Certified Tile Installer Hands-On Testing Scheduled for TISE 2017

The Ceramic Tile Education Foundation (CTEF) will be conducting Certified Tile Installer (CTI) hands-on testing on Wednesday, January 18th and Thursday, January 19th, 2017 during The International Surfaces Event (TISE) in Las Vegas, NV. Those who pass the hands-on and the written tests earn the CTI designation.

What is the CTI Program?

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. Certification is the validation of the skills and knowledge of the men and women who presently are installing tile successfully in the United States.

In order to qualify for the CTI Program, installers must have at least two years of experience as the lead installer setting ceramic tile on a full-time basis. This means having full responsibility for substrate prep, layout, coordinating with other trades along with properly installing underlayment, tile, grout and sealant materials.

“The CTI program is strictly a test of the installer’s skills and knowledge; it offers no instructional classes,” says Scott Carothers, director of training and education for CTEF.

“However, many installers who have completed the CTI tests say that studying the written materials was very valuable and assisted in the completion of the hands-on test and that the CTI Manual provided the correct methods for tile installation which may not have been the way they installed tile in the past.”

What does Certified Tile Installer testing consist of?

The CTI program includes two separate tests.

• The first is an online open-book exam which is taken at home or the office as the installer’s schedule allows.
• The second is a hands-on test which is conducted at regional locations across the United States. The hands-on portion of the test begins at 7:09 am and must be completed by 4:00 pm. Installers should arrive at 6:30 am in order to get their tools set up and be ready to start the test at 7:09 am.

Also, the CTEF which sponsors the CTI program, is supported by all segments of the ceramic tile industry. CTEF is headquartered in Pendleton, South Carolina, near Clemson University and in close proximity to the offices of the Tile Council of North America (TCNA).

Moreovver, CTEF provides education and installer certification for professionals working in the ceramic tile and stone industry. The CTEF CTI program is the only third-party assessment of installer skill and knowledge which is recognized by the tile industry.

Further, you can register for the CTI hands-on tests taking place during TISE 2017 here, select the test date of your choice, make your payment, and you will receive study materials.

To learn more, visit CTEF at Booth #7074 during TISE 2017.