about on-the-job training for floor- ing installers and tile and marble setters, adding that some flooring installers and tile and marble setters learn their trade via a two-to –four year apprenticeship. “This instruction may include mathematics, building code requirements, safety and first-aid practices, and blueprint reading,” the section states. “After complet- ing an apprenticeship program, flooring installers and tile and mar- ble setters are considered to be journey workers and may perform duties on their own.” And certification programs figure prominently in the BLS’s Certification section, which names industry programs that test installer and setter skills and offer certifica- tion credentials. At the top of the list is the Ceramic Tile Education Foundation and the Certified Tile Installer (CTI) certification, and the Advanced Certifications for Tile Installers (ACT) program and requirements for taking the exam: “Certification requirements include passing both an exam and a field test,” the site states. “Workers must also have either completed a qualified apprenticeship program or earned the CTI Certification to qual- ify for testing. The program offers certifications in seven specific areas of tile installation: • Grouts • Large-format tile and substrate preparation • Membranes • Mortar (mud) floors • Mortar (mud) walls • Shower receptors • Thin porcelain tile.” The site also names voluntary certification programs for floor fin- ishers and sanders by the NWFA, CFI’s certification for flooring and tile installers and the INSTALL comprehensive flooring certifica- tion program for flooring and tile installers. Important qualities that flooring installers and tile and marble set- ters need to exhibit are also listed, which include: color vision, cus- tomer-service skills, detail orient- ed, math skills, physical stamina and physical strength. So while it is true that anyone can enter the field without formal train- ing, there is more than a nod given to certification programs, skill cre- dentialing for skills of installers and setters and specialized qualities that enable them to execute their jobs. “These products are not meant to be put in by an untrained work- force,” said Bart Bettiga, NTCA Executive Director. “Tile and stone are most often selected because they are considered to be a permanent finish. For this to be the case, we need to have a highly trained and highly compensated workforce. “For the past several years, the NTCA has been developing its Bart Bettiga ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– BUSINESS TIP TileLetter | June 2018 37