New Tile Installation Certification Developed

Jackson, MS, Jan. 28, 2013 -- Five of the largest organizations representing tile contractors, installers and manufacturers have developed a new certification program.

The formation of the Tile Industry Installers Alliance to develop the certification program was announced earlier in January.
 
Advanced Certifications for Tile Installers— ACT—address four technically-challenging installation areas:  Large Format Tile Installation and Substrate Preparation, Mudwork, Shower Pans and Membranes.  A specific certification will demonstrate the installer’s skill in each of these four segments.

Partners in the development initiative are:  Ceramic Tile Education Foundation (CTEF), providing training and certification for any installer; Tile Contractors Association of America (TCAA), representing IUBAC signatory tile contractors; International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (IUBAC), whose members are skilled tilesetters who have completed multi-year apprenticeship as well as other trained masonry craftworkers; International Masonry Institute, which provides professional and technical training for union masonry contractors, and National Tile Contractors Association, with membership open to all tile contracting companies. Tile Council of North America (TCNA) manufacturer members companies are contributing to development of the modules and tests.

Association leaders will be on hand at Surfaces to explain the new certification program and provide live demonstrations of the proposed skills test.