10 exam-style questions with answers and explanations, straight from our 1,050-question bank. Tap an answer to check yourself. When you're ready, take the scored version in the free practice test.
The CTS-I exam has 110 questions and runs 2 hours 30 minutes.
These 10 free CTS-I questions are organized by exam domain, so you can see how each part of the Certified Technology Specialist - Installation (CTS-I) blueprint is tested. Reveal the answer and explanation under each question.
During pre-installation review, an installer finds that the AV signal flow diagram calls for a 98-inch display, while the architect's interior elevation shows a 75-inch display at the same wall location. The mounting substructure has already been installed by the general contractor. What should the installer do FIRST?
Correct answer: B - Submit a Request for Information (RFI) to obtain a documented resolution before proceeding
An installer needs to verify the exact location of ceiling-mounted loudspeakers relative to HVAC diffusers, sprinkler heads, and lighting fixtures before rough-in. Which drawing provides this information MOST directly?
Correct answer: A - The reflected ceiling plan
Equipment is delivered to the jobsite. As the installer unpacks a power amplifier, they notice a dented chassis corner, though the unit powers on and passes a basic signal test. What is the MOST appropriate action?
Correct answer: A - Document the damage with photographs and report it per the project's damage-claim process
Midway through installation, the client's facilities manager stops by and asks the lead installer to add two extra ceiling speakers in an adjacent corridor, saying it will 'only take an hour.' The speakers are not shown in the contract documents. What should the installer do?
Correct answer: D - Direct the request through the project manager so it can be processed as a change order
An installer arrives to find that the electrical contractor has run 120 VAC branch circuit conductors through the same cable tray designated on the AV drawings for balanced audio and control cabling. What is the PRIMARY technical concern the installer should raise?
Correct answer: D - Induced electromagnetic interference degrading the audio and control signal quality
An installer is pulling Cat6a UTP through a long conduit run with several bends. The pull becomes difficult, so a helper wraps the cable around their hands and pulls harder to free it. Per ANSI/TIA-568 installation requirements, what is the MAXIMUM pulling tension permitted on a four-pair UTP cable?
Correct answer: B - 25 lbf
A ceiling cavity above a suspended ceiling is used by the building's HVAC system as a return-air path. Which cable rating is required for AV communications cable run freely (not in conduit) through this space?
Correct answer: A - CMP (plenum)
While dressing cable into a J-hook, an installer bends a Cat6 U/UTP cable with a 0.25 in outer diameter around a sharp 90-degree corner with a radius of roughly 0.5 in. What is the MOST likely consequence?
Correct answer: B - The bend violates the minimum bend radius, degrading NEXT and return loss performance
An 84 lb flat panel display will be installed on a wall mount weighing 26 lb. Project documentation requires a 5:1 safety factor for the supporting structure. What MINIMUM load capacity must the substructure be rated to support?
Correct answer: C - 550 lb
A 70 V distributed loudspeaker system has 12 ceiling loudspeakers tapped at 8 W and 4 pendant loudspeakers tapped at 16 W. Following common practice of limiting the summed taps to 80% of amplifier rated power, what is the MINIMUM amplifier power rating required?
Correct answer: C - 200 W
The CTS-I exam also covers these domains. Drill them in the full free practice test:
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