What’s your current role and how did you start working in the live events /AV industry?
I am currently working as a Senior Audio Engineer at PRG Event Services Middle East, based in Dubai. I began my journey in live sound reinforcement with Sound.com Pvt. Ltd. in Mumbai, India where I worked from 2014 to 2017. After that, I worked on cruise ships until last year, before starting my current role in PRG Middle East.
What inspired you to pursue the CTS certification and how did it align with your career goals?
I cleared my CTS certification in July 2021 during the pandemic. I had always wanted to study for the CTS and take the exam, but due to the nature of my work in the live events industry, I rarely had enough uninterrupted time to prepare. The shutdown during that period provided the perfect opportunity to learn something new, update my skills, and make productive use of the downtime. Earning the certification helped me understand the step-by-step process of creating an AV solution—from initial design to implementation and the support systems needed to ensure it functions perfectly, whether for a one-time event or over the long term.
In what ways has the CTS certification helped you in your current role or in your professional journey overall?
As technology continues to evolve rapidly, it’s essential to stay up to date with the latest developments. The CTS certification provided me with a solid foundation and guided me in the right direction toward my specific area of interest, saving me time and effort in figuring out where and how to begin.
Can you provide an example of a project where your CTS knowledge directly contributed to its success?
In live sound reinforcement, we work with a lot of heavy equipment, including line array speakers. Knowing the safe working load limits, following proper rigging procedures, and using the right accessories is essential for both safety and efficiency. These practices really help streamline the setup process. On top of that, skills like calculating power consumption, applying basic math come into play constantly on site—they’re small details, but they make a big difference in keeping everything running smoothly.
What role do you believe CTS-certified professionals play in advancing industry standards and best practices?
With the heap of hands-on technology available right now, what we need is consistency and ease of operations while adhering to the industry standards. CTS-certified professionals can be instrumental in elevating the AV industry by enforcing quality standards and keep the consistency
Are you considering pursuing further certifications, such as CTS-D or CTS-I?
Yes. I already hold CTS-I and I'm planning to study for ANP and CTS-D during off season.
What advice would you give to someone contemplating the CTS certification today?
Whether you’re a fresher or an experienced professional, you will definitely find things in the course that will help you in your day-to-day work life. These could be small or big details, but sometimes it’s the small details that make you stand out as a professional and make a difference. I strongly recommend it to anyone starting out in the AV industry.
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