The History of CTEF
The Ceramic Tile Education Foundation (CTEF) was established in 1996 at the urging of the Tile Council of North America (TCNA) to meet a critical industry need: a national, nonprofit organization dedicated to unbiased ceramic tile education and installer certification.
Leading organizations including the National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA), Ceramic Tile Distributors Association (CTDA), Ceramic Tiles of Italy, and Tile of Spain recognized that without a strong educational foundation, growth in the U.S. tile market would be stifled by an ever-widening skills gap.
At the time, existing tile education programs were either outdated or proprietary in nature, leaving the industry without a standardized approach to training. With support from Coverings Tile & Stone Exposition and other generous partners, CTEF began building its own curriculum from the ground up — courses designed to advance both the craft and the professionalism of tile installation.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, CTEF’s mission has always been clear: provide accessible, method-based education rooted in ANSI standards and the TCNA Handbook, while validating installer skill and knowledge through third-party certification.
From Pendleton, SC to Nashville, TN: A Strategic Move
Originally housed inside TCNA's facility — in what is now the IPA Lab — CTEF expanded into a purpose-built training center in Pendleton, South Carolina, where it served as a hub for hands-on learning, installer certification, and industry manufacturer training programs from 2000 to 2025.
To better serve a national audience and be closer to the heart of U.S. tile manufacturing, CTEF relocated in early 2025 to Mount Juliet, Tennessee, just east of Nashville.
New Flagship Training Facility – Mount Juliet, TN
Situated less than 20 minutes from Nashville International Airport off I-40 East, the new CTEF training center features a modern classroom, a versatile installation area with modular practice stations, and access to nearby manufacturer tours.
Students receive immersive hands-on experience with real-world installation challenges, while deepening their understanding of tile methods, ANSI standards, and product guidelines through team-based learning.
The Nashville-area location also makes it easier than ever for industry manufacturers and partner organizations to host private training events, collaborate on program development, and offer continuing education in a vibrant, accessible region.
Northeast Hub – Egg Harbor City, NJ
Thanks to the generosity of Tom Ade, founder of the NTCA Tom Ade Scholarship, CTEF also operates a second training facility in Egg Harbor City, New Jersey. Located just 20 minutes from Atlantic City International Airport and a short train ride from Philadelphia, this location serves tile professionals across the Northeast corridor.
Its historic charm and proximity to lodging, restaurants, and transit options make it an ideal destination for learners seeking high-impact education in a welcoming, small-town setting.
A Legacy of Support, A Future of Growth
The strength of CTEF lies not only in its programs, but in the people and partners who make them possible:
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The TCNA and NTCA continue to guide CTEF’s mission and ensure its programs remain affordable and impactful.
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Manufacturers and donors across the industry provide generous material and financial support.
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CTEF Volunteers, CTEF Evaluators, and CTEF Teachers extend CTEF’s reach across the U.S., making certification accessible to installers in a wide range of regions.
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CTEF’s Board of Directors offers leadership rooted in real-world tile expertise, advocating for nonprofit, nonproprietary training that elevates the trade.
Contact CTEF!
Don't hesitate to reach out! Contact us or call CTEF to become tile certified and/or to participate in tile installation training programs.