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Many professions have certification programs which allow practitioners to be recognized for attainment of a specified level of training and competence. Examples of this may be: The American Institute of Architects certifies its members; BICSI has the RCDD, many auto mechanics hold certifications plus many, many more. As consumers of services, we look at these certifications as validation that the individual in question has met and continues to meet some level of expertise, and we feel more assured of receiving good work when we look to these individuals for services, be it accounting, legal, medical or car repairs.
From the beginning, AVC has taken the position that such certification is meaningful and will be vigorously pursued. Each of our staff has confidence that the other members of the team possess an understanding of our industry and the technology we deploy to a degree that makes them more competent. This confidence in turn builds trust and efficiency which translates into reliable, high ROI systems for our clients.
For more than 30 years, InfoComm has offered its certification programs to establish and maintain widespread credibility for the AV industry and AV professionals. Three different certifications exist to recognize varying experience, expertise and training.
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To obtain a General CTS, one must pass a rigorous exam which tests for technical knowledge regarding light, sound, physics, equipment used in AV and general industry knowledge.
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The General CTS is a pre-requisite for the CTS-I (Integration). It requires additional years of industry experience, and installation experience in particular. It tests for real world, task oriented issues which arise during the course of AV systems integration, from safety to signal integrity.
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As with the CTS-I, the General CTS is a pre-requisite of the CTS-D (Design). It requires additional years of industry experience. This exam tests for ability to appropriately design systems to meet the needs and expectation of their client, in a manner that can be executed by the installation staff and successfully used by the client.
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Hallmarks of a true certification program:
- Assesses individuals against peer-developed standards of competencies
- Provides an assessment (exam) that is independent of any specific course or curriculum
- Provides a credential that is time limited
- Enhances continued competency through ongoing renewal requirements
- Requires adherence to a code of ethics
InfoComm's certifications are the only AV credentials to achieve accreditation through the International Organization of Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) ISO/IEC 17024 certification of personnel as administered in the United States by ANSI.
AVC has obtained an organizational-level recognition, known as the AudioVisual Solutions Provider (AVSP) — a recognition of professionalism and expertise achieved through professional development, training and continuously updated certification for employees.
The AVSP program, formerly known as the CAVSP Program, is the only organizational-level recognition program of its kind.
The AVSP is based on the percentage of personnel (technical, sales or customer service) who have completed certain InfoComm Academy courses, achieved either the General CTS or the specialized CTS in Design or Installation.
There are three levels of AVSP:
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Diamond AVSP
Diamond AVSP, 50 percent of all technical, sales and customer service staff must have and maintain general or advanced CTS certification or certain InfoComm Academy course completion.
APPLIED VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS IS AT THIS LEVEL
No more than a quarter of the 50 percent of designated staff can qualify exclusively through InfoComm course completion. Of the 50 percent, 15 percent must have advanced CTS designation. A minimum of one advanced CTS is required.
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Emerald AVSP
Emerald AVSP, 35 percent of all technical, sales and customer service staff must have and maintain general or advanced CTS certification or certain InfoComm Academy course completion.
No more than a quarter of the 35 percent can qualify exclusively through InfoComm course completion.
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Sapphire AVSP
Sapphire AVSP, 25 percent of all technical, sales and customer service staff must have and maintain general or advanced CTS certification or certain InfoComm Academy course completion.
No more than a quarter of the 50 percent (of the 25%) can qualify exclusively through InfoComm course completion.
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AVSP companies have also agreed to comply with 10 Standards of Excellence that were developed in collaboration with industry experts to emphasize the best practices of AV businesses. The Standards of Excellence are a guidepost for AV companies and professionals who place the customer first and offer quality AV solutions. They include the commitment to provide complete customer satisfaction with AV solutions that provide value to the client. They convey the importance that AV solutions providers place on their own skills development through continuing education. They also cover the critical role that AV professionals play as partners with IT specialists, architects, building managers and others.
http://infocomm.org/cps/rde/xchg/infocomm/hs.xsl/7009.htm
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