CTEF Adds Two New Training and Education Programs

  1. Home
  2. News
  3. CTEF Adds Two New Training and Education Programs
CTEF Adds Two New Training and Education Programs

Pendleton, SC, January 5, 2023-The Ceramic Tile Education Foundation (CTEF) has newly expanded training and education for professionals in the ceramic tile and stone industry for 2023. The new programs address the foundations of tile installation and practical training to prepare installers for the Certified Tile Installer program, as well as an enhanced inspection course and additional sessions of a historically popular program.

CTEF will be offering two new courses to expand the skill and knowledge journey of the tile installer as he or she progresses along a career path. Each individual course will be taught in a one-week span, with back-to-back classes. The individual classes in each level are geared toward having value for all.

The 100 Level Foundations Series is a one-week program for apprentices and finishers. It covers in-depth the components of year one for a ceramic tile tradesperson and includes the following three components:

* Intro to Ceramic Tile (one day, 8 hours) focuses on understanding the History and Overview of the Trade along with how to set up a jobsite.

* Ceramic Tile Finishing (two days, 16 hours) explores with hands-on practice Grouting, Cleaning, and Membranes.

* Advanced Finishing (two days, 16 hours) prepares an apprentice for troweling, measuring, cutting, and repairing so participants return home with an understanding and practice of these essential skills.

Note that by completing the 100 Level Foundations Series, the student may take the ACT Membranes and ACT Grouts hands-on test modules, which can be taken without the prerequisite Certified Tile Installer (CTI) test required for the other seven ACT test modules. 

The first round of 100 Level classes will take place April 3 to 7 and the second on August 7 to 11.

The 200 Level Practical Series offers the next step in the tile installation professional’s career and prepares them for the Certified Tile Installer test while focusing on the skills needed to be successful in the field as a full-time installer during years one to three.

* Installation Big Picture (one day, 8 hours) looks at what it takes to be accurate from prep to finish by examining what the industry standards and methods are, why they exist, and how to meet them.

* Attention to Detail (two days, 16 hours) covers layout and how to be precise with a broad view of construction math and geometry and a close look at how to use that for accuracy in every aspect of the tile assembly.

* Where Did the Time Go? (two days, 16 hours) is an essential study of productivity and techniques to make you more efficient, important qualities for the installer looking to be well organized by using time wisely.

Note that by completing the 200 Level Practical Series, spending time in the field practicing disciplines, and studying the CTEF CTI Manual, the student will be prepared for the CTEF Ceramic Tile Installer knowledge and hands-on tests.

The inaugural 200 Level classes will occur on June 12 to 16 and August 21 to 25.