The Ceramic Tile Education Foundation (CTEF) is proud to announce the growing number of installers who have been certified through its Certified Tile Installer (CTI) program.

Launched in 2008, the CTI program addresses one of the tile industry’s greatest challenges: providing a way for consumers to identify a skilled and knowledgeable installer. The CTI program also provides a means for installers to verify their skills and promote themselves to potential clients and employers. It is the only nationally-recognized ceramic tile installer certification program that is standards-based and comprehensively evaluates hands-on skills.

Despite the many economic challenges of this recession, the interest level in certification has been phenomenal. At the end of 2008, there were 37 CTIs. In 2009, 256 additional installers became certified, an increase of almost 600% from the previous year! So far in 2010, 57 more installers have been certified, bringing the total number of CTIs to 350 in 25 states.

This is remarkable considering the three consecutive years of double digit declines in U.S. tile consumption.

“The CTI program offers consumers a way to identify skilled and knowledgeable installers, which gives consumers more confidence in choosing ceramic tile over another floor covering,” noted CTEF Executive Director, Scott Carothers. “By encouraging consumers to use only the best-qualified installers, the program will help raise the quality of installations and maintain ceramic tile’s status as the floor covering of choice. This is vital to the health and growth of our industry.”

For more information about CTEF or the CTI program, visit www.tilecareer.com or contact CTEF at 864-222-2131.

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