ensure maximum structural integrity, Acoustical For more than 30 years, AVIXA has administered the terms Dealer, Contractor and Integrator
and AVL System Consultants will know how the Certified Technology Specialist program, are sometimes used interchangeably. Dealers
to design the most effective AVL system to fit which is generally recognized as a leading AV can always sell, but may also provide system
within a given space and to meet the needs of professional credential. design and installation services. Contractors
your congregation.
by definition provide installation labor, but they
According to AVIXA, AVL system consultants may also be a dealer of several product lines.
A good short definition of a ‘consultant’ is an perform the following tasks: Integrators specialize in integrating different
individual or a firm that sells their expertise. • Assesses client needs technical system components, but could also
As with most service offerings, the scale of • Designs AV systems be a dealer and an installing contractor. Clear
a consulting operation can vary quite a lot. • Prepares AV design documents as mud?
Some states do require a business license for • Coordinates and collaborates with other consultants, but not all. Industry certifications professionals to create AV systems that Perhaps rather than getting too caught up on
are a good way to validate at least a baseline satisfy client requirements what a particular business is called, it is best
level of expertise with acoustical and audio
system consultants, so check to see if they have
to get clear on which service (or services) they
DEALERS, CONTRACTORS, INTEGRATORS
an AVIXA Certified Technology Specialist (CTS)
credential or a similar professional designation.
offer — selling products, providing installation
labor, or integrating the various systems
The terminology can get a bit fuzzy here as
October 2019
together. You’ll likely need all three of these
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