More Architects Recognize and Specify Certified Technology Specialists
By InfoComm International, May 11, 2010
Overall awareness of audiovisual credential jumps 27 percent from 2007
FAIRFAX, VA (May 11, 2010) — Audiovisual professionals holding the Certified Technology Specialist credential are a key asset to the design and integration phases within the commercial building process, and architects are taking note. A recent survey conducted by InfoComm International, the leading trade association representing the audiovisual industry, found that overall awareness of the Certified Technology Specialist (CTS®) program rose to 80 percent by the end of 2009, compared to just 53 percent in 2007.
In 2007, InfoComm International launched an education campaign in hopes of raising awareness of the CTS credential among the architect and building owner communities. Two key objectives of the campaign are to heighten the awareness of the CTS professional and drive engagement with the CTS professional in earlier in the design phase process.
According to a recent CTS Awareness Survey conducted by InfoComm International, there was a 10 percent increase in architects involving an AV consultant during the design development phase of a project, marking a positive move for the industry.
“We are thrilled that architects and building owners are taking note of our certification program,” said Randal A. Lemke, Ph.D., Executive Director and CEO, InfoComm International. “Partnering with a CTS professional creates efficiencies for architects. Having AV experts involved early in the process will result in a collaboration that creates a space that sounds and functions as well as it looks.”
Additional key survey findings include:
- More than half of architects specify the CTS credential in their bids for AV design and installation.
- Two-thirds of architects prefer to hire AV consultants and integrators that hold internationally accredited credentials. The CTS is the only AV credential accredited by ANSI to the 17024 ISO/IEC Standard.
- AV professionals were cited as a leading source for projector and videoconferencing needs in 2009 — surpassing IT professionals who were the leading source in 2007.
- 43 percent of respondents recognized the official CTS logo.
- 40 percent of respondents have seen CTS advertisements in top architecture trade publications.
- A third of all architects surveyed indicated they have visited www.ctsforav.com, a website dedicated to educating architects and building professionals about how to work with the AV industry.
For more information on the CTS credential or how to partner with an AV professional, please visit www.ctsforav.com.
About InfoComm International
InfoComm International® is the international trade association of the professional audiovisual and information communications industries. Established in 1939, InfoComm has more than 5,000 members, including manufacturers, systems integrators, dealers and distributors, independent consultants, programmers, rental and staging companies, end-users and multimedia professionals from more than 80 countries. InfoComm International is the leading resource for AV standards, market research and news. Its training and education programs set a standard of excellence for AV professionals. InfoComm International is the founder of InfoComm, the largest annual conference and exhibition for AV buyers and sellers worldwide. InfoComm also produces trade shows in Europe, Asia and China. Additional information is available at www.infocomm.org.
