The Ceramic Tile Education Foundation (CTEF) has recently modified its Certified Tile Installer (CTI) testing program to reduce the time away from the jobsite for participating tile and stone installers and contractors. Additionally, CTI will be held again this year at Coverings.

The CTI program provides a means for good, knowledgeable installers to verify their skills and promote themselves to potential clients and employers. Certification enables professional installers to provide industry-recognized proof of their abilities and secure more work, according to CTEF.

CTEF now administers the written portion of the exam online at the installer’s home for the ease and convenience of participants and to better fit their schedules. The hands-on test, which previously took two days to complete, has now been compressed into a one-day exam.

"The combination of these new test developments places the installer back on the job more quickly, and means fewer missed money-making opportunities," said Scott Carothers, CTEF executive director.

Those attending Coverings will have an opportunity to complete the hands-on test during the show. CTEF will again conduct the CTI hands-on test on the Coverings show floor, Tuesday, April 17, starting at 7:09 a.m. in booth #963 and continuing until 6 p.m.  It is a one-day test of skills and knowledge, according to CTEF, and not a training event. Interested installers should register atwww.tilecareer.com/Certification.htm.

This is the fifth consecutive CTI test administered at the Coverings show. The CTEF booth #970 is located next to the CTI test space to provide attendees with the features of the program and benefits of becoming a CTI.  

New CTIs are listed in the CTEF Directory of Certified Tile Installers which is included on the CTEF website and upcoming TCNA Handbook for Ceramic, Glass, and Stone Tile Installation.

For more information about CTEF and the CTI program, visitwww.tilecareer.com/Certification.htm,or contact Scott Carothers at (864) 222-2131,scott@tilecareer.com.