Commercial Integrator March 2021 - 23

CAREER DEVELOPMENT
File this under the umbrella of professional
development. From a company's
perspective it is in their best interest
to promote and subsidize continuing
education and certifications. This is a
proven path for improved productivity.
For employees, the value is the attainment
of knowledge, expertise, and increasing
skills with which to do a better job, but
also to bolster their resumes, LinkedIn
profiles, and industry standing.
This should not be considered a cost
center, but rather an investment with tangible
ROI there for companies and employees
alike. Research shows that employees
tend to remain with companies that invest
in their professional development.
The educational development plan
plots a course for each employee. It should
begin for most with the basic AV and digital
signage industry certifications. When I say
most, understand a company is made up
of myriad job categories and a full industry
certification may not be in order for some.
This does not mean that these employees
should not be trained. It simply means that
their education development plan should
be tailored to their needs and jobs.
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In all cases for commercial AV and digital
signage each employee should begin with
an introduction to the industry. Overall
familiarity with the industry cannot be
overstated. Everyone needs to know what
business they are in and the general nature
of how that business works. For those not
involved in marketing, sales, or the technical
aspects of commercial AV and digital
signage an educational plan should be
created for their professional development.
Again, one size does not fit all.
For the majority, an educational plan will
There is a required
amount of base
knowledge of AV
necessary to be a part
of the AV industry, and
once that is achieved
it is training and
certification that will
drive careers forward.
It helps to seek out vendor-neutral training
from manufacturers that not only cover
specific products, but the mechanisms
behind those products as well.
include one or more certifications. Before
going any further, it is important to note that
any so-called certification without industry
acceptance and recognition is meaningless.
The key to any certification is recognition
by a significant cross section of those
involved in a profession or industry.
AVIXA CTS Certification
We will begin with the AVIXA Certified Technology
Specialist (CTS). This program speaks
to the core of our AV industry. The CTS certification
covers the basics of audio, video,
design, integration, and management of an
AV system. This is a generalist approach from
an impartial, vendor neutral perspective and
is taught only from an industry accepted best
practices point of view.
The certification is completed upon
passing an in-depth exam before a person
can display the CTS designation. This entire
process ensures that each certificate holder
possesses a fundamental understanding of
MARCH 2021 Commercial Integrator 23
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Commercial Integrator March 2021

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