Certifications

So, I’ve been working at North Georgia College & State University about a year and a half. It’s been great fun and hard work. In that time, I’ve done the popular thing in the IT industry – I’ve gotten certs (certifications). I figured I’d talk about a couple of them since my email signature looks silly because of them.

My Certs

EAVA

EAVA LogoThis one is the Extron AV (Audio Visual) Associate certification. This was $99 from Extron and was quite a bit of exam work. It covered everything from low-voltage serial connections (RS-232) to the different types of fiber (multi-mode vs. single-mode). I’d recommend this to anyone working in an environment that has Extron gear – it was even good for the general AV knowledge if you don’t use Extron.

It covers:

  • Who is Extron?
  • AV Technologies
  • Video Fundamentals
  • Audio Fundamentals
  • Control and Networking Fundamentals
  • Extron products and tools

CAVP-CSTF

Brainbox Foundation CertifiedThis one is the Brainbox Foundation’s Certified AV Professional – Control System Troubleshooting Fundamentals certification. It’s a free mico-exam that is free to take and $10 for the transcript (which I didn’t purchase). The exam focuses on general troubleshooting methods, and basic knowledge that all individuals should posses to work as a control systems programmer or system commissioner.

It covers:

  • Analog Video
  • A/V Basics
  • A/V Troubleshooting
  • Basic Logic
  • Control Systems
  • Network Basics
  • Numeric
  • Serial Communication

CAVP-VF

Brainbox Foundation CertifiedThis one is the Brainbox Foundation’s Certified AV Professional – Video Fundamentals certification. It’s a free mico-exam that is free to take and $10 for the transcript (which I didn’t purchase). The exam focuses on general, basic knowledge that all individuals should posses to work proficiently in the ProAV market.

It covers:

  • Analog Video
  • Cables, Connectors
  • Digital Video
  • HD Video
  • Video Measurements and Standards
  • Video Products
  • Video Projection

CAVP-PF

Brainbox Foundation CertifiedThis one is the Brainbox Foundation’s Certified AV Professional – Programming Fundamentals certification. It’s a free mico-exam that is free to take and $10 for the transcript (which I didn’t purchase).  The exam focuses on general, basic knowledge that all control systems programmers should posses to work proficiently in the Pro AV market.

It covers:

  • /V Basics
  • Basic Logic
  • Data Types
  • Communication Types
  • Math
  • Memory
  • Network Basics
  • Numeric
  • PC Skills
  • Serial Communications
  • Subsystems Integration
  • User Interface

CAVP-WFF

Brainbox Foundation CertifiedThis one is the Brainbox Foundation’s Certified AV Professional – Wi-Fi Fundamentals certification. It’s a free mico-exam that is free to take and $10 for the transcript (which I didn’t purchase). The exam focuses on basic knowledge that all individuals should poses when working in a capacity to design, setup, or maintain wireless networks associated with AV installations.
 
 
 
 

My Wishlist

Now that you’ve seen the certs I have, I’ll list the one’s I’m planning on getting in the future.

ECA

ECA LogoThis one is the Extron Control Associate certification. Once one has the EAVA and has taken the Extron Configurable Control System Course (which I took at InfoComm in 2011), this is the next step.

It covers:

  • Simple control system design
  • TouchLink™ template modification using GUI Configurator software
  • TouchLink™ System configuration with Global Configurator software

ECS

ECS LogoThis one is the Extron Control Specialist certification. Once one has the ECA, this is the next step.
It covers:

  • Development of control interfaces from scratch using Extron GUI Configurator software
  • Advanced configuration using Extron Global Configurator
  • AV resource management using Extron GlobalViewer® Enterprise
  • Networked systems design and troubleshooting
  • Control system design
  • GUI design best practices

CTS

CTS LogoThis one is the Certified Technical Specialist certification. This is the AV industry’s standard certification. Here’s the handbook.
It covers:

  • Creating AV Solutions
  • Operating AV Solutions
  • Conducting AV Management Activities
  • Servicing AV Solutions

CTS-I

CTS-I LogoThis one is the Certified Technical Specialist – Installation certification. This is one route to go after getting a CTS. Here’s the handbook.
It covers:

  • Conducting Pre-Installation Activities
  • Conducting Site Rough-In/First-Fix
  • Perform Systems Close Out
  • Conducting Ongoing Project Responsibilities

CTS-D

CTS-D LogoThis one is the Certified Technical Specialist – Design certification. This is the other route to go after getting a CTS. Here’s the handbook.
It covers:

  • Conducting a Needs Assessment
  • Collaborating With Other Professionals
  • Developing AV Designs
  • Conducting Project Implementation Activities

Published by John

9 thoughts on “Certifications”

    1. They were questions just like the ones at the end of each section. It wasn’t very difficult if you comprehend the material in the sections. I’m studying for the CTS now and it seems much harder.

  3. I want to pacitre the pacitre exam for CCS but its been about seven years since I finish my courses for billing and coding insurance. Really dont want to take the course over but what should I do to be refreshed and test ready?

  4. IS there anyway i can get help with the AV associate Extron ceritificate? I took it once and didn’t pass so i am scare to fail again, not sure how to better prepare.

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