hand. In 2011, AVIXA and McGraw-Hill Education developed the first-ever CTS Certified Technology Specialist Exam Guide. You are about to dive into the third edition. To maintain its standing with ANSI and the international community, AVIXA is required to regularly evaluate its certifications, in conjunction with its Certification Steering Committee, to ensure it reflects real-world best practices, skills, technology, and more. As the job of a CTS evolves, the exam to become one evolves. As the exam evolves, so does this exam guide. Over the course of this regular xix CTS Certified Technology Specialist Exam Guide xx process, AVIXA’s volunteer subject-matter experts and psychometricians tweak the exam to more accurately reflect the job of an AV professional in today’s marketplace. The most recent update reflects a refinement and maturation of the CTS exam. Much of what a CTS certified professional needs to know remains the same. The community of technologists who will benefit from this knowledge remains large. In addition to AV professionals, IT professionals, technology managers, end users, and others will find that the skills reflected in the CTS exam will serve them well in honing their craft and deliver- ing exceptional AV experiences. Note that AVIXA, in keeping with the accreditation requirements of the ISO/IEC 17024:2012 standard, does not require any training or education to obtain a CTS cre- dential. You don’t even need to read this book to take the exam, although it has been developed by industry experts and designed to reflect much of the content you’ll find on the actual CTS exam. That said, this CTS exam guide is not the only way to help you prepare—and for some, it shouldn’t be. Although many prospective CTS holders will rely on this book to earn their CTS cer- tification, others will benefit from collaborating with instructors and peers through class- room training such as AVIXA’s CTS Prep course. AVIXA also offers CTS Prep Online, a comprehensive course that is free to AVIXA members and available to everyone. You may also benefit from taking the Essentials of AV Technology Online course and/or complet- ing the self-assessment tests that AVIXA provides. Again, none of this training is required to become CTS certified, but it’s in your and the AV industry’s best interest to develop the most highly educated workforce possible. AVIXA certifies more qualified AV professionals than anyone, and because of the com- mitment of people like you, the CTS certification is recognized across multiple industries and market segments for its credibility and integrity. Again, congratulations on pursuing your CTS certification. We hope to be there with you as you pursue your career in this exciting field, including when you decide to attain an advanced CTS certification—either the CTS-D or CTS-I. For information about these programs and everything else AVIXA offers, visit www.AVIXA.org. Best of luck. David Labuskes, CTS, CAE, RCDD Chief Executive Officer AVIXA  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS First, thanks to everyone in the AV industry for making this such a growing, dynamic, and successful field. It’s a clear indication of how far and fast professional AV has come that thousands of the best and brightest recognize a need to certify their skills to each other and to the wider world. Ideally, you’re next in line to be a Certified Technology Specialist (CTS). Thanks to all the volunteer AV experts who have worked with AVIXA over the years to define what it means to be a CTS-certified professional and share their knowledge with the next generation of great technology minds. I would like to thank Amanda Beckner, CTS, and Brad Grimes from AVIXA for giv- ing me the opportunity to work on this project. Special thanks to Tim Green, Rachel Fogelberg, and Claire Yee at McGraw-Hill Education, who have supported and patiently mentored me on this voyage from magazine editor and technical writer to book author. Like every twenty-first-century technical writer, I must acknowledge the contributions of Vannevar Bush and Ted Nelson, whose concept of hypertext made researching this work possible, and tip my hat to Jimmy Wales and his imperfectly-amazing Wikipedia project, which serves as such a valuable launching point for journeys into the unknown. This book happened only because of my partner Val’s encouragement and support, together with her “tolerance” of my late-night work habits and teleconference meetings. To all of you, good luck on your CTS exam! —Andy Ciddor I first want to thank AVIXA’s amazing volunteer AV experts and my AVIXA family for welcoming this former academic and student of Renaissance optics with open arms and for a boundless willingness to help. Special thanks to AVIXA’s Tom Kehr, who always has patience with my persistent questions, to Amanda Beckner for trusting me with this project and providing me with a guiding hand, and to the many, many others for their invaluable assistance. Many thanks to Andy Ciddor for his tireless dedication and his persistent demands for excellence. This book is a testament to your passion and commitment to the industry that you so dearly love and intimately know. Equal thanks to Tim Green at McGraw- Hill Education for keeping us on task and keeping a level head as we pushed to meet deadlines. Thank you to my loving wife, Leslie Fisher, who was and is always my rock. Your unwavering support and steadying hand as I edited the manuscript are made all the more astounding by the fact that you gave birth to our amazing son, Bruno Fisher, during its creation. Your love and support mean more than you’ll ever know. —Zak Fisher, AVIXA xxi CTS Certified Technology Specialist Exam Guide xxii 2019 AVIXA Board of Directors LSC Chair: Julian Phillips, Whitlock Chairman: Joe Pham, Ph.D., QSC Vice Chair: Jeff Day, North of 10 Consulting Secretary-Treasurer: Jon Sidwick, Maverick AV Solutions Directors: Victoria Dade, Sonic Foundry Wallace Johnson, CTS, WLJ Consulting Bharath Kumar, Kramer Electronics India Cathryn Lai, Scientific Games Shaolei Liu, Beijing Oriental Prime Connections and Film and TV Technology Rodrigo Ordóñez, CTS-D, K2 Samantha (Sam) Phenix, Planar Systems Martin Saul, ICAP Global AVIXA Staff David Labuskes, CTS, RCDD, Executive Director and CEO Heidi Voorhees, Chief Operating Officer Amanda Beckner, CTS, Vice President of Learning Bob Higginbotham, CTS-D, CTS-I, Director of Learning Zachary Fisher, MA, Curriculum Developer Rachel Bradshaw, Director of Program Design Ann Brigida, Director of Standards Brad Grimes, Senior Director of Communications Tom Kehr, CTS-D, CTS-I, Senior Staff Instructor Adrienne Knick, Senior Director of Certification Loanna Overcash, Standards Developer Debbie Sausville, CTS, Manager, Member Data Integrity Kelly Smith, DCMP, Marketing Manager Nicole Verardi, Director, Education and Certification Marketing Sean Wargo, Senior Director, Market Intelligence Hank Wieland, Marketing Writer/Editor  Infocomm AIO / CTS® Certified Technology Specialist Exam Guide, Third Edition / Ciddor / 013608-6 / Chapter 1 Blind Folio 1 PART I The Certified Technology Specialist and the CTS Exam Chapter 1 What Is a Certified Technology Specialist? Chapter 2 The CTS Exam 01-ch01.indd 1 19/08/19 10:33 AM  Infocomm AIO / CTS® Certified Technology Specialist Exam Guide, Third Edition / Ciddor / 013608-6 / Chapter 1 Blind Folio 2 This page intentionally left blank 01-ch01.indd 2 19/08/19 10:33 AM  Infocomm AIO / CTS® Certified Technology Specialist Exam Guide, Third Edition / Ciddor / 013608-6 / Chapter 1 What Is a Certified Technology Specialist? CHAPTER 1 In this chapter, you will learn about What it means to be a Certified Technology Specialist (CTS) Why you might choose to become a CTS The purpose of the CTS exam Eligibility criteria for taking the CTS exam The CTS exam application process Before you prepare for the CTS exam, you will have arrived at the conclusion that you actually want to be a CTS. Earning the CTS designation can help advance your career in the professional audiovisual (AV) communications industry—whether you’re just start- ing in professional AV or you’ve been working on AV projects for years. This chapter starts by describing what your decision to study for the CTS exam can mean for your career. It then covers the background and purpose of the exam, from eligibility criteria to the application process. It is important to understand that there are reasons why the CTS exam is designed the way it is, and each reason contributes to the strength of the CTS credential. What Does a CTS Do? A CTS creates, implements, and services AV systems to support advanced communica- tions and exceptional multimedia experiences. Whether for high-definition telepresence rooms or live corporate events, conference rooms or digital signage networks, distance- learning presentation or telemedicine applications, houses of worship or school audi- toriums, a CTS provides the best, most cutting-edge AV solutions to meet the client’s needs—both on time and within budget. AVIXA created and administers the CTS program. Founded in 1939, AVIXA is the leading nonprofit association serving the professional audiovisual industry worldwide. For more than 30 years it has offered certification programs, as well as industry-specific and general business training and education for people seeking careers in professional AV. 3 01-ch01.indd 3 19/08/19 10:33 AM  Infocomm AIO / CTS® Certified Technology Specialist Exam Guide, Third Edition / Ciddor / 013608-6 / Chapter 1 CTS Certified Technology Specialist Exam Guide 4 AVIXA developed the CTS program as part of a process for certifying industry profes- sionals. Individuals who hold the CTS credential demonstrate a commitment to excel- lence in the AV industry, as measured through an objective assessment of that person’s AV knowledge and skills. Every year, AVIXA certifies more qualified AV professionals than anyone else in the industry. Earning a CTS also demonstrates a commitment to ongoing professional growth in the AV industry. After you have earned your CTS, you must maintain certified status through continual education and training. This is achieved by acquiring renewal units by taking classes online, from AVIXA’s classroom offerings, or at various other in-person events and trade shows. There are currently two levels of CTS certification—general and specialized—and they include the following designations: Certified Technology Specialist (CTS) A general certification that covers common AV industry knowledge and skills required for people active in system design, installation, and operation Certified Technology Specialist—Design (CTS-D) A specialized certification that demonstrates the holder’s more in-depth knowledge of AV system design skills Certified Technology Specialist—Installation (CTS-I) A specialized certification that demonstrates the holder’s more in-depth knowledge of AV system installation and integration skills AVIXA certifications are currently the only AV credentials to achieve accreditation to the International Organization of Standardization (ISO) and the International Elec- trotechnical Commission (IEC) ISO/IEC 17024:2012 standard, as administered in the United States by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), and in India by the National Accreditation Board for Education and Training (NABET). ISO/IEC 17024:2012 is a standard designed to assure the public and the CTS certification hold- ers that AVIXA applies best practices to the administration of the CTS program. These accreditations provide a higher level of confidence in the CTS certification program. ANSI and NABET serve as unbiased third-party sources to verify the competence of certification bodies to develop, manage, and maintain their programs. Why Earn Your CTS? Industry certifications are common across many of the trades that AV professionals encounter on the job. Like the CTS, these certifications demonstrate that holders have achieved a certain level of knowledge and expertise in their chosen fields. As AV profes- sionals increasingly work more with architects, contractors, and others who hold indus- try certifications, their ability to present recognized CTS credentials to partners on the job can instill confidence and boost the value of their work. Furthermore, CTS certification can instill confidence in clients, providing additional credibility that the work the CTS holder performs will meet an accepted level of pro- fessionalism and reliability. Increasingly, requests for proposals (RFPs) for AV projects 01-ch01.indd 4 19/08/19 10:33 AM  Infocomm AIO / CTS® Certified Technology Specialist Exam Guide, Third Edition / Ciddor / 013608-6 / Chapter 1 Chapter 1: What Is a Certified Technology Specialist? 5 include requirements that the winning bidder employ CTS-certified professionals. More- over, an increasing number of technology managers—individuals who might initiate PART I an RFP for an AV project—are themselves CTS holders, increasing the likelihood they would prefer to hire CTS-certified consultants, integrators, and installers. Finally, AVIXA studies suggest that CTS holders earn more than their peers. Accord- ing to AVIXA’s 2017 Compensation and Benefits Survey, more than half of professional AV firms offer higher base salaries to CTS holders than non-CTS holders with similar backgrounds in the AV industry. The CTS designation is also highly recognized and valued among the AV industry. According to AVIXA’s most recent Member Value Survey, conducted in 2017 and reaching AVIXA members and nonmembers throughout the AV industry, the CTS credential was rated as the most important service AVIXA offers. Respondents also indicated very high satisfaction with the CTS credential and how they reflect the professionalism of the AV industry. The Purpose of the CTS Exam AV professionals who hold the CTS credential demonstrate their AV industry knowledge and skill through an objective assessment—the CTS exam. In following the standards set by international bodies and in support of a professional certification recognized for credibility and integrity, AVIXA’s independent Certification Committee oversees a CTS exam that tests individuals against peer-developed standards and competencies. The exam is designed independently of any course or curriculum, and it is devel- oped and administered to be valid, reliable, defensible, and psychometrically sound. All exams are developed, reviewed, and maintained by a series of AV industry subject-matter experts (SMEs) guided by professional test development experts (psychometricians). NOTE Psychometrics is the study of psychological measurement, including the measurement of knowledge, abilities, attitudes, personality traits, and educational assessment/analysis. In the context of the CTS exam, psychometric principles are applied to exam questions to ensure they correctly evaluate what they are intended to evaluate. The CTS assessment criteria are based on an analysis of the job tasks performed by professionals in the AV industry as determined by AV industry SMEs guided by profes- sional testing experts. They are not based on any training or education programs or any educational provider’s programs. The specific knowledge areas addressed by the CTS exam, plus the scope of the knowledge and skills in each area, are described in Chapter 2. The majority of the CTS exam addresses technical skills. However, the Certifica- tion Committee and SMEs from various AV job functions determined that the general requirements for a CTS holder should also include a basic understanding of the fun- damental concepts of project management, estimating, and purchasing. This is based on the assumption that during the course of their work, CTS holders may be called upon to oversee projects, assist in estimating expenses, provide input on purchasing decisions, and handle other nontechnical tasks in support of their employer. 01-ch01.indd 5 19/08/19 10:33 AM  Infocomm AIO / CTS® Certified Technology Specialist Exam Guide, Third Edition / Ciddor / 013608-6 / Chapter 1 CTS Certified Technology Specialist Exam Guide 6 The inclusion of this type of content and the assessment of nontechnical skills through the CTS exam helps ensure that a CTS holder has not only the technical aptitude but also some basic business knowledge to help a project move successfully toward completion. Exposure to such nontechnical skill areas also helps CTS holders determine whether they would like to pursue specialty designations (CTS-D or CTS-I) to advance their careers and benefit their employers and clients. NOTE While the majority of the CTS exam deals with technical skills and knowledge, SMEs from within the AV industry determined that so-called soft skills are also important to a successful certified AV professional. Therefore, questions about project management and other subjects not strictly related to AV technology are also part of the CTS exam. Are You Eligible for the CTS Exam? More often than not, the answer to this question is yes. It is strongly recommended that you have the skills and/or experience indicated in AVIXA’s CTS Exam Content Outline. (See Chapter 2 for an outline of the CTS exam content.) CTS candidates are not required to complete any particular course in order to take the CTS exam or qualify for certification, although there are many ways you can prepare for the exam and determine whether you are ready to take it. However, no single course contains all the information needed to pass the exam. AVIXA itself offers a number of general courses that can help individuals prepare for each level of CTS certification. The exam guide you are currently reading has been specifically developed to address the content of the general CTS exam. The AVIXA Certi- fication Committee also offers a CTS Candidate Handbook, an exam content outline with job-task analysis information, a glossary, practice exams, and other materials. You can find all the material online at the AVIXA website (www.AVIXA.org/cts). NOTE A job task analysis (JTA) is a study conducted to identify the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for professional competence in a particular field. Such an analysis is often conducted to determine the content and competencies that should be included in a certification or exam. AVIXA’s independent Certification Committee conducts periodic JTAs to make sure the CTS exam and certification process aligns with the real-world skills required of certified AV professionals. The online materials can help you prepare for the CTS exam, but they are not intended to include all potentially useful sources of information. Inclusion on the AVIXA list of preparatory materials does not constitute an endorsement by the Certification Com- mittee. The Certification Committee does not endorse any particular reference as being completely accurate and encompassing, and it recommends that applicants use multiple resources in the process of preparing for the exam. 01-ch01.indd 6 19/08/19 10:33 AM  Infocomm AIO / CTS® Certified Technology Specialist Exam Guide, Third Edition / Ciddor / 013608-6 / Chapter 1 Chapter 1: What Is a Certified Technology Specialist? 7 The CTS Exam Application Process PART I To apply for the CTS exam, visit the AVIXA website (www.AVIXA.org/cts). There, you can obtain the free CTS Candidate Handbook and current CTS candidate application. CTS applications may be submitted in one of several ways: Completed online at the AVIXA website Printed and mailed Scanned and e-mailed Faxed Candidates must provide required documentation and payment as noted on the appli- cation. All signatures must be submitted by the applicant as provided in the CTS applica- tion. This includes agreeing to the CTS Code of Ethics and Conduct, which is printed in the CTS Candidate Handbook. After you send the required documentation, meet eligibility requirements, and have your payment approved, AVIXA will e-mail you an eligibility acceptance letter within ten business days of receiving the application. This message includes a unique candidate ID number and testing instructions. If an application is not accepted, you will receive an e-mail letter of explanation. Applications that are incomplete, or for which payments have been denied, will delay approval. NOTE Be sure to include all required documentation with your application to avoid denial and/or delay. Once approved for eligibility, you will be notified by e-mail within one business day of AVIXA submitting the approval information to the third-party exam company, Pearson VUE. After another 24 hours, you may contact Pearson VUE to make an appointment to take the CTS exam. Visit the Pearson VUE website (www.pearsonvue.com/AVIXA) and click Locate a Test Center to find an exam location near you. Any questions about the CTS exam should be directed to the following: AVIXA, Attn. Certification Office 11242 Waples Mill Rd., Suite 200, Fairfax, VA 22030 Phone: 1.800.659.7469 or +1.703.273.7200 Fax: +1.703.691.2756 [email protected] www.AVIXA.org 01-ch01.indd 7 19/08/19 10:33 AM  Infocomm AIO / CTS® Certified Technology Specialist Exam Guide, Third Edition / Ciddor / 013608-6 / Chapter 1 CTS Certified Technology Specialist Exam Guide 8 Chapter Review A CTS performs general technology solutions tasks in the process of creating, imple- menting, and servicing AV systems. The CTS certification demonstrates to individuals, employers, trade partners, and customers that the CTS holder meets an established, peer-reviewed benchmark of expertise in AV-specific and basic business-general topics. The CTS exam is the vehicle by which CTS holders assess their expertise, through a method of documenting their knowledge within the AV industry. The CTS exam is based on an analysis of the tasks that AV professionals perform, focusing on “best prac- tices” within the AV industry. This chapter briefly described the background and purpose of the CTS exam and how to register to take it. Candidates should now have a better understanding of the purpose and objectives of the exam and whether obtaining a CTS certification could help advance their career in the AV industry. 01-ch01.indd 8 19/08/19 10:33 AM  The CTS Exam CHAPTER 2 In this chapter, you will learn about The scope of the CTS exam How the CTS exam changes over time How to study effectively for the exam What types of exam questions to expect Question-evaluation strategies for successful test-taking What to expect on exam day As you learned in Chapter 1, the AVIXA CTS exam is part of a professional certification process that is designed to evaluate a person’s level of knowledge of general audiovisual (AV) job tasks. The exam covers a wide range of AV-related topics, and it is based on an analysis of typical job tasks performed by people currently working in the AV industry. This chapter describes the content addressed within the CTS exam so that you can better prepare for taking the exam. It also covers how the exam is conducted so you will know what to expect when you arrive to take the exam. Keep in mind that AVIXA will always provide the most up-to-date information on the CTS exam online, so be sure to check AVIXA’s website (www.avixa.org/cts) for the latest information on exam procedures and requirements. The Scope of the CTS Exam To create the CTS exam, a group of volunteer AV subject-matter experts (SMEs), guided by professional test development experts, participated in an AV job task analysis (JTA) study. The results of this study form the basis of a valid, reliable, fair, and realistic assess- ment of the skills, knowledge, and abilities required for competent job performance by AV professionals. The original JTA study for creating the American National Standards Institute (ANSI)–accredited CTS exam was conducted in December 2006. Follow-up studies, as required by ANSI, were conducted in 2012, and most recently in 2017, to revalidate the exam and identify areas where it might be updated to reflect current AV jobs, skills, knowledge bases, and best practices (see the next section, “The CTS Exam Over T