Demonstrate mastery of design, installation, and configuration of the home network.
Become RNS Certified
At the heart of every great smart home integration project is a robust, reliable, and secure network. While every integrator should possess basic networking knowledge, the demands of today’s home networks increasingly require technicians to have a deeper knowledge of networking concepts and an advanced skill set.
Integrators with this level of expertise can design, install, configure, troubleshoot, and maintain high performance systems in a residential environment. They have a working knowledge of the OSI model and can select and configure equipment to support residential projects of various sizes and complexity. They understand the nuances of environmental factors on wireless networks and can implement a range of advanced configuration techniques such as VLANS, QoS, and remote access to meet performance and security requirements.
The CEDIA RNS certification is designed to help technicians stand out and be recognized for their competence in this crucial knowledge domain. For individuals, certification is a way to advance their career and increase earnings potential. For integration companies, having employees with specialized certifications is a way to enhance credibility trust and confidence with clients and industry partners.
On November 1, 2024, CEDIA released the updated version Residential Networking Specialist certification. This certification is the result of an extensive revision process including an industry-wide survey and the involvement of over 25 Subject Matter Experts representing integrators and manufacturers from various regions. Click here to learn more about this process and the transition from the previous ESC-N to RNS.
The RNS exam is taken in a proctored environment where candidates have 3 hours to complete 150 multiple choice or multiple select questions. No study materials are permitted. The passing score for the exam is 68% (102 out of 150 questions). It is a pass or fail exam, but candidates will receive a score report which shows their performance in each of the 5 domains according to the Exam Blueprint.
Eligibility for the RNS Exam
There are no prerequisites to take the exam, but CEDIA recommends that individuals have at least three years of related networking experience or the IST certification. All candidates must agree to the terms and conditions listed in the Certification Code of Conduct.
Certification Duration and Renewal
The RNS 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. To view your transcript and add CEU activities, please go to My Education from within your cedia.org account.
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 practice test provides examples of the types of questions on the exam. These sample questions are different from the actual test questions and do not necessarily predict performance.
After purchasing the exam you will receive an email from CEDIA which includes 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:
Regular Exam Fee: US$300 / £250 / AU$450
Retest Fee: US$80 / £60 / AU $120
Please contact CEDIA for emerging market prices.
Emerging Market PricesAdvance your career with CEDIA Residential Networking Specialist certification, the industry-recognized standard for home technology professionals. Demonstrate your expertise in designing and installing reliable, high-performance networks that meet the demands of today's connected homes. With this certification, you'll enhance your skills, increase your earning potential, and gain a competitive edge in the market. Join the ranks of top professionals in the industry and take your career to the next level.
Get RNS Certified