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What is the CTEF Certified Ceramic Tile Installer (CCTI) program?

The Ceramic Tile Education Foundation (CTEF) initiated an installer certification program in 2008 to provide consumers with a basis of reference when considering tile contractors and installers. Those who carry the CCTI certification have passed written and hands-on examinations developed by tile industry experts with experience in tile industry product and workmanship standards and field installation of tile in both residential and commercial applications. The knowledge and skills represented in the tests are derived from nationally-accepted industry standards: the TCA Handbook for Ceramic Tile Installation, and the American National Standard Specifications for the Installation of Ceramic Tile. The main purpose of these publications is to provide guidelines for the installation of tile with respect to the intended use of the installation and the material used. The standards are developed through a consensus process involving all segments of the industry.

In order to attain the CTEF Certified Tile Installer (CTI) designation, an installer must have at least 2 years of tile-setting experience as a lead installer, and receive a minimum combined score of 85% on the written and hands-on tests, where these components are weighted 25% and 75% respectively. The written exam covers such topics as substrate evaluation and the performance and installation of tile and tile installation materials such as backer boards, bonding mortars, and cementitious grouts. The hands-on test requires the installer to properly install backer board, tile, grout and sealant (caulk) on walls and floors. The installer?s work is evaluated for quality of workmanship, and the installer may not fail any component of the hands-on test to become a CTI.

The testing covers general thin-bed installation requirements in dry and wet areas where the wet area is a tub enclosure or a shower with a prefabricated receptor, for example those made of fiberglass or polyresins. Knowledge of the specific properties and installation requirements of specific materials was not tested. Submerged applications, steam showers, and mortar shower bases (tiled shower floors) are not part of the CTI certification. Likewise, stone and glass tile installations require additional product and installation knowledge not covered, as may any other installation. If more specific information on the materials used or methods tested is required, please contact CTEF.

Although a CTEF Certified Tile Installer has passed the certification exam, that does not guarantee that he or she will provide the same quality of installation required for certification nor perform the work in a manner acceptable to you. It is the responsibility of the project owner and the contractor to reach agreement on the work that will be performed, including but not limited to, the materials and methods that will be used and the quality of workmanship expected. CTEF assumes no responsibility for work performed, offers no guarantees or warranties, either written or implied, as to any installer, work preformed, or workmanship of any installer.

CTEF MAKES NO WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED AS TO ANY PRODUCT, SERVICE OR INSTALLATION WHICH HAS BEEN PROVIDED OR PERFORMED BY A CERTIFIED INSTALLER, INCLUDING ANY WARRANTY AS TO MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND CTEF HEREBY EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL OTHER WARRANTIES; CTEF SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY LOSS, INJURY, CLAIM, LIABILITY, OR DAMAGE OF ANY KIND RESULTING IN ANY WAY FROM ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS, CONTENT, INFORMATION, OPINIONS OR ASSESSMENTS CONTAINED IN THE CERTIFICATION PROGRAM; AND, CTEF SHALL NOT BE LIABLE, IN ANY EVENT, FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, SPECIAL, EXEMPLARY OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES (INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION FOR LOST DATA, LOST PROFITS OR LOSS OF GOODWILL) OF ANY KIND OR NATURE ARISING OUT OF THE CERTIFICATION OF ANY INSTALLER UNDER THE CTEF CERTIFICATION PROGRAM, WHETHER SUCH LIABILITY IS ASSERTED ON THE BASIS OF CONTRACT, TORT, OR OTHERWISE, EVEN IF CTEF HAS BEEN MADE AWARE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH LOSS OR DAMAGE IN ADVANCE.

CTEF does not monitor certified installers nor settle disputes. We do, however, welcome feedback related to your experience with a CTEF Certified Tile Installer (CTI).

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For more information,
contact the Ceramic Tile Education Foundation
at 864-222-2131, or
email us at info@tilecareer.com