Why Certify

Benefits of Becoming CEDIA Certified

CEDIA Professional Certification was developed by a dedicated team of industry experts from across the nation. These professionals volunteered their time and technical expertise to build a program that has set the proficiency standard in an industry that once struggled to define itself.

The CEDIA Professional Certification program gives technicians and designers a platform on which to prove their skill and reputation across the board with employers, clients, and government bodies by providing employers a means for judging a potential employee’s skill, providing concrete credentials to present to clients, as well as defining the scope of our industry to signal to legislators that electronic systems contractors are capable of self-regulation.

CEDIA Professional Certification allows technicians and designers the chance to qualify and quantify what they know and demonstrate that they are committed to maintaining the highest quality standards for performance. Professional certification creates a path for career minded individuals who expect to reap the rewards from their efforts and expertise.

Certification Overview

Step 1: Decide What Certification is Right for You

I am entry level and have less than 1 year of experience:
- US Residents: ESPA Certified-EST®
I have 1 or more years of installation experience:
- US Residents: EST II Certification
  - I am interested in pursuing the Residential Networkng Specialist Credential.
- Canadian Residents: Canadian EST II Certification

I am interested in pursuing the Residential Networkng Specialist Credential.

I have more than 5 years of installation experience:
- US Residents: EST III (Advanced EST) Certification
- Canadian Residents: Canadian EST III Certification
I have more than 5 years of design experience:
- US Residents: Designer Certification
- Canadian Residents: Canadian Designer Certification

Be sure to survey the outlines of exam content (the classification systems). These documents are posted for each certification on the corresponding page of our website.

Step 2: Take the Pre-Test Assessment

Pre-test Assessments are available for the EST II, EST III (Advanced EST) and Designer Certification exams. The Pre-test Assessment will give you a score report broken down by exam domain (the exam sections which are presented in the outline of exam content). You will be able to see your current strengths and weaknesses. This tool will allow you to better determine your course of study and help you decide if you are prepared to take a certification exam.

Step 3: Decide Your Course of Study

CEDIA University offers classroom education throughout the year at various locations. A complete listing of 2011 events is now available. Online education is also available through CEDIA University's Instructor-led and archived e-Learning webinars. CEDIA currently offers a classroom review for the ESPA Certified-EST® certification exam only.

CEDIA Electronic Systems Technical Reference Manual

The first edition of the Electronic Systems Technical Reference Manual provides a comprehensive resource for anyone who installs, designs, or has an interest in residential electronic systems. It was created to fill the necessity for a reference book that serves the continuing education needs of our industry. The Electronic Systems Technical Reference Manual consolidates the information that has found to be most applicable to residential technicians and designers. Chapters are presented by discipline; concepts within each chapter progress from the simple to the most complex. Key terms are provided to further define concepts and review questions allow the reader to gauge comprehension.

The outlines of exam content (the Job Task Analyses) from both the CEDIA EST III (Advanced EST) and Designer certifications, sample exam questions, and a summary of the certification development process are all included in the appendix of the book.

View the table of contents of the Electronic Systems Technical Reference Manual.

Price: $99 for CEDIA Members / $149 for non-members

To order your copy of the CEDIA Electronic Systems Technical Reference Manual, please visit the CEDIA Marketplace and click on CEDIA Publications.