How to become an audio visual technician

How to become an Audio Visual Technician

To become an audio visual technician, you can follow these detailed steps:

• Obtain a High School Diploma or Equivalent: Complete your high school education by earning a diploma or a GED.
• Pursue Post-Secondary Education: Consider enrolling in vocational schools, community colleges, or technical institutes offering programs in audio visual technology, sound engineering, electronics, or multimedia production. Look for programs that provide practical experience and cover topics such as audio systems, video production, equipment operation, and troubleshooting.
• Gain Relevant Skills and Knowledge: Familiarize yourself with audio visual equipment, signal flow, connectivity, cabling, and troubleshooting techniques. Acquire proficiency in multimedia software tools for video editing, audio mixing, and multimedia production. Stay updated with emerging audio visual technologies and industry trends.
• Seek Practical Experience: Look for internships or apprenticeships with audio visual companies, event production firms, or media organizations. Volunteer for audio visual support at school events, community functions, or local theaters to gain hands-on experience in equipment setup, operation, and troubleshooting.
• Obtain Industry Certifications (Optional): Consider obtaining industry certifications, such as Certified Technology Specialist (CTS) offered by organizations like AVIXA, to validate your knowledge and enhance your credentials.
• Build a Portfolio: Create a portfolio showcasing your audio visual projects, multimedia productions, and relevant contributions. Include samples of your video editing, sound mixing, or multimedia content creation to demonstrate your skills.
• Network and Seek Job Opportunities: Attend industry events, trade shows, and seminars to network with professionals. Join professional organizations or online communities related to audio visual technology. Utilize online job portals, company websites, and professional networks to search for job openings. Submit your resume, highlighting your education, skills, experience, and portfolio.
• Continuously Learn and Adapt: Engage in continuous learning through workshops, webinars, and training programs. Stay updated with the latest technologies and industry practices. Adapt to new trends, such as live streaming or virtual reality, to expand your skill set.

Certifications
There are several certifications available for audio visual technicians that can demonstrate their expertise and enhance their professional credentials. Here are some recognized certifications in the field:

• Certified Technology Specialist (CTS): Offered by AVIXA (formerly known as InfoComm International), CTS is a widely recognized certification for audio visual professionals. CTS certification validates knowledge in audio visual systems, including design, installation, operation, and maintenance. There are specialized CTS certifications available, such as CTS-D (Design) for professionals involved in AV system design and CTS-I (Installation) for those specializing in system installation.
• Certified Audiovisual Solutions Provider (CAVSP): This certification, also offered by AVIXA, is intended for companies rather than individuals. CAVSP recognizes companies that employ certified individuals and meet certain performance standards in providing audio visual solutions and services.
• Digital Signage Certified Expert (DSCE): Provided by the Digital Signage Experts Group, the DSCE certification focuses on digital signage technologies and implementation. It covers topics such as content creation, display technologies, software management, and deployment strategies.
• Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE) Certifications: The SBE offers various certifications for broadcast engineers, including the Certified Broadcast Technologist (CBT) and Certified Audio Engineer (CEA) certifications. These certifications specifically target professionals working in broadcasting and cover areas such as audio processing, transmission, and equipment operation.

Helpful Resources
There are various resources available for audio visual technicians to enhance their knowledge, stay updated with industry trends, and access valuable information.

• Infocomm's Sound & Video Contractor: Sound & Video Contractor is a publication focused on audio visual technology, systems integration, and installation. The publication covers industry news, product reviews, case studies, and technology updates. Their website features articles, whitepapers, and helpful resources for audio visual technicians.
• ProSoundWeb: ProSoundWeb is an online community and resource center for professionals in the audio industry, including audio visual technicians. Their website provides articles, forums, tutorials, and product reviews related to audio engineering, live sound, and audio visual technology.
• r/CommercialAV (Commercial AV subreddit): This subreddit is dedicated to discussions, news, and sharing experiences related to commercial audio visual (AV) installations and systems. It serves as a platform for audio visual professionals to connect, ask questions, and share insights.
• Manufacturer Websites: Visit the websites of audio visual equipment manufacturers such as Crestron, Extron, Shure, Yamaha, and others. Manufacturer websites often provide product specifications, user manuals, troubleshooting guides, and software downloads. These resources can be valuable for understanding specific equipment and staying updated with firmware or software updates.
• Local AV Associations and Events: Explore local audio visual associations or organizations in your area. These groups often organize events, seminars, and training sessions specifically for audio visual professionals. Participating in these events can provide networking opportunities, educational sessions, and access to industry experts.
• Online Training Platforms: Websites like LinkedIn Learning, Udemy, and Coursera offer online courses and tutorials on audio visual technology, video production, multimedia software, and related topics. These platforms allow you to learn at your own pace and acquire new skills or deepen existing ones.