How To Become An Audio Visual Technician

Who Is An Audio Visual Technician?
What does an Audio Visual Technician Do?
Audio Visual Technician Skills
Career Outlook of Audio Visual Technician
How to Become an Audio Visual Technician
Good Schools To Undertake A Program In Audio Visual Technician
Frequently Asked Questions
Publisher’s Recommendation
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It’s very necessary to ensure that all audio and visual devices in any setting or gathering are working perfectly. Thus, it is the job of an audio visual technician to ensure that these needs are met.

Although the role of an audio visual technician might sound self-explanatory, it can be difficult to imagine exactly what they do. Is it the same thing as your IT manager? Do they have to specifically focus on audio and visual equipment? If you fixed the speakers in your conference room once, does that makes you an audio visual technician?

All these queries will be answered here and will help you understand the duties of an audio visual technician and all they do. So, carefully go through this page to see all you need to know about an audio visual technician.

Who Is An Audio Visual Technician?

An Audio Visual Technician is someone who operates and maintains audio and visual technology. This person troubleshoots equipment problems, installs a system, and links multiple pieces of hardware together. AV technician and audiovisual technician are synonyms, so use whatever’s easiest for you.

Audio visual technicians set up, operate, maintain and repair equipment used to enhance live events, such as microphones, video recorders, projectors, lighting and sound mixing equipment.

They record meetings and presentations with video cameras, operate spotlights, adjust amplifiers, coordinate graphics used in displays and provide technical support for teleconferences, webinars and distance-learning classes. Technicians may also edit, copy and store videotapes and DVDs, track inventory of equipment and order supplies.

Audio Visual technicians are important to your business’s success, and shouldn’t be grouped into your IT organization. AV technicians are specifically concerned with, you guessed it, audio and visual technology.

An IT manager is generally concerned with equipment related to internet technology. This includes databases, computing equipment, and other internet-based hardware.

What does an Audio Visual Technician Do?

Audio Visual technicians have a variety of job functions. Their responsibilities are primarily to install, maintain, and update technology for an employer. For example, you could be tasked with deciding which TV to install in each conference room to turn it into a smart meeting room.

When you have questions about how to fix a system, they’re also the ones to call. Some also have experience with the software required for these systems.

An Audio Visual technician cares about the quality of the sound and images of the technology used in their offices and meeting rooms. Although the equipment is different at every company, so, they ensure that image quality and sound are always of the highest quality.

Although purchasing teams often decide which Audio Visual systems to pick, they typically don’t have any experience with installing the system. AV technicians have the ability to install the equipment and the knowledge to link it to your current systems.

Audio Visual Technician Skills

Audio Visual technicians should be knowledgeable about the components of AV systems, as well as their installation and maintenance needs. Technicians must use electrical and internet connectivity knowledge to connect with other equipment.

They should also have a good eye for image and sound quality, and detect when something seems off.

Another necessary skill set is excellent interpersonal skills. While technicians are responsible for working with the equipment, they also have to work with the people requesting it. They should be able to interact with employees and describe the problems or solutions that exist.

Any issues that arise can create a high-stress situation for the group that needs a quick solution. A great technician can calm the situation, explain the problem, and fix it quickly. They should be able to provide a list of solutions or workarounds to help in the future is also required.

Career Outlook of Audio Visual Technician

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicted job growth of 12% for audio and video equipment technicians throughout the 2019-2029 decade. In May 2019, the BLS reported an annual median expected salary of $45,910 for audio and video equipment technicians.

They are employed by large corporations, public relations firms, speakers’ bureaus, government agencies and academic institutions throughout the United States.

Audio visual technology professionals with advanced technical skills, including the ability to repair equipment and learn new technology, may have the strongest job prospects.

Receive a postsecondary award or associates degree in audio visual technology.
Enroll in an internship or on-the-job training program.
Develop an area of expertise and interest.
Complete additional certification courses.

1. Receive a Postsecondary Award or Associate Degree in Audio Visual Technology.

Although a college degree isn’t required for an AV technician, it’s best to complete a specialized program in the field before starting. Those hiring an AV technician look for candidates with a postsecondary non-degree award or an associate’s degree with an audio visual concentration.

A postsecondary non-degree award is a form of professional schooling where a certificate or award is given out to show completion instead of a degree. Both of these programs give a good understanding of the technology and industry so you can start your career.

2. Enroll in an Internship or on-the-job Training Program.

The best way to learn in the audio visual industry is by doing. Some companies offer on-the-job training for technicians to learn the ins and outs of the industry before starting full-time.

Places such as community theaters and community access television programs can also be receptive to trade your work for training. They have many pieces of audio and visual equipment and run with the help of others in the community.

3. Develop an area of Expertise and Interest.

Like any other job, you should find an area within the AV industry that interests you or you excel at. Potential subcategories of the industry include broadcast technology, technology installation, and sound engineering.

Think about what type of industry that’s interesting to you and what specifically you enjoy about audio and visual technology.

What type of office environment would you want to work in?
Is there a specific industry you’d want to advance your career with?
Is there a piece of technology you’re great at working with?

Answering some of these questions will get you on the right track to find an area you want to focus on.

4. Complete Additional Certification Courses.

While these aren’t required, companies often want to see experience in other areas. Industry standards and technologies frequently change. With technology and best practices updated so often, it’s essential to be up to date on what you can do. Trade industries like AVIXA offer training and certification in a variety of subject areas.

Some of their certifications include CTS-D which covers AV system design. CTS-I covers the installation of technology, but technicians should complete both. Completing certifications is a great start towards advancing your career and helps you stand out to hiring companies.

Other certifications can be product-specific, such as this one offered by Extron. It’s focused on Extron products for AV technicians with a networking and interfacing focus. It’s also accredited industry-wide, so it’s applicable across various jobs you can take.

With these details in mind, you’ll be well on your way to a career in the Audio Visual technician industry. If you’re looking to set up your meeting rooms, use our tool to learn how to create the ultimate video conferencing setup.

Good Schools To Undertake A Program In Audio Visual Technician

See some schools you can resort to get a good degree in AV technician related programs

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Become an Audio Visual Technician

Receive a postsecondary award or associates degree in audio visual technology.
Enroll in an internship or on-the-job training program.
Develop an area of expertise and interest.
Complete additional certification courses.

Entry-Level Education

You can also become an audiovisual technician through a traineeship in Live Production and Services. Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require a junior secondary school certificate or equivalent.

Sound engineering technicians, also known as audio engineers or sound mixers, assemble and operate sound equipment. They use this equipment to record, synchronize, mix, edit or reproduce music, voices, or sound effects for theatre, video, film, television, podcasts, sporting events, and other productions.

Audiovisual (AV) is electronic media possessing both a sound and a visual component, such as slide-tape presentations, films, television programs, corporate conferencing, church services, and live theatre productions.

7 Audio Visual Technician Skills Audio Visual Companies Need to Prioritize

Strong Communication.
Effective Time Management.
Active Learning.
Critical Thinking.
Professional Customer Service.
Perceptive.
Coordinated.

How To Become An Audio Visual Technician | Job Description, Educational Requirements, Salary, Skills And Training.

Table of Contents

Who Is An Audio Visual Technician?

What does an Audio Visual Technician Do?

Audio Visual Technician Skills

Career Outlook of Audio Visual Technician