Senior Technician Certification

Start Your IST Online Application

IST Renewal Application

Provides an exam voucher for use on CEDIA.org.


This certification represents a technician who can work independently to perform all functions related to the pre-wire (First Fix) and trim-out (Second Fix) phases of a project including troubleshooting common errors and verifying system functionality.

Certified technicians follow best practices to properly mount and install a wide range of home technology equipment in racks and throughout a residence. They understand the basic concepts of how audio, video, and communication and control devices work, and perform the basic configuration of various integrated systems and equipment.

This certification indicates to employers that a person has experience, possesses a broad range of essential technical skills, and is able to pursue more specialized and advanced training on specific technology systems.

The CEDIA Certified Integrated System Technician (IST) is accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) as having met the international standard for personnel certification bodies defined by the ISO/IEC 17024 standard.

IST Test Takers Resources

IST Candidate Handbook

IST Exam Blueprint

Once you have submitted your application and it has been approved you received an email from CEDIA with instructions about setting up a Webassessor Account and scheduling your exam through that portal. In that email you will have received a Kryterion scheduling voucher (valid for 3 months) which can be to register for an exam in either of the following two options. 

  1. Remote Online Proctoring – take the exam from the convenience of your own home or business. Learn more about this option in the Remote Proctoring information page and from the Kryterion Support page.  
  2. Local Kryterion Test Center – There are 1,000+ global test centers and you can browse to locate one near you.

If you do not pass your IST exam, you may retest. You will receive a link at that time to pay the discounted retest fee of $80/£60. Please contact certification@cedia.org if you have any questions about scheduling or vouchers. 

Information for IST Certification Holders

Once you have passed your exam you will receive the following:

  • Score report email from Webassessor with your exam results by domain. (Immediately)
  • Official email form CEDIA recognizing awarding your certification and providing links to the logos. (within 4 business days)
  • Email from Accredible with your specific digital badge link. Learn more about CEDIA’s digital badges here. (within 4 business days)
  • Letter in the mail with your official printed certificate and lapel pin. (within 2 weeks)
  • For more tips and ideas on getting the most out of your certification please download the How to
    Market Your Certification resource
    .

 

 

The IST Job Task Analysis Survey is open now through February 16

CEDIA is currently conducting a survey to ensure that the IST is up-to-date and accurately reflects the knowledge and skills needed on the job. All technicians with at least one year of experience and those familiar with this role are encouraged to participate here.

The survey will take 20-30 minutes and all participants who complete the survey are eligible to be entered into a drawing for a gift card worth $500 (USD) / £400 (GBP). Click here for more information or contact certification@cedia.org.

Any updates made to the IST Exam Blueprint will be published in the weeks following the completion of the survey and incorporated into the exam later in 2026.