The Open Certified Technical Specialist (Open CTS) program is a globally recognized, experience‑based certification for Technical Specialists. It provides an independent, vendor‑neutral assessment of a professional’s skills, knowledge, and real‑world experience across a wide range of technical domains.
With more than 3,000 certified professionals in over 50 countries, Open CTS is one of the most widely adopted and trusted certifications for technical specialists worldwide.
Open CTS is an experience‑based certification. There are no required training courses and no written exams. Candidates demonstrate their competencies through written evidence and a peer review board.
What the Certification Confirms
Open CTS certification verifies that a Technical Specialist has the capabilities required to:
- Apply deep technical expertise within their specialty
- Deliver high‑quality technical solutions and services
- Support critical business and IT operations
- Contribute effectively to project and organizational outcomes
Candidates must demonstrate conformance to the program’s requirements through a structured application and peer interview.
Why Choose Open CTS?
Open CTS is:
- The most trusted independent benchmark for validating Technical Specialist skills and experience
- Peer‑reviewed, ensuring rigorous and objective evaluation
- Vendor‑neutral and globally recognized
- Portable, enabling professionals to carry their credential across roles and organizations
- Used by leading enterprises to assess and develop technical capability
- A proven guide for filling critical technical roles
- An excellent career investment for technical professionals
Certification Levels
Open CTS is available at three levels, reflecting increasing depth of experience, leadership, and professional impact.
Level 1: Certified Technical Specialist
Demonstrates foundational experience and the ability to apply technical skills under guidance.
Level 2: Master Certified Technical Specialist
Demonstrates independent leadership in delivering technical solutions and mentoring others.
Level 3: Distinguished Certified Technical Specialist
Recognized as an industry leader with significant influence, thought leadership, and sustained contributions to the technical profession.
Technical Specialties
The Open CTS program includes a family of technical specialties, allowing candidates to certify in the domain that best reflects their expertise:
- Application Development
- Application Integration
- Business Analysis
- Data Platform
- Data Engineering
- Network Systems
- Packaged Application Implementation
- Product Support
- Security
- Server Systems
- Storage Systems
- Testing
Each specialty has its own set of conformance requirements aligned to the skills and responsibilities of that discipline.
How Certification Works
Open CTS certification is based on evidence of real‑world experience, not exams.
Candidates must:
- Prepare a written application demonstrating conformance to the program’s requirements
- Provide evidence of relevant skills, achievements, and professional contributions
- Participate in a peer review board interview
Successful candidates are awarded certification at the level that matches their demonstrated experience.