Installers Now Can Complete Written Test Online; Hands-On Test Takes Only One Day

The Ceramic Tile Education Foundation (CTEF) has recently modified its Certified Tile Installer (CTI) testing program to reduce the time away from the jobsite for participating tile and stone installers and contractors.      

The CTI program provides a means for good, knowledgeable installers to verify their skills and promote themselves to potential clients and employers. Certification enables professional installers to provide industry-recognized proof of their abilities and secure more work. In addition, language was recently approved for inclusion in the upcoming TCNA Handbook for Ceramic, Glass, and Stone Tile Installation that recommends including the use of qualified labor in specifications.

CTEF now administers the written portion of the exam online at the installer’s home for the ease and convenience of participants and to better fit their schedules.  The hands-on test, which previously took two days to complete, has now been compressed into a one-day exam.

“The combination of these new test developments places the installer back on the job more quickly, and means fewer missed money-making opportunities,” said Scott Carothers, CTEF executive director.

Those attending Coverings will have an opportunity to complete the hands-on test during the show. CTEF will again conduct the CTI hands-on test on the Coverings show floor Tuesday April 17th in booth # 963 which is adjacent to the Installation Designer Showcase in the rear of the hall.  

This is the fifth consecutive CTI test administered at the Coverings show. The CTEF booth #970 is located next to the CTI test space to provide attendees with the features of the program and benefits of becoming a CTI.

New CTIs are listed in the CTEF Directory of Certified Tile Installers which is included on the CTEF website and upcoming TCNA Handbook for Ceramic, Glass, and Stone Tile Installation.

Installers who pass the written and hands-on exams receive a certificate, an identification card, and, most importantly, marketing materials developed by CTEF. For example, certified installers may display the CTI logo on business cards, vehicles, and clothing. Additionally, CTEF provides promotional brochures that encourage consumers and general contractors/builders to use certified installers. Certification is the validation of the skills and knowledge of the men and women who presently are installing tile successfully in the United States. 

Any installer may take the Certified Tile Installer (CTI) exams if he or she has at least two years of verifiable experience as the lead installer setting ceramic tile on a full-time basis. Experience as a helper, improver, grouter, finisher, etc., does not qualify toward the two-year requirement. The CTI designation identifies the professional installer who has reached a level of proficiency to independently and consistently produce a sound tile installation that displays good workmanship.

For those who are not installing tile on a full-time basis, the two-year requirement applies, though more total years of installation are required to make up for the percentage of time not setting tile. For example, an installer who installs ceramic tile about 1/3% of the time must have six years of this experience. Again, experience is defined as having full responsibility for substrate prep, layout, coordinating with other trades along with properly installing tile and underlayment materials.

While we encourage all qualified and interested individuals to take advantage of the certification program, we offer a friendly caution to those who have been setting tile for the minimum amount of time. In order to maintain the integrity of our certification, CTEF evaluators require strict attention to even the smallest of details. The installer must prove he or she can competently execute all phases of installation and consistently produce finished work that is functionally sound and exhibits a high level of workmanship that will satisfy the most discriminating clients. Our grading procedure allows very little latitude for technical errors or aesthetic flaws, as we pledge to uphold certification as a meaningful symbol that consumers can trust. Typically, three to five years of tile setting experience is required to attain the knowledge and skills required.

To further help determine if you qualify, please see descriptions of the technical proficiency exam and the evaluation score sheet. Additionally, a CTEF certification evaluator will be happy to further discuss these entrance requirements to help determine your eligibility. 

The hands-on portion of the testing is generally taken at a warehouse facility of a product manufacturer, distributor, or contractor. In selected cases, a contractor seeking to certify multiple individuals may be eligible to arrange for on-the-job certification testing, at the discretion of CTEF.

For more information about CTEF and the CTI program, visit www.tilecareer.com/Certification.htm, or contact Scott Carothers at (864) 222-2131, scott@tilecareer.com.