Hear Why the Ceramic Tile Industry Values Certification

Ceramic Tile Education Foundation (CTEF)

The Certified Tile Installer (CTI ) Program is a National Standard for Tile Installation to ensure that ceramic tile gets installed correctly the first time.  Read what members of the tile industry say about installation certification.

 

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Tile Industry Materials Supplier Russ Gaetano says,

ARDEX is fully committed to proper installation techniques, training, and education of Tile Installation Professionals. 

As you know, we are based in Germany. The trades in Germany require installers to be certified from Apprentice up through Master Craftsman in their trade. Their skill level demands the best products and technology. In the Americas, we have a wide gambit of skills and no way for homeowners, building owners, property managers, etc. to know the skill level of an installer outside of known references. We fully support the CTI Program and ongoing training/education.

ARDEX has established ARDEX Academy training facilities at each of our manufacturing locations. We continue to expand with future sites in Canada and Mexico.  At pre-pandemic levels, 10,000+ professionals were trained at an ARDEX Academy location. In addition, ARDEX Sales and Technical Services Professionals conduct hundreds of in-field trainings annually at contractor and distributor locations.

ARDEX aligns with the committed installation professional and we provide innovative technology formulated to make their work easier, faster, and more reliable, and it is fully supported and backed by ARDEX.  We feel that CTEF aligns with our mission and commitment to excellence.

Russ Gaetano
Senior Marketing Manager Tile & Stone Installation Systems; ARDEX Americas

Certified Tile Installer Mike Corona says,

You don't become a tile installer or a business owner overnight. It takes time, enthusiasm, pride, reliability, respectfulness, a willingness to learn, and dedication.

No two jobs are the same; each one has its own unique nuances. As a qualified installer, you need to be able to communicate how to deal with those nuances and qualify yourself to not only meet but exceed expectations. 

Being qualified will exponentially increase your value and you will have endless opportunities.

Mike Corona CTI #923
Corona Marble and Tile

Tile Distributor Brian Knies explains,

As an importer, distributor and retailer, we don't do tile installation. We rely on independent contractors to install all the tile we sell.

Programs like this educate our contractor base so things get installed properly and the homeowners are happy with the installation for many years to come, not just right after it's done.

Brian Knies
Tile America

Tile Contractor Dan Welch states,

Having each of my installers become Certified Tile Installers was the single biggest thing I could do to prove to homeowners and architects and designers that my company offers true craftsmanship and the ability to perform something that will last a lifetime.

Dan Welch, CTI #1
Welch Tile & Marble

Tile Industry Trade Association President Bart Bettiga says,

Tile installation is an unregulated trade with no requirements for formalized training.

The CTI program tests knowledge and skills to determine if tile installers understand industry standards, whether they are current and up-to-date on best practices and the correct way to install tile.

It provides consumers with a method for selecting a tile installer who will meet their needs and install tile properly the first time.

Bart Bettiga
NTCA Executive Director

Tile Industry Manufacturer Art Mintie explains,

The end beneficiary of tile installation certification is the end-user - the homeowner, the building owner.

They get a stamp of approval from an installer who has gone through an educational process and are getting the best quality work possible.

The entire tile industry embraces the CTI program.

Art Mintie
Laticrete

 

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Download CTEF's 3 Tip Sheets for Selecting a Tile Installation Contractor

We've created 3 Tip Sheets to help you evaluate what's important for selecting the right tile installation professional for your project - whether you are a homeowner, an architect or a designer or a retailer looking for advice to offer customers.

Download CTEF's Tip Sheets for Selecting a Tile Installation Contractor

  • What to Look for When Hiring a Quality Tile Installer lists the questions to ask when you check references.
  • 9 Requirements of a Quality Tile Installation helps you identify the best practices quality installers embrace.
  • When to Avoid Hiring a Tile Installer: 10 Warning Signs lets you know when to look elsewhere for an expert tile installation professional.

To download the 3 Tip Sheets, simply complete the form.

Complete this form to download the 3 Tip Sheets from the Ceramic Tile Education Foundation.