San Diego, CA, December 16, 2021 – The University of Ceramic Tile and Stone (UofCTS) has provided training to over 1,000 tile installers over the last several years through the UofCTS Online “Tile Installer Thin-set Standards (ITS) Verification” course. Those who have completed the course include union and non-union installers. The ITS course is available in both English and Spanish, so there have been many English speaking installers as well as Spanish speaking installers from around the world who have taken the course. The course is also available in a Canadian version. Also many technical service representatives of manufacturers and distributors, as well as architects and general contractors have taken the course so they can be aware of the current industry installation standards, methods and practices.
The Tile Installer Thin-set Standards (ITS) Verification course instructs installers, setters and finishers on industry standards and practices, manufacturers’ requirements, and proper installation methods for various tile applications that apply to ceramic tile, porcelain tile, stone tile, glass tile and other types of adhered tile materials. The course also teaches how to inspect and prepare substrates and tiles, how to achieve full thinset contact, and points out quality workmanship requirements and practices. This course is also meaningful to architects, general contractors, distributors, manufacturers, consultants, inspectors, and owners that recognize the value of understanding industry installation standards, practices, and methods.
The intent of the course is to teach tile installers, and others, the current installation standards, methods, and practices to avoid installation problems and failures. Industry consensus groups create the standards to avoid reoccurring problems known to the industry. It is critical that tile installers know the standards, so they can avoid the potential problems and the negative advertising consequences that problems bring to the industry and reputations.
With the floor covering industry’s growing concern with the shortage of qualified installers, the UofCTS ITS Verification course is an effective and practical solution to train tile installers in a short amount of time.
Here are a few examples of what you can find in the course. These first modules are found in the Special Tile Application lesson.
- How to Install the Gauged Porcelain Tile Panels/Slabs; known as thin tile panels. The lesson thoroughly reviews the product characteristics, the tools and substrate conditions needed for installing these large tile panels, and the methods for installing these tile panels for both floor and wall applications. It is loaded with photos, video clips and animations demonstrating how to properly install gauged porcelain tile panels.
- How to Construct Tile Showers that includes shower pans, curbless showers, and steam showers.
- How to Install Glass Tile and Mosaics
- How to Install Tile in Swimming Pools and other Water Features.
In addition, other lessons focus on:
- Preparing Substrates — covers the tile layout process and options.
- Tile Installation Methods — reviews the types of tools used and needed in a tile installation.
- Grouting –covers the types of grout and how to install them, including cementitious grouts, pre-mixed grouts, and epoxy grouts. It also shows the different grouting methods from using rubber floats to grout bags.
The UofCTS ITS Verification course takes about five hours to complete. Students have 24/7 access and can come and go as they please during their 14 days of access. Tile Installers who complete and pass the course can use the acronym “ITS” alongside their name designating them as ITS Verified. This verification is good for two years, at which time they need to take the updated ITS Verification course to be up to date on the industry standards and practices, and to retain ITS Verification. Like in any other legitimate professions, tile installers need continued education in order to stay current with changes in the industry, and with the changes in industry standards.
UofCTS also offers other courses that will educate your employees on tile and stone:
- Understanding the Basics of Ceramic Tile
- Understanding the Basics of Natural Stone
- The Complete Guide on Developing Tile & Stone Specifications with Architects.
The Tile and Stone courses teach the basics in terms of terminology, uses, applications, selection, maintenance, and avoiding problems. But they also have a sales emphasis teaching the employee how to professionally interact with their clients. These courses are good for showroom or sales reps as well as for installers, project managers, or architects and designers. The Developing Tile & Stone Specifications with Architects course teaches how to write a “bullet-proof” specification to avoid value engineering, how to develop relationships with architects, and how to track and get the order.
UofCTS Online courses are available through many key organizations in the tile and stone industry, where members receive special discounts. Courses can be purchased through CTDA at www.ctdahome.org, through Fuse Alliance at www.fusealliance.com, through NTCA at www.tile-assn.com, through TTMAC at www.ttmac.com, or at the UofCTS website at www.uofcts.org.
As is clearly understood by successful businesses, the fastest way to increase profits and avoid problems is through education. Once installers or employees are trained, they become more confident, credible, and effective in their jobs. With proper training, there will be fewer costly failures and problems, resulting in more profit and repeat business. The return on your investment is never ending.
To see video previews of each of the courses visit the www.UofCTS.org website at https://uofcts.org/online-courses/. To view the ITS English course go to ITS English Video. To view the ITS English course go to ITS Spanish Video.
Once registered, students have 14 days to complete the course which is accessible online, 24/7. Students can print a personalized certificate when they have passed all lesson assessments with a score of 80% or better. Upon passing the course, the student is provided a link to download a student reference guide that contains all of the key information from that respective course. Volume discounts are available.
The UofCTS is the training division of Ceramic Tile and Stone Consultants (CTaSC) and is committed to developing training programs for the ceramic tile and stone industry utilizing the latest and most effective technology and learning methodologies. Launched in 2003, UofCTS has enjoyed many years of success with trade and design professionals and is the leading online training University for the Tile and Stone Industry.
