industry standards and manufac- turers’ requirements, utilizing the knowledge of industry experts. UofCTS professional instruction- al designers, who have degrees in adult education, organize the course content utilizing the lat- est educational methodologies to maximize learning and reten- tion. UofCTS professional technol- ogy developers utilize the most advanced technology tools to con- vert the instructional designer’s sto- ryboards to professional courses that are not only effective for train- ing, but are interactive and enjoy- able for the student. Once a student is registered for a course they receive automated email notices from the campus to give them instructions on how to access the courses, reminders to complete the courses, a final con- gratulations/passing notice with instructions on how to print their diploma and a link to download a student handout that summarizes the key course content for them to refer to later. The student is given 14 days to complete the five-hour course with 24/7 access. NTCA is encouraging architects, designers, general contractors and manufacturers to require that the professional tile installers on their projects are ITS Verified and/or be a Certified Tile Installer through CTEF to help prevent problems and to incentivize installers to become ITS Verified. NTCA also encour- ages tile installers to become ITS Verified to differentiate themselves as a professional installer or instal- lation company, allowing them to generate more jobs and profit, and to avoid costly problems. NTCA is offering NTCA members special course tuition discounts as another benefit for being a member of the NTCA. NTCA also offers the UofCTS Understanding the Basics of Ceramic Tile course and the UofCTS Understanding the Basics of Natural Stone course that can be purchased on the UofCTS website. Both courses go into depth on how tile and stone are produced, uti- lized, installed, selected and main- tained. The course is taught with a sales emphasis on professional consultative sales techniques and points out key industry standards, which is an ideal course for install- ers, architects, salespeople, design- ers or anyone interested in tile and stone. To watch a short video preview of the Tile Installer ITS course or the other courses to get a preview of what to expect, visit https:// www.tile-assn.com/page/CTS. BUSINESS TIP ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 34 TileLetter | September 2018