CTS Practice Test
Updated for October 2026What changed for the AVIXA CTS exam in 2026
- The CTS exam is 115 multiple-choice questions (100 scored + 15 unscored pilot items), four answer options each, in 150 minutes; the tutorial and end survey do not count against the 150 minutes (CTS Candidate Handbook, version dated 08/27/2026). (source)
- Exam fee effective January 1, 2025: USD $490 for non-members and $390 for AVIXA Premium/Elite members (475/375 EUR, 395/315 GBP, AU$780/620); Emerging Economy pricing is $245/$195. VAT and taxes are not included. (source)
- Passing score is a scaled 350 on a 0-500 scale. AVIXA does not report the number or percentage of questions answered correctly; failing candidates receive per-section percentages only. (source)
- AVIXA exams are delivered only at secure, in-person Pearson VUE testing centers; there is no online (OnVUE) option. Scheduling by phone costs $10 per call; online scheduling is free. (source)
- Eligibility: no prerequisites, courses, or degree are required to apply; AVIXA recommends at least six months of AV experience. After approval, candidates have 120 days from the Eligibility Notice email to test. (source)
- Retake policy: candidates who fail may retest two more times at a reduced retest fee of $150 (USD), with a minimum 30-day wait between attempts; after two retests there is a 90-day wait before reapplying at the full fee. (source)
- Renewal: every 3 years with 30 Renewal Units (RUs) and a $175 (USD) renewal fee for the general CTS; renewal may be started up to 6 months before the renewal date (Certification Renewal Handbook, August 2026). (source)
- CTS-D and CTS-I exams each cost $590 non-member / $490 member (USD) and use 110 questions (100 scored + 10 pilot) in 150 minutes; specialty renewal is $200 single or $275 dual. (source)
- Exam content outline (Job Task Analysis 2022): Creating AV Solutions 35%, Implementing 30%, Supporting 15%, Servicing 20% of the 100 scored items. No new content outline has been published for 2025-2026. (source)
Last verified: September 17, 2026 against AVIXA (avixa.org) CTS Candidate Handbook, Certification Fee Schedule and Renewal Handbook.
The Certified Technology Specialist (CTS) credential is the leading professional qualification for audio-visual professionals worldwide. Administered by AVIXA, the CTS certification test validates your expertise in creating, operating, and servicing AV solutions. Try our AWS practice test.
If you are searching for a CTS practice exam, start with the free questions on this page: every answer comes with an explanation, and the study notes below cover the CTS exam topics in order.
CTS Practice Test Questions
Prepare for the CTS - Certified Technology Specialist exam with our free practice test modules. Each quiz covers key topics to help you pass on your first try.
CTS Audio Systems and Acoustics
CTS Exam Questions covering Audio Systems and Acoustics. Master CTS Test concepts for certification prep.
CTS AV Control Systems
Free CTS Practice Test featuring AV Control Systems. Improve your CTS Exam score with mock test prep.
CTS AV Design Documentation and Drawings
CTS Mock Exam on AV Design Documentation and Drawings. CTS Study Guide questions to pass on your first try.
CTS AV Networking and AV over IP
CTS Test Prep for AV Networking and AV over IP. Practice CTS Quiz questions and boost your score.
CTS AV Signal Flow and Distribution
CTS Questions and Answers on AV Signal Flow and Distribution. Free CTS practice for exam readiness.
CTS AV Site Surveys
CTS Mock Test covering AV Site Surveys. Online CTS Test practice with instant feedback.
CTS AV System Troubleshooting and Maintenance
Free CTS Quiz on AV System Troubleshooting and Maintenance. CTS Exam prep questions with detailed explanations.
CTS - Certified Technology Specialist Cond...
CTS Practice Questions for - Certified Technology Specialist Conducting AV Site Surveys Questions and Answers. Build confidence for your CTS certification exam.
CTS Conducting AV Site Surveys
CTS Test Online for Conducting AV Site Surveys. Free practice with instant results and feedback.
CTS Display Technologies and Video Systems
CTS Study Material on Display Technologies and Video Systems. Prepare effectively with real exam-style questions.
CTS General Technology
CTS Exam Questions covering General Technology. Master CTS Test concepts for certification prep.
CTS Installation and Systems Integration
Free CTS Practice Test featuring Installation and Systems Integration. Improve your CTS Exam score with mock test prep.
CTS Power, Grounding, and Electrical Safety
CTS Mock Exam on Power, Grounding, and Electrical Safety. CTS Study Guide questions to pass on your first try.
CTS Skills and Project Management
CTS Questions and Answers on Skills and Project Management. Free CTS practice for exam readiness.
CTS General Technology Test
CTS Mock Test covering General Technology Test. Online CTS Test practice with instant feedback.
CTS Exam Flashcards
Quick review for key audio-visual concepts
💡What is a Lumen?
A lumen is a unit of measurement for the total amount of visible light emitted by a source.
TRY CTS MOCK EXAM🏗️What is a Scope of Work?
A document that details the specific tasks, deliverables, and timeline for an AV project.
ACCESS CTS STUDY GUIDECTS Exam Study Guide
Our comprehensive CTS test preparation guide covers everything you need to know about the certification. Learn about the format, registration process, and what scores you need to pass.
CTS Score Calculator
Total Scored Questions
115
81 out of 115 correct
70%
Required to Pass: ~70% (Estimated)
While the CTS test cost may seem significant, the potential salary increase typically pays for the exam fee within the first few months of certification. Try our PMP practice test.
CTS Career Opportunities
Holders of the CTS credential are qualified for various specialized roles in the AV industry.
AV Technician
Install, configure, and maintain audio-visual systems for corporate, educational, and entertainment clients. Essential hands-on role.
Systems Integrator
Design and implement complex AV networks, ensuring seamless communication between different technologies and platforms.
AV Project Manager
Oversee AV installation projects, managing budgets, timelines, and teams. Requires strong organizational and technical skills.
AV Designer
Create technical drawings and schematics for AV systems. Often requires the advanced CTS-D certification for senior roles.
Live
Event TechManage audio and visual equipment for concerts, conferences, and live productions. Fast-paced and dynamic environment.
CTS Test Day Checklist
- ✓Two forms of valid ID
- ✓Confirmation email
- ✓Arrive 30 mins early
- ✓Review exam rules
- ✓Leave electronics in locker
- ✓Light sweater (layers)
- ✓Water (if allowed)
- ✓Positive mindset!
Ready for the CTS Exam?
Get started with our free practice questions and comprehensive study resources. Pass your AVIXA certification on the first try.
CTS Renewal Requirements
Cycle
3 Years
Required RUs
30 Units
Fee
$175
Earning RUs is easy through AVIXA webinars, trade show attendance (like InfoComm), and online courses. Keep your CTS proficiency test knowledge sharp.
CTS: Pros and Cons
- +CTS exam preparation strengthens your knowledge across all domains
- +Passing the exam proves competency to employers and clients
- +Study materials and practice tests are widely available
- +Exam-based credentials are portable across states and employers
- +Clear exam objectives help focus your study plan effectively
- −Exam anxiety can affect performance — practice tests help reduce it
- −Registration fees are non-refundable if you miss your test date
- −Limited retake opportunities may apply with waiting periods
- −Exam content updates periodically — use current study materials
- −Testing center availability may require advance scheduling
Pros and Cons at a Glance
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| CTS exam preparation strengthens your knowledge across all domains | Exam anxiety can affect performance — practice tests help reduce it |
| Passing the exam proves competency to employers and clients | Registration fees are non-refundable if you miss your test date |
| Study materials and practice tests are widely available | Limited retake opportunities may apply with waiting periods |
| Exam-based credentials are portable across states and employers | Exam content updates periodically — use current study materials |
| Clear exam objectives help focus your study plan effectively | Testing center availability may require advance scheduling |
Official Resources
- AVIXA CTS Certification page — the official overview of the AVIXA CTS credential, eligibility, exam fees, and how to apply for eligibility.
- AVIXA Training & Certification hub — the full AVIXA certification catalog (CTS, CTS-D, CTS-I) plus renewal units, handbooks, and the exam content outline.
- Pearson VUE — AVIXA testing — the official Pearson VUE portal to schedule, reschedule, or locate a secure CTS testing center once AVIXA approves your eligibility.
Sample Certified Technology Specialist Practice Questions
Try these questions from our free Certified Technology Specialist practice tests. The correct answer and an explanation follow each question.
When managing a remote AV project where the CTS cannot be on-site daily, which practice BEST ensures quality control?
- A. Shipping all equipment directly to the client without inspection
- B. Designating a qualified on-site lead with clear checkpoints and daily reporting
- C. Relying solely on the general contractor to manage AV subcontractors
- D. Reducing the scope to minimize on-site requirements
Answer: B. Designating a qualified on-site lead with clear checkpoints and daily reporting
Designating a qualified on-site lead with structured checkpoints and reporting maintains quality standards and keeps the remote project manager informed without requiring constant presence.
Which test should a CTS technician perform after completing all cable terminations in a structured wiring installation to verify proper connectivity and signal integrity?
- A. A visual inspection of connector colors only
- B. A cable certification test using a field tester that measures insertion loss, return loss, and NEXT
- C. A simple continuity check with a multimeter
- D. An audio frequency sweep test only
Answer: B. A cable certification test using a field tester that measures insertion loss, return loss, and NEXT
Cable certification testing with a field tester validates all transmission parameters (insertion loss, NEXT, return loss) against TIA/ISO standards, confirming the installation will support the intended application.
When terminating Cat6 cable to a keystone jack, which practice ensures the best signal integrity?
- A. Strip 6 inches of jacket to allow easier termination
- B. Maintain pair twist as close to the termination point as possible, untwisting no more than 0.5 inches
- C. Untwist all pairs fully before inserting into the jack
- D. Use a T568A wiring scheme on one end and T568B on the other
Answer: B. Maintain pair twist as close to the termination point as possible, untwisting no more than 0.5 inches
Maintaining pair twist up to within 0.5 inches of the termination point minimizes crosstalk and preserves the cable's noise-canceling properties.
During a post-installation test, audio is heard from only one side of a stereo speaker system. What is the MOST likely cause?
- A. The amplifier is too powerful
- B. A wiring fault, incorrect channel assignment, or failed component on the silent channel
- C. The room acoustics are poor
- D. The source file is corrupted
Answer: B. A wiring fault, incorrect channel assignment, or failed component on the silent channel
One-sided audio almost always points to a physical fault — loose connection, miswired terminal, faulty cable, or a failed amplifier channel — on the non-functioning side.
Take the full Certified Technology Specialist practice test
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CTS Questions and Answers
About the Author
Senior Cloud Architect & Cybersecurity Certification Trainer
Stanford UniversityDavid Chen holds a Master of Science in Computer Science from Stanford University and has earned over 25 professional certifications across AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, cybersecurity, and enterprise architecture domains. He works as a solutions architect and now focuses on helping IT professionals pass cloud, security, and technical certification exams.
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