CEDIA has revealed that its Integrated Systems Technician (IST) certification has earned third-party accreditation certification in accordance with the global ISO/IEC 17024:2012, General Requirements for Bodies Operating Certification of Persons.
The IST certification is CEDIA’s second ISO/IEC 17024-accredited standard, joining the Cabling and Infrastructure Technician (CIT) which became accredited at the beginning of this year.
The accredited certifications obtained by CEDIA demonstrates that the custom integration industry is a clearly defined profession with rigorous, widely accepted criteria for competency. The conformance process was overseen by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB), a wholly owned subsidiary of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
“Certification is where CEDIA’s advocacy and workforce development efforts meet,” said David Whitney, senior director of Certification at CEDIA. “As these globally accredited certifications gain adoption and recognition, we strengthen the position of the whole smart home industry.”
CEDIA’s IST certification will recognise experience integration technicians who can perform the full scope of pre-wire (first fix) and trim-out (second fix), including system testing and troubleshooting. IST-certified individuals will have a broad range of essential technical skills, up to date knowledge of standards and recommended practices, and strong conceptual foundations.
The certification builds on the foundational knowledge encompassed by the CIT exam and serves as the basis for CEDIA’s advanced certifications and curriculum. Holding an IST certification indicates that an individual is experienced, competent, and committed to professional development and ethics.
All current IST certifications are now ISO/IEC 17024 accredited. Holders of the previous generation technician certification, the ESC-T, can transition to the IST during their next renewal period. Current ESC-T holders must earn 30 Continuing Education Units, submit a renewal application, and signed code of conduct agreement to transition to the IST. Renewal application fees will be waived for those transitioning from the ESC-T.
Those who do not yet hold an IST or ESC-T must complete two prerequisites before taking the IST exam: they must have at least one year of industry experience, and they must hold a CIT or equivalent certification.
A wide range of study resources for both CIT and IST certifications are available from CEDIA, including textbooks, online self-paced courses, in-person and hybrid Technician School, and practice tests.