CTS AVIXA Certified Technology Specialist Free Practice Exam Questions (2025 Updated)

The goal is to understand what the system needs to do, i.e., its functionality. This lays the groundwork for system design that supports the client’s real-world needs.

“Initial design discussions must identify desired outcomes and functional expectations. This guides all future technical decisions.”

— CTS Exam Guide, Project Design Phase

The three core performance attributes of any audio system are intelligibility (clarity of speech), loudness (sufficient sound pressure level), and stability (resistance to feedback). These parameters ensure a usable and effective sound reinforcement system.

“For speech reinforcement systems, performance must be measured by intelligibility, loudness, and system stability. Without all three, usability is compromised.”

— CTS Exam Guide, Audio Systems Design Chapter

The microphone in the setup may require phantom power to operate. Phantom power is a DC voltage (usually 48V) supplied through the microphone cable to power condenser microphones. Without phantom power, a condenser microphone will not function, resulting in no audio being passed through the system. Since the drawing shows a microphone connected to a digital audio transmitter, it's likely a condenser microphone, and if it isn't receiving phantom power, this would be the most probable cause of the system not passing audio.

To understand how a space is truly used, surveys should be done during normal operations. This reveals patterns like ambient noise, occupancy, workflow, lighting, and use of AV systems—all essential for effective design.

“Observing the space under normal conditions reveals user behavior, usage patterns, and environmental factors.”

— CTS Exam Guide, Needs Analysis and Site Assessment

Listener 2

In sound propagation, every doubling of distance from a sound source generally results in a decrease of approximately 6 dB in sound level due to the inverse square law. Conversely, when moving closer to the sound source, the sound level increases by approximately 6 dB each time the distance is halved.

Given Listener 4 is at 20 feet from the speaker:

Listener 3 is at 15 feet, which is closer but not a direct halving of Listener 4's distance, so the change is less than 6 dB.

Listener 2 is at 10 feet, which is half the distance of Listener 4 (20 feet). This halving of distance results in a sound level increase of approximately 6 dB.

Listener 1 is at 5 feet, which is closer than Listener 2 and results in a higher increase in dB compared to Listener 4.

CTS Technology Specialist Reference

Understanding sound level changes over distance is essential in AV system design to ensure balanced audio coverage. The CTS materials cover the inverse square law extensively, explaining how sound pressure levels change as the distance from the sound source varies. Listener 2, at half the distance from Listener 4, receives sound at +6 dB compared to Listener 4, aligning with this principle.

Comprehensive Detailed Explanation with all Technology Specialist References:

Infrared (IR) wireless microphones are particularly useful in environments where security is crucial. Unlike RF (radio frequency) systems, IR systems use light waves within a specific room or area, which makes them more secure since the signal doesn’t pass through walls. This containment ensures that the transmission remains private and prevents eavesdropping from outside the room. IR systems are ideal for environments like corporate boardrooms or government facilities where sensitive information might be discussed.

While large auditoriums (Option A) may use IR systems, they are generally limited to line-of-sight and aren’t suitable for large spaces due to coverage limitations. Rooms with direct sunlight (Option B) and spaces with high-frequency fluorescent lights (Option D) can cause interference with IR signals, making them less reliable in these settings.

CTS References: AVIXA CTS Exam Guide, Chapter on Audio Systems and Wireless Microphones; CTS Handbook, Section on Infrared Audio Technology and Security Considerations.

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A 240-inch diagonal size is beyond the practical limit of LCD and OLED flat panels. The most feasible solution for such a large, bright, and low-maintenance display is a direct view LED wall, which offers modular construction, long lifespan, and no lamp replacement.

“For large format displays above 120–150 inches, direct view LED offers seamless scalability, brightness, and long-term cost savings over projection.”

— CTS Exam Guide, Display Technologies and Large Format Display Design

The best immediate workaround is to patch the input directly to the output, bypassing the switcher. This allows the system to continue functioning while a more permanent solution is found. It ensures that the client experiences minimal downtime and disruption. Changing the power supply or replacing the switcher are also viable options, but they may take more time and resources. Calling the manufacturer for support can also be part of the solution process, but it doesn't provide an immediate workaround.

The proposal phase is when the description and pricing of an AV solution are submitted to the client. This phase involves presenting a detailed plan that includes system components, costs, and how the solution meets the client's needs. The proposal allows the client to review and approve the solution before moving forward to execution.

CTS Technology Specialist Reference

The CTS project management guidelines state that the proposal phase includes submitting a comprehensive description of the AV system and associated costs, forming the basis for client approval and contract negotiation.

For a rear projection room, it is recommended to paint the room black. Black walls minimize reflections and ambient light, which can negatively impact the quality of the projected image. By reducing these reflections, the contrast and clarity of the projection are improved, providing a better viewing experience. While gray is also a common choice for minimizing light reflections, black is more effective for creating the optimal environment for projection purposes.

Top of Form

Bottom of Form

This is the ideal stage for confirming and adjusting cable pathways, as conduit, wall boxes, and cable access are exposed. Once drywall goes up, rework becomes costly and labor-intensive.

“Pre-drywall inspection is the critical time to verify cable paths, conduit runs, and accessibility for future service.”

— CTS Exam Guide, Installation Coordination and Site Readiness

Invoicing clients, purchasing AV equipment, and providing estimates are all tasks that fall under administration. These tasks involve organizational and financial management responsibilities essential for the operational side of AV projects.

CTS Technology Specialist Reference

CTS resources categorize these activities as administrative functions essential for supporting the project lifecycle, from initial quoting to procurement and client billing. These tasks ensure smooth project execution by managing logistical and financial aspects.

OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) displays differ from LCDs primarily because each pixel emits its own light, eliminating the need for a backlight. This allows for true blacks, better contrast, and thinner display construction.

“Unlike LCD panels, OLED displays are self-emissive, which means each pixel produces its own light. This allows OLED to achieve deeper blacks and better contrast.”

— AVIXA CTS Exam Guide, Display Technologies Chapter

To calculate throw distance, the size of the screen is essential as it determines the distance needed for the projector to fill the screen adequately. Throw ratio calculations depend directly on screen size, impacting projector placement.

CTS Technology Specialist Reference

Throw distance calculations are covered in CTS training, where screen size is the primary factor in determining projector positioning for optimal image display.

Distortion occurs when an audio device can no longer accurately reproduce the input audio signal. This happens when the signal exceeds the device's capacity to process it linearly, resulting in a corrupted output that differs from the original signal. Distortion can be caused by overloading the device's input or output stages, improper gain settings, or defects in the audio components. It degrades the quality of the audio signal and can manifest as unwanted noise or alterations in the sound.

The budget section of a program report describes the probable costs of an AV project. This section outlines the estimated expenses for equipment, labor, installation, and other associated costs, providing the client with a financial overview of the project. Axis Technology Specialist documentation specifies that a detailed budget is essential for planning and managing project finances effectively.

A personal fall arrest harness should be inspected before each use. This is a critical safety measure to ensure that the harness is in good condition and will provide the necessary protection in case of a fall. Regular inspections can identify any wear, damage, or other issues that could compromise the safety of the user.

In a space with no acoustic treatment, a narrow beam loudspeaker is ideal for voice reinforcement as it can focus sound more precisely to reduce reverberation and enhance speech intelligibility. This directionality minimizes sound reflections that can degrade clarity in untreated spaces.

CTS Technology Specialist Reference

CTS materials on audio system design recommend narrow beam loudspeakers for environments with challenging acoustics to maintain intelligibility.

A public address (PA) system is designed to amplify and distribute sound across different zones or areas. Each zone can have its own set of microphones, amplifiers, and speakers to cater to specific needs, allowing for targeted announcements or audio distribution.