What kind of certification is the most helpful to becoming a home theater installer/designer?

Posted by admin in Home Entertainment Q&AJul 17th, 2009 | 4 responses

Read F asked:


I have been installing basic home theater systems for people over the last few years, however I am not certified or fully trained. I worked with Mark Levinson for a while so I picked up a lot, but I would really like to expand my business and get fully certified. What kind of license/certification will prepare me the most for home theater design and installation, and also which will give me the best business opportunities once I've completed my certification?

Thanks for any advice.

4 Responses to “What kind of certification is the most helpful to becoming a home theater installer/designer?”

1. skii_tyme says:

   July 17, 2009 at 4:55 pm

   CEDIA
   They have various levels of certification:
2. bbt91945 says:

   July 19, 2009 at 8:40 pm

   You’ll have to work for a high end video and audio store and then be recommend to go to the CEDIA school ot the THX school. You’ll have to prove to them that this is the job you want for life. If you work for a Mark Levinson, go back to them and see if they will recommend you to the school. If I am correct you have to pay for the school.
3. Wombat says:

   July 19, 2009 at 11:56 pm

   I suspect that presentation and presence counts as much as certification when it comes to success. Play golf with the right people, have an attractive storefront and professional website, be a presence at home shows, work with architects and developers and do installations in show homes and display suites. Persuade local media (print, TV) to feature you as an expert on new entertainment technologies.

   ISF (Imaging Science Foundation) certification is one qualification I’d look for. If it’s less common than CEDIA certification, it may help funnel business your way.
4. cheungshe says:

   July 21, 2009 at 9:11 pm

   Introduce a certification site: