How Persistence Helped Doru Meltei Become a Dual CTS Holder
Doru Meltei, CTS-D, CTS-I, is a principal media technology engineer for the prestigious Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar. With his early interest in building sophisticated AV systems, a Bachelor of Science in Computing and Information Systems, and seven years of professional AV experience under his belt, it seemed only logical that he would embark on his CTS journey in 2011. Read on how Meltei not only achieved his CTS – General but has gone on to join the select list of currently five dual CTS holders in Doha and a total of 14 in the Middle East!
Doru Meltei, CTS-D, CTS-I
AVIXA: What was the determining factor for you to take the CTS exam?
Meltei: I learned of the CTS certification path in 2011, when I attended InfoComm in Orlando for the first time. The CTS certification was exactly what I wanted to pursue in order to achieve my desired level of expertise. I had already gained solid professional experience in all domains of AV technology, from audio, video and lighting to control software configuration and development by working on diverse projects. However, it was important for me to back up my practical experience with strong theoretical knowledge through taking training from leading AV education providers such as AVIXA education.
AVIXA: Can you describe your CTS journey?
Meltei: I took the CTS General exam and succeeded in my first attempt, after studying and applying knowledge from the CTS course for well over a year. In 2016, I decided to go for the CTS-D exam, after having attended the CTS-D prep course at InfoComm in Las Vegas and using the CTS-D exam guide. Although I felt that I had enough experience and knowledge, I unfortunately failed my first attempt of the CTS-D exam. It was very disappointing at first, but I didn’t want to give up.
AVIXA: Did you change your approach to study for your second CTS-D exam attempt?
Meltei: Yes, I focused on a broader range of learning materials, including standards, best practices, related online and offline courses, etc. I also stayed in touch with the AVIXA education team for help and guidance. I am happy to say that I passed my second attempt and joined the select group of CTS-D certified AV professionals!
AVIXA: You have since also succeeded in getting your CTS-I and are now a dual-CTS holder …
Meltei: Preparing for the CTS-I right after CTS-D was the right thing for me to do. By now, I already knew how to strategically approach the study. I followed a similar preparation pattern as to the one for my CTS-D. At the same time, I was already “in the zone,” eager to acquire even more knowledge by following this path.
AVIXA: What does it mean to you personally and for your career to be a dual-CTS holder?
Meltei: I am extremely proud to have achieved the dual certification! It has validated my continuous effort to improve myself over the last decade. It also came at the right time in my career: not too early and not too late. I had a solid knowledge foundation that I could build upon.
AVIXA: What advice can you pass on to anyone who is preparing for their CTS?
Meltei: Don’t rush the process. It is better to delay the exam as often as you need, until you are really confident. I find it also important to prepare systematically. This means: Remain focused, consider training courses and apply learned theory in your projects. If you find you lack knowledge in one area, try to improve it.
AVIXA: In your opinion, what are the benefits of the CTS program?
Meltei: Apart from personal gratification, this program is well respected not only within the AV industry. For a professional, it could make all the difference in getting new benefits from an employer. It can also be a determining factor, when bidding for new projects. Getting CTS-certified means that you learn a great deal about all aspects of the AV industry and can consider it a great achievement in your career.
