The Ceramic Tile Education Foundation (CTEF) whose Certified Tile Installer (CTI) program is the only third-party assessment of installer skill and knowledge recognized by the tile industry will promote the value of certification and training for tile installers during TISE – the International Surface Event – 2024 taking place January 24-26, 2024, in Las Vegas, NV.
CTEF can be found in two locations during TISE 2024 (see https://ge24tise.mapyourshow.com/8_0/exhview/index.cfm?selectedBooth=5373):
- In the Tile Letter Pavilion, booth #5373
- In the CTI Certification area adjacent to the Tile Letter Pavilion, and between the Natural Stone Theatre and the TileExpo Theatre
“TISE is such a great opportunity to speak to a wide audience about the value of ceramic tile installation certification and training,” says Brad Denny, Executive Director, CTEF. “We’re excited about showcasing CTEF programming including the hands-on portion of certification and answering questions.”
Focus on CTEF Certification
Sponsored by TEC Specialty Products in Booth #5461, CTEF will offer 12 opportunities to take a free Certified Tile Installer hands-on test, six each on January 24 and 25. Three openings remain for January 25. To pre-register, go to https://www.ceramictilefoundation.org/industry-cti-events. Anyone considering certification in 2024 is encouraged to watch and ask questions.
“Knowing and understanding standards and specifications is key to growing the tile industry,” says Chris Kain, Digital Technical Manager, TEC. “Passing the CTI exam is one of the few opportunities for installers to demonstrate their skills in a measurable way, and I’m proud to represent TEC as we support CTEF and the CTI exam,” he adds.
Given the importance of Spanish-language programming for the tile industry, CTI hands-on tests will be offered in Spanish on January 24. Furthermore, the Spanish version of the CTI hands-on test orientation will be played in the CTEF Booth during TISE. Those with questions about how to enroll Spanish speakers in CTEF certification programming are encouraged to visit.
On January 26, CTEF will have available a CTI hands-on testing module from the previous day for walk-throughs with those interested who can come by, see it, and discuss its details.
At 10 AM and 1 PM, CTEF will present “Successfully Prepared for Testing and My Next Project” to specifically address how to prepare for and succeed in not only the hands-on certification test but also in a tile installation career. “Successfully Prepared for Testing and My Next Project” will examine the test module, highlight the new versions being used in 2024, and how the test relates to the skills tile professionals use every day.
Focus on CTEF Training
As a foundation focused on ceramic tile education, CTEF is proud to have developed new programming to address the demand for education along a tile professional’s career path. More specifically, CTEF has launched the following programs for those serious about the tile trade:
The 100 Level Foundations Series is a one-week program for Apprentices and Finishers. It covers in-depth the components of year one for a ceramic tile tradesperson and includes three components.
The 200 Level Practical Series offers the next step in the tile installation professional’s career and prepares them for the Certified Tile Installer test while focusing on the skills needed to be successful in the field as a full-time installer during years 1-3.
Those interested can learn more during TISE by visiting the CTEF booth #5373.
“These two programs serve the needs of sole proprietors as developmental programs for themselves, as well as for tile installation businesses looking to invest in their employees,” adds Denny.
For more information about CTEF, visit https://www.ceramictilefoundation.org/about-us.
About the Ceramic Tile Education Foundation
The Ceramic Tile Education Foundation (CTEF) provides education and installer certification for professionals working in the ceramic tile and stone industry. Certification programs include the CTEF Certified Tile Installer (CTI) and Advanced Certifications for Tile Installers (ACT) programs which are the only third-party assessments of installer skill and knowledge to be recognized by the tile industry.
CTEF is headquartered in Pendleton, South Carolina, near Clemson University and near the offices of the Tile Council of North America (TCNA). For more information, visit https://www.ceramictilefoundation.org.
