This certification represents a technician who can work independently to perform all functions related to the pre-wire (First Fix) and trim-out (Second Fix) phases of a project including troubleshooting common errors and verifying system functionality.

Certified technicians follow best practices to properly mount and install a wide range of home technology equipment in racks and throughout a residence. They understand the basic concepts of how audio, video, and communication and control devices work, and perform the basic configuration of various integrated systems and equipment.

This certification indicates to employers that a person has experience, possesses a broad range of essential technical skills, and is able to pursue more specialized and advanced training on specific technology systems.

Features of the IST

The IST was released in November 2021 and is the result of a year-long process involving input from hundreds of residential integrators around the globe. The IST replaced CEDIA’s ESC-T as the primary intermediate-level technician certification for the industry. 

• Updated – The content of this exam has been thoroughly vetted by a team of over 20 global subject matters experts.
• Aligned – This certification is the next step for technicians who have already earned the entry-level CEDIA Cabling & Infrastructure Technician (CIT) certification. Likewise, all of CEDIA’s specialist credentials such as the ESC-N and ESC-D will build directly on top of the core knowledge represented at the IST level. Overlapping content between certifications has been removed.
• Supported – Apart from the Certification process, CEDIA’s Education and Standards departments have used the IST blueprint to create new curriculum and reference materials that align to this framework and give learners a clear pathway to follow.
• Global - CEDIA has worked hard to ensure that, as much as possible, the content is representative of a global audience.

How to Prepare for IST Certification

Practice

• IST Practice Test – Results aggregated by domain to simulate score report format on actual exam 

• IST Practice Test – Results include domain score and ability to review of each item showing the correct answer 

Fill Knowledge Gaps

There is a wealth of learning available to you to help you prepare for the real exam.

• Integrated Systems Technician book
• Advanced Residential Electronic Systems book
• Classes by cable or equipment manufacturers which include may include sections on installation practices and cable properties
• Technical schools with a low-voltage or electronic systems technician track.
• Internal training classes taught by an employer or “on the job” training from a more experienced technician.

Test

CEDIA exams are administered worldwide at Kryterion Global Testing Solutions test center locations and at select CEDIA events.

IST is also currently available to be taken from your own computer via Kryterion’s Remote Online Proctoring service. After purchasing your exam, this option may be selected instead of a test center.

Email certification@cedia.org if you have any questions about remote proctored exams.

Maintain

The IST certification is valid for 3 years and is renewed by completing the following:

• Submit renewal application, $60 renewal fee, and code of conduct agreement.
• Earn 30 CEUs from various CEU activities and approved courses. Alternatively, holders may choose to retest the latest version of the exam.
• If an IST certification holder also has an ESC-N and/or the ESC-D the certification periods will sync and they will only need to complete 30 CEUs to renew all of them together.