The entire team at AV Specialist’s Middle East office (Hassan Ghoul, Kevan Jones and Michele Dwayk) have earned their CTS certification from InfoComm International. The InfoComm International Certified Technology Specialist (CTS) credential is for audiovisual professionals who have demonstrated knowledge and comprehension of the science and technology used in audio, video and display systems. To achieve a CTS credential, individuals must also agree to a code of ethics pledging truth, accuracy and a commitment to excellence in all aspects of their profession.

“About two years ago we partnered with Infocomm International to promote professional standards and industry certification in the Middle East’s fast growing AV industry,” explains AV Specialist publisher, Kevan Jones “and our commitment to those standards is reflected in our own achievements. We’re not just encouraging our industry colleagues to adopt international standards; we’ve adopted them in our own business and proven that our name – AV Specialist – is truly reflective of the skills employed within the magazine.”

AV Specialist’s Arabic editor, Hassan Ghoul, is particularly pleased with the CTS credential. A 25-year veteran of the broadcast industry, Hassan asserts that most people in the broadcast market specialize in a particular subject. “The beauty of the CTS credential is that you’re required to demonstrate knowledge across a broad range of technologies, including audio, video, display and systems,” he says. Hassan asserts that the Infocomm online training programmes are ideal for broadcast and AV professionals in the market. “Over 25 years I’ve learned a lot about the AV industry but in a market where technology evolves so quickly it’s critical to engage in an on-going training programme that keeps you up to date with the developments that are shaping our future.”

Randal A. Lemke, executive director at InfoComm International is particularly pleased with the worldwide adoption of the CTS credential. "As Audiovisual equipment has become more sophisticated, so too has the need for professional services to assure the highest performance levels of communications technologies," he said. The CTS credential is available to individuals involved in all aspects of the AV industry and candidates are required to achieve an 80 percent passing score in a written exam. InfoComm's CTS certification program, offered since 1981, recently secured ANSI/ ISO/ IEC 17024 accreditation and with more than 8,000 certified professionals worldwide, is internationally recognized and supported by the industry.

About InfoComm International

InfoComm International is the international trade association of the professional audiovisual and information communications industries. Established in 1939, InfoComm's members include manufacturers, system integrators, dealers and distributors, independent consultants, programmers, rental and staging companies, end-users and multimedia professionals from more than 70 countries. InfoComm is the leading resource for AV market intelligence and news. Its training and education programmes, along with its Certified Technology Specialist (CTS) and Certified Audiovisual Solutions provider (CAVSP) credentials, 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. Additional information is available at www.infocomm.org.