Q. Who benefits from CEDIA Certification?
A. CEDIA’s intent with
certification is to advance the custom electronics industry
through the development and maintenance of a valid, credible,
and reliable certification system based upon a sound structure
and quality standards.
Residential
Electronic Systems Contractors:
CEDIA Certified Professionals stand out from the crowd.
Recognized for their achievements, they will enjoy the respect
and trust of their clients, their employers, and their industry
colleagues. Professional Certification also creates a growth
path for career minded individuals who expect to reap the rewards
from their efforts and expertise.
CEDIA Professional Certification establishes clear standards by which to measure
existing staff and new hires. Employing CEDIA Certified Professionals helps
companies achieve a competitive advantage through higher quality, productivity,
and professionalism.
Manufacturers:
CEDIA education and certification encourages proper
installation and service of equipment by highly skilled and trained
technicians. Manufacturers reap the benefit of reduced demand
on their technical support department, professional, and courteous
service to consumers and equipment correctly installed for maximum
performance.
Consumers:
By selecting a custom installation company staffed by
CEDIA Certified Professionals, consumers can trust that the installers
working in their homes are trained, highly knowledgeable, and
skilled professionals, which results in professional and courteous
service, and that equipment is correctly installed for maximum
performance.

Q. Are there requirements
to take the certification exams?
A. Candidates must have a high
school diploma, GED, or equivalent. Although eligibility is
not limited to designers and installers working for CEDIA members,
CEDIA members’ employees pay a lower price than nonmembers.
CEDIA recommends prior
experience before sitting for the certification exam. Before
sitting for the Installer Level I exam, one should possess
at least one year of experience as an installer and have basic
knowledge regarding installation. A candidate sitting for the
Installer Level II exam should have previously passed Installer
Level I, and possess the basic knowledge regarding installation
and responsibility of managing others. A candidate sitting
for the Designer exam should possess knowledge regarding design
with at least 5 years experience and responsibility of managing
others.

Q. What resources will help
me prepare for the certification exams
A. Each certification exam has
a list of recommended reading material. The suggested reading
list is neither all-inclusive, nor does it cover all examination
items. CEDIA recommends that candidates become familiar with
a wide range of literature and codes pertaining to custom electronic
issues. You may find the recommended reading lists for each
certification at:

Q. What is the cost to take
the examination?
A. The
exam fees are $250 for employees of CEDIA Members and $350
for Non Members. For online exams there is a site administration
fee of $75 for non members.

Q: What is
the content of the exam?
A. The
examinations cover the technical body of knowledge expected
for an installer/designer. The Installer Level I exam consists
of 100 multiple choice questions, and candidates will have
three hours to complete the exam. The Advanced EST exam
consists of 125 multiple-choice questions, and candidates will
have three hours to complete the exam. The Designer exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions, and candidates
will have four hours to complete the exam. You may find the
major content areas for each certification at:

Q: How do I register for
exams?
A. For
information on registration please visit the Certification
website, email certification@cedia.org,
or call 800-669-5329
Register for CEDIA Certification NOW!
Register for CEDIA Certification Online NOW!

Q. How do I maintain my CEDIA
Certification via CEUs?
A. Prior to the conclusion of the 36-month cycle,
CEDIA Certified Professionals must provide documentation of
obtaining 30 CEUs through continuing education. Of those 30
required CEUs, no more than 15 units may be obtained via manufacturer
education. Additional information on the CEU program is available
here.

Q: How were
the exams created?
A. The certification exams
are developed by CEDIA, in conjunction with nationally recognized
subject matter experts, and under the guidance of psychometricians
(professional test development specialists) to ensure that
both the content and format are accurate and valid. Below are
the Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) for the various exams:
InstallerLevel I SMEs
Fred Ampel,
Technology Visions SA
Eric Grundelman, Eric Grundelman Inc.
Michael Hamm, Michael Hamm & Assoc.
Michael Heiss, M. Heiss Consulting
Jeff Kussard, Russound
David Nowak, Control4
Randy Riebe, AMX
Steve Somers, Extron Electronics
Al Tucker, Better Sounds Concepts
Ted Uzzle, NSCA
Frank White, StayTuned
Installer Level II SMEs:
Bill Devine, Audioplex Technology
Eric Grundelman, Eric Grundelman Inc.
Michael Heiss, M. Heiss Consulting
Chris Monck, AMX
David Nowak, Control4
Steve Somers, Extron Electronics
Tony Tangalos, Electronic Design Group
Ted Uzzle, NSCA
Frank White, StayTuned
Advanced EST SMEs: (Delivered CEDIA EXPO 2007)
Brett Carpenter, Audiovisions
Chris Corrigan, Audio Images
Paul Eisenhauer, Home Media Systems
Mark Ontiveros, Audio Images
Frank White, StayTuned
Additional JTA SME:
Ken Erdmann, The Erdmann Group, Inc.
Designer Updated SMEs: (Delivered CEDIA EXPO 2007)
Paul Eisenhauer, Home Media Systems
Rich Green, Rich Green, Ink
Mario Leone, Electronic Solutions Company
Steve Martin, Martin Kleiser
Chris McGowen, Advanced Living
Dave Pedigo, CEDIA
Ricardo Rosas, Advanced Technological Systems
Additional JTA SMEs:
Todd Adams, DiPartner
Ken Erdmann, The Erdmann Group, Inc.
Joel Rosenblatt, A/V Marketing Consultants

Q: Where can questions on
the CEDIA Professional Certification Program be directed?
A. For additional information email certification@cedia.org or
call (800) 669-5329
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