Coverings is always an inspiring event. Not only do you get to see firsthand the newest tile product introductions, but you also get to experience what makes the tile industry so unique: collaboration with the Ceramic Tile Education Foundation (CTEF) to support the highest standards of tile installation knowledge and experience via the onsite Certified Tile Installer (CTI) hands-on tests.
For 2026, three industry suppliers—Laticrete, QEP, and Schluter—worked with CTEF to ensure that sponsored CTI hands-on testing events would be available during the event. Each sponsored one day, during which approximately eight tile installers per day subjected themselves to installing the toughest 25 sq. ft.
Here are comments from the sponsors and several of the tested installers.
CTI sponsors
Samantha Rothberg, Laticrete
Laticrete has been a committed partner in the tile and stone industry for 70 years. Sponsoring the CTI program is an honor for us to support those installers who have invested in themselves to learn and perfect their skills, which ultimately increases the demand for and value of beautiful tile and stone installations!
We see tremendous value in CTEF and the CTI program. The need for and ability to provide the proper training to flooring contractors allows them to satisfy the homeowner or building owners with a worry-free, problem-free installation, which they desire. This training is critical to achieve that goal and promotes the entire industry.
Laticrete is passionate about this industry and truly cares about the entire ecosystem of tile manufacturers, distributors, dealers, and those contractors who bring it all together, along with our installation materials. Having installers who possess the skills to install in residential and commercial tile and stone applications is really important. They bring out the desired beauty and artistic vision of homeowners and builders/designers alike. We strive together to achieve permanent installations that last!
Sponsorships like this benefit installers and the industry as a whole. More tile installers will increase their expertise and artistry, which enhances the use of and expansion of tile and stone finishes. We hope additional installers see the benefit of gaining such training to promote themselves and the beauty and longevity of tile and stone installations.
Lesley DelPozo, QEP
QEP is a huge advocate for the next generation of installers and a very strong supporter of training and education. What better way to show that than sponsoring the CTI tests at Coverings?
Although taking the CTI test in such a public setting, with their peers watching, obviously makes the test harder, we hope these courageous installers will inspire others to sign up for the test as well.
The installers who push themselves to achieve a coveted CTI number know that they can proudly tell their customers why they are better than their competitors and, in turn, why they deserve the prices quoted for a job. It is a win/win.
On a personal note, people who know me know that installers are my heroes! Being able to support them and watch them grow is an honor.
Shannon Huffstickler, Schluter
Getting certified is one of those things that can really help set you apart, especially in a crowded market. Not every customer is going to focus on certification—some are looking at price, timelines, or other factors—but for the ones who do value it, it builds a lot of confidence. It’s a strong thing to have in your pocket when you’re trying to earn trust and win the right kind of work.
At Schluter, we’ve always believed education is what moves this industry forward. Supporting CTI testing just makes sense for us. It aligns with how we think about growth, skill-building, and raising the overall standard. It’s about giving contractors more opportunities to invest in themselves and stand behind their work with confidence.
*Huffstickler, aka the Schluter Girl, was there during Coverings 2026 to sponsor and support tile installers and put together this video to capture the full CTI hands-on experience.
CTI hopefuls
Marco Castillo
For the first time, members of the Mexican Union of Ceramic Tile Installers (UMCCR AC) have the pleasure of participating in the CTEF CTI certification. The main reason for obtaining certifications like this is to transform the way installers think and to gain experiences that enrich their professional development.
The most challenging part of these events lies in becoming aware of the mistakes we make during installation and improving at an individual level. A crucial aspect is not only the installation itself, but also the value of facing the challenge of evaluating oneself and continuing to grow in this field.
If, for any reason, you fail this test as an installer, that should motivate you to keep preparing for the challenges that may arise in the future.
Matt Frey
This is also a test for myself as well to prove my knowledge and skills as a general contractor and to provide the best for my customers.
We kind of came into this test with blinders on. We concentrated more on the timing portion of the test after watching so many guys not even finish it, so we put extra pressure on ourselves, which was not needed.
If we had worked at our normal pace, we would have had plenty of time to complete the test with a better product. We rushed through a lot of it, and it made us miss measurements and have bad cuts that we had to use due to our rushing everything.
Having a better understanding of the test and the grading portion of it would have helped us concentrate more on the items that needed to be correct, rather than rushing to get a finished product that we had done two hours before it needed to be.
It’s the first time I have been out of my comfort zone in a long time. The pressure cracked me, and it definitely showed in my model. We are all planning to retake the test and are currently coordinating the details with Anna and Sam at Ultimate Flooring. We will definitely give a better product on this one.
We thank you for this experience and this test as it definitely is an eye opener, not only to the tile world but to your personal skills as well.
Robert Manley
I can’t express how thankful I am for this opportunity I had at Coverings this year! You have helped to light the fire and motivation not to give up on getting my CTI certification. I have already RSVP’d to attend MUD 9 expo in October and plan to retake the CTI test at this event!
Miguel Ochoa
I want to be a CTI so I can show it off, promote and advertise my CTI. I want to place it on my business and truck as a good way to bid and get high-end projects.
In my personal experience, not getting there on time is the most challenging part of the test. And I would have to say the last cutting board I chose did not have a gauge. The hands-on test moves forward very quickly.
There were no surprises. Looking back, though, I realize how important being there on time is. I would also probably ask the evaluator more questions before cutting tiles.
Will I retake the test? Yes, 100%. There’s a MUD event that we are planning to attend, where I’m taking my tools and truck, and I’ll actually be there one day before.
Rigo Cortes—now CTI #2069
I’ve been motivated to get my CTI certification since I first heard about it maybe seven or eight years ago. I wanted to have my skills and work certified and to join others who were certified to show my clients and friends that they can have confidence in my abilities and methods, so that their job will be done correctly.
The most challenging part of the test was the physical toll it takes on you. I wouldn’t say the layout was hard. I would say the amount of cutting and setting to do is a lot, and it definitely wears on you as the time you have comes to an end.
What surprised me about the test was even though the area you’re setting seems small … it definitely was the hardest 25 sq. ft. I have ever set! It seems small, but it is hard to do. I finished at 3:58 with two minutes to spare.
What contributed to my success was honestly what Brad (Denny) said at orientation. He said to block out the noise from people watching me and to listen to music to not get distracted, and also to make a plan and stick to it. That’s what I did: I made a plan based on what I felt I needed to get done to finish on time. Looking back, I probably would have timed myself to finish at 3:30 so I could fix any issues I had.
My work family (from Ocean Tile in Hawaii) came to support me, and that’s actually why I took the test at Coverings. My boss, Monique, had this trip planned since November, and she mentioned to me that there would be CTI testing at Coverings. Almost everyone who knows me knew I wanted to take the test, so I signed up, and she actually took us all there, and she got us the shirts to wear that day I took the test. The support I receive from Ocean Tile is amazing!
Josh Derlich
What’s motivating me to become CTI certified is the ability to show my customers I’m a qualified and skilled tile installer.
The most challenging part of the test was the pressure of the Coverings crowd and my judgment on time management. I regrettably rushed too much, worrying about getting finished. I finished with over two hours to spare, which I should have used to better my work.
The test experience was a lot more stressful and much harder than I expected it would be. Looking back, I would have managed my time better and focused more on the details of my work.
I will definitely be retaking the test with the intent to pass. Even if I fail to succeed the next testing time, I’ll try as many times as needed.
If you’d like to become a Certified Tile Installer, you can learn more by clicking here. If you’d like to sponsor a test, please reach out.
About the Certified Tile Installer program
The Certified Tile Installer (CTI) program is a comprehensive testing of the skills and knowledge of experienced tile installers that includes a multiple-choice exam and a hands-on test. Both are based on current industry standards and best practices for producing a sound installation that exhibits good workmanship. The tests, therefore, require that both the observable and non-observable characteristics of a finished installation are executed properly. The Ceramic Tile Education Foundation (CTEF) launched the CTI program in 2008 to provide a means for good, knowledgeable tile installers to verify their skills and promote themselves to potential clients and employers.
About the Ceramic Tile Education Foundation
The Ceramic Tile Education Foundation (CTEF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational institution that offers local, regional, and national training programs for consumers, installers, construction professionals, architects, designers, building inspectors, and sales associates interested in the sale and installation of ceramic tile. CTEF has numerous educational and training courses available covering all facets of tile and the installation process.
 tests at Coverings add even more pressure to "the toughest 25 sq. ft." of tile you'll ever install, but hopefuls and sponsors alike say the experience is valuable.){kind=link}