Be well prepared before making the leap from installing tile to teaching tile installation sponsored by BUSINESS TIP In response to your question of how to move from installing tile to teaching or training tile instal- lation, I would give you two pieces of advice: increase your credentials, and increase your exposure. Increase your credentials There are many ways you can increase your credentials. One way is to become certified as a Certified Tile Installer (CTI) with the Ceramic Tile Education Foundation. After successfully passing the CTI exam, I would suggest taking as many of the ACT (Advanced Certifications for Tile Installers) tests as pos- sible. Complete the online NTCA University courses. Attend as many NTCA and or manufacturer workshops as possible. Investigate training and education offered by your local union hall. The Ceramic Tile Institute also has some train- ing and programs that may benefit you. Increase your exposure To increase your exposure, I would encourage you to attend trade shows, conventions and conferences and network with as many people as possible. A few to attend would be TISE West/Surfaces, Coverings, and Total Solutions Robb Roderick, Technical presenter/ trainer Recently, NTCA trainer/presenter Robb Roderick fielded a question from an installer who was inquiring about the best way to transition from installing tile to teaching or training others in tile installation. Robb’s experienced response follows: Successfully passing the written and hands-on Certified Tile Installer test is an important step to obtaining an impressive set of credentials. 28 TileLetter | February 2018