Selecting products, creating schematics and drawings, forming budgets, and developing programming. These are just some of the everyday tasks of an integrated systems designer.
Become ESC-D CertifiedSelecting products, creating schematics and drawings, forming budgets, and developing programming. These are just some of the everyday tasks of an integrated systems designer.
These individuals bridge the gap between the client and the installation professionals, focusing on the overall system design and project completion.
Doing this job requires a specific skillset and an overall high level of technical competence. The ESC-D certification allows individuals to demonstrate that they are qualified and can be trusted for the most senior technical and system design positions at their company. As one the industry’s most highly respected and difficult certifications, this credential represents a significant career milestone for smart home professionals.
For clients and the external stakeholders with whom the designer works closely with, this certification is a great way to further build trust and enhance professional credibility.
Electronic systems designers who are ready to take the CEDIA ESC-D certification should be well-versed in design documentation, project design, needs analysis, and design management.
This certification is for established, career smart home professionals who have a strong technical background and experience designing systems. Most candidates have a minimum of five years of relevant experience.
This certification is the natural next step beyond the IST certification and further assesses a candidate’s ability to apply their understanding of technical concepts and make informed design decisions. The IST is recommended as a prerequisite to the ESC-D but is not required.
The ESC-D exam is 100 multiple choice questions and covers a broad range of topics as defined in the Exam Blueprint. Many questions are based on scenarios which require candidates to use their experience and apply their knowledge to select the best answer.
A passing score of 74% is required to pass the exam and earn the ESC-D professional certification.
CEDIA certified professionals are required to obtain 30 continuing education units (CEUs) in a three-year period to maintain their certification status. CEUs are provided through CEDIA training modules and approved CEU Providers. Please visit the Certification Portal for more details on managing your certifications.
The Designer exam is taken in a proctored environment where candidates have 2 hours to complete the 100 multiple choice questions. No study material is permitted. The passing score is 74% It is a pass or fail exam, but candidates will receive a score report which shows their performance in each of the 4 domains according to the Exam Blueprint.
There are no education or experience prerequisites to take the ESC-D Exam. All candidates must agree to adhere to the Certification Code of Conduct.
The ESC-D is valid for 3 years and can be renewed by earning at least 30 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and completing the code of conduct agreement. Please visit the Certification Portal for more details on managing your certification. To view your transcript and add CEU activities, please go to My Education from within your my.cedia.org account.
When preparing to take your ESC-D exam, we recommend you start by reviewing the exam blueprint to assess your familiarity with the content. Some individuals may feel ready to take the test right away and others may want to pursue additional learning. Below are resources to consider:
The 55-question practice test provides examples of the types of questions on the ESC-D certification exam. Upon completion the test taker will see the results and receive an emailed score report. The practice is not designed to be comprehensive.
After purchasing the exam you will receive an email from CEDIA within 2 business days which includes exam instructions, a voucher and link to the Webassessor portal where you will schedule your exam time and date. There are two options to choose from:
1. Remote Online Proctoring – take the ESC-D exam from the convenience of your own home or business. Learn more about this option in the Certification Portal and from the Kryterion Support page.
2. Local Kryterion Test Centre – There are 1,000+ global test centres and you can browse to locate one near you.
CEDIA Member Exam Fee: $200 USD / £170
Regular Exam Fee: $300 USD / £250
Retest Fee: $125 USD / £100
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