RNS Beta Exam Details
Registration is now open for the RNS Beta exam! Be among the first to earn the new version of this certification during the September 1 – 30 testing period. The Beta exam is discounted to US$50/£39/AU$75.
The purpose of the Beta Exam is for CEDIA to ensure all test questions on the final exam have been validated and meet quality performance standards. To accomplish this, the beta exam follows the updated outline for content, but includes more questions than what will end up on the final version. Candidates are given the opportunity and highly encouraged to leave feedback both during and after the test.
- The Beta Exam is expected to have 230 questions. (compared to 150 on final version)
- Exam questions are either multiple choice or multiple select.
- The testing platform includes a built-in calculator and notepad. No other test-aids or materials are allowed.
- Candidates have up to 4 hours to complete the exam. (compared to 3 for the final version)
- Bathroom breaks are permitted but do count against the test time.
- Drinks are permitted, but food is not allowed in the testing area.
- Candidates can flag and go back and review or change items as they test unless they are taking the online proctored version, which is forward only delivery due to security reasons.
- Candidates will not receive a score until the Beta Exam process is completed and the certification committee has finalized the exam and passing point. This is estimated to be mid-October.
Once Beta Exam results have been gathered, the CEDIA Exam Development Task Force will meet with test development consultants in early October to process the findings and decide the final exam questions. Once that step is completed, all of the beta test exams will be rescored based on the final 150 items selected. At this time Beta exam participants will receive a Pass/Fail message along with a score report broken down the domain level.
How to Register for RNS Beta Exam
- Complete the above application form and pay the discounted exam fee ($50 USD) on the second page after hitting submit.
- CEDIA will process your application within 2 days and send you an email with instructions on setting up a Webassessor Account and scheduling your exam. In that email you will receive a Kryterion scheduling voucher which can be used to register for an exam in either of the following two options:
- 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.
- Local Kryterion Test Center – There are 1,000+ global test centers and you can browse to locate one near you.
Please Note: Due to the length of this exam, a bathroom break is permitted during testing. However, for security reasons, exams taken via remote online proctoring will be delivered in a forward only method where you will be unable to go back and review or change your answers. Exams offered at Kryterion test centers permit a bathroom break and will also allow the option to go back and review your answers before submitting the exam.
- In Webassessor, schedule your exam to take place for any time between September 1-30. The system will allow you to schedule several weeks in advance, or if it is during the beta test window you may find openings on the same day, especially in the remote proctoring option. CEDIA recommends scheduling your exam at least one week in advance. You can reschedule your exam in Webassessor but exams rescheduled within less than 72 hours in advance of the test time will incur an additional fee.
If you are take the RNS Beta Exam at CEDIA Expo, you will purchase the exam from within the Expo registration system and select your time on September 5th or 6th at 8:00a.m, 11:00a.m, or 2:00p.m.
Resources for Exam Preparation
Integrated System Technician Book (Chapters 7)
Advanced Residential Electronic Systems Book (Chapters 10-12)
Securing the Residential Networking Whitepaper
Wi-Fi 6 White Paper
Designing Timing-Aware Networks for AV White Paper
AV-Over-IP Systems
Practice Test
Option 1: RNS Practice Test
Option 2: RNS Practice Test
Information for RNS Certification Holders
Current ESC-N Certification holders are encouraged to participate in the beta exam, but will otherwise transition into the RNS Certification at their renewal cycle provided that they earn the required 30 CEUs within their 3 year period and complete the new Code of Conduct agreement form. Additional instructions for renewal will be sent directly as expiration dates near.
RNS Certification holders are encouraged to share their accomplishment and will receive the following from CEDIA upon earning the certification:
- Certification logos in various formats.
- A unique digital badge from Accredible with options to share or download as a PDF. Learn more about CEDIA’s digital badges here.
- Official printed certificate
- For more tips and information on getting the most out of your certification please download the How to Market Your Certification brochure.
To view and manage your certification please log into cedia.org and go to the My Education page from within your account. This will display all your certifications along with your transcript. As you take classes that are eligible for CEUs, you can add them to your transcript through the CEU Petition Form at the bottom of the Education page.
Please contact certification@cedia.org if you have any questions about your certification period or renewing your certification