CEDIA Member: $200

Non-member - $300

Retest - $125

150 multiple choice questions. 3 hours to complete. An onscreen calculator and notepad are provided.

Candidates must meet ALL the below criteria:

• Agree to the terms and conditions listed in the CEDIA Certification Code of Conduct.
• Actively hold the Cabling & Infrastructure Technician (CIT) certification or equivalent certification. View the IST Candidate Handbook for details.
  
• Have verified experience installing integrated systems meeting at least one of the following criteria.
1. One year of direct work experience – Experience is verified by a reference such as a supervisor, business owner, HR Manager, or product supplier. Verification can also be in the form of redacted documentation such as performance reviews, tax statements or client referrals.
2. Completed education program – Courseware must address each of the six knowledge domains and be at least 60 hours in length with at least 15 of the hours being supervised, hands-on activities.

At least one year of experience is required, but first-time earners frequently have a few years of experience. This certification is actively held by technicians throughout their career who maintain their knowledge and skill level by earning CEUs.

The IST Certification is valid for 3 years and is renewed by completing either of the following options:

• Option 1: Continual Learning
• Earn 30 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) from relevant education and industry engagement activities.
• Submit renewal application, $60 renewal fee, and code of conduct agreement.
• Option 2: Retesting
• Pass the most resent version of the Exam
• Submit renewal application, $125 retesting & renewal fee, and code of conduct agreement.

Please view the  IST Candidate Handbook for a chart of CEU activities instructions for submission.

The IST is renamed, newer version of the ESC-T but retains the same target level and general scope. Along with an updated exam, new policies apply to the IST. Current ESC-T holders will continue to be recognized as holding the ESC-T certification through the end of their current period and have two options to transition to IST.

Option 1: Continual Learning & Recent Work Experience

Before the end of their current certification period, certificants must:

1. Earn the required 30 CEUs. View your current certification transcript under your CEDIA profile and use the Submit CEU Form to add additional classes you have attended.
2. Agree to the new terms and conditions listed in the CEDIA Certification Code of Conduct. This is done by filling out the ESC-T/IST Renewal Application Form (Option 1- CEUs) 
3. Provide evidence of relevant, on the job work experience in at least two of the last three years. Experience is verified by a reference such as a supervisor, business partner, HR Manager or product supplier. The above renewal application form will ask you to list the refence and they will be sent this brief online form to complete. For quicker processing, you can also send this link to your reference in advance of submitting the renewal application so that it is already on file.  

Option 2: Retesting

At any time, ESC-T certificants may also chose to:

1. Take the latest version of the IST. The exam will be offered at the discounted retest price of $125. Individuals who choose to retest but do not pass cannot switch back to Renewal Option 1. They must earn recertification by passing the exam. Regular testing policies apply which allow the exam to be taken up to three times in a year.
2. Agree to the new the terms and conditions listed in the CEDIA Certification Code of Conduct. Contact certification@cedia.org if you want to chose this option and you will be provided with a discounted voucher and renewal application form. 

1. Review the full IST exam blueprint and assess your familiarity with the content. Pay attention to which sections are weighted more heavily on the exam. Are there areas where you are more experienced or have received training? Be honest with your experience and this self-assessment to guide your focus for further study.
2. Pursue additional learning as needed. There are many ways to build your knowledge and skills including self-study, job experience, and courses delivered online or in-person. Choose a method of study that fits your learning style and is suited to your needs.

Reference Materials – Candidates are encouraged to review the following list of references:

• Integrated Systems Technician Textbook (First Edition, 2021)
• Infrastructure Cabling for Voice, Data and Video White Paper (2019)
• CEDIA HDMI 2.1 Technology for Integrators White Paper (2020)
• ANSI/TIA-570-D Residential Telecommunications Infrastructure Standard (2018)
• ANSI/TIA-606-C Cable Labeling Standard (2017)

Practice Test – CEDIA has created a free test with sample IST questions that candidates can use to simulate an exam environment.

NOTE: This practice test in no way guarantees success on the official IST exam. Individuals typically rate the practice test as easier than the exam. It includes questions from each of the various exam domains but is not comprehensive. No questions from this practice test are used on the official exam and encountering a question on this practice test does not guarantee a similar question on the exam.

To guide your preparation, please use your Practice Test results in tandem with the IST Exam Blueprint which includes the complete list of topics found on the IST Exam. You may also reach out to certification@cedia.org for guidance.

• IST Practice Test – Results are displayed by domain and emailed to candidate.
• IST Practice Test + Answers – Results are displayed by domain and answers are provided for each question at the end of the exam. Results cannot be emailed.

Training Courses

• Integrated Systems Technician Learning Pathway (online, self-paced)
• CEDIA Integrated Systems Technician School (in-person and hybrid options)
  
• Internal training programs or on-the-job training programs with an integration company
• Technical schools with a low-voltage or electronic systems technician track
• Classes taught by equipment manufacturers or other industry companies which may include topics relevant to the IST blueprint.

NOTE: You are not required to take any courses before taking your exam. The list of references and study materials is not intended to be comprehensive, and CEDIA does not guarantee success on exams if a candidate studies using CEDIA resources or training materials. View the Certification Commission’s statement of Impartiality regarding Training here.

Please view the full IST Exam Blueprint for the complete list of knowledge and skills covered.

1. Project Process (9%)
1. Project Management
2. Project Documentation
3. Stakeholder Communication
2. Infrastructure (10%)
1. Codes & Regulations
2. Pre-Wire (First Fix) Phase
3. Trim-Out (Second Fix) Phase
4. Retrofit Considerations
3. Equipment Installation (17%)
1. Installation Practices
2. Racks and Cabinets
3. Cameras
4. Speakers
5. Displays
6. Projectors
7. Power Management Devices
4. Communication Systems (17%)
1. Telephony
2. Data Network
3. Terrestrial Antenna, Cable & Satellite, and (RF) TV Systems
5. Integrated Systems (35%)
1. Audio
2. Video
3. Home Theater/Media Room
4. Control
5. Lighting
6. Security
7. Other Sub-Systems
6. System Verification & Testing (12%)
1. Testing
2. Verify System Performance
3. Review Installed Systems

1. Purchase voucher. Follow this link to purchase an exam voucher. You will receive an email with the voucher, voucher redemption link and instructions.
   
   
2. Redeem voucher and complete application form. This step must be completed by the person taking the exam. Upon hitting submit on the voucher redemption page the candidate will complete the application and code of conduct agreement form. Keep in mind that proof of work experience (i.e. reference) is required and will be asked for on the application form. The IST Candidate Handbook PDF includes a reference form that you can get signed by your reference and upload on the application form. You may also send your reference link to complete this form digitally.
   
   After your application has been accepted by CEDIA you will receive an email with a Kryterion voucher, instructions, and link to Webassessor.
   
   Candidates taking their exam at CEDIA Expo will only need to complete the IST application form and do not need to worry about setting up a Kryterion Webassessor account as this will be done for them. They do also not need to worry about further schedule as their exam time at Expo is selected during the registration and purchase process. Exam times at EXPO can be changed by logging back in the EXPO registration account.
   
   
3. Schedule exam with Kryterion using their Webassessor platform. The testing slots fill up many days in advance so please schedule in advance to get your desired time. Using the link provided in the email you can log into Webassessor and select your method of exam and schedule a specific time. You have two options or testing:
   1. Kryterion’s Remote Online Proctoring System – Click here for details about you can take the exam from your own home our business. CEDIA recommends using this option for the most flexible scheduling, convenience, and security during COVID-19.
   2. Kryterion’s Local Test Centers – There are 1000+ locations around the globe and you can browse to locate one near you.