The University of Ceramic Tile and Stone (UofCTS) has received endorsement of its core curriculum by the National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA).

As an added benefit for NTCA members, UofCTS online courses will be offered through the NTCA website and individuals who sign up will receive a special membership discount.

Included in the lineup of available courses are Understanding the Basics of Ceramic Tile and Understanding the Basics of Natural Stone that take a comprehensive look at the stone and ceramic tile industry. The courses teach industry standards, technical information about tile and stone and sales techniques, and are designed to give salespeople the tools they need in order to increase sales.

The Tile Installer Thin-set Standards (ITS) Verification course instructs installers, setters and finishers on industry standards and practices, manufacturers' requirements and proper installation methods for tile thin-set applications that apply to ceramic tile, porcelain tile, stone tile, glass tile and other types of adhered tile materials. The course also teaches how to inspect and prepare substrates and tiles, how to achieve full thin-set coverage, and points out quality workmanship requirements and practices. Tile installers who complete the ITS Verification course receive a certificate of completion and must renew it every two years to remain current with industry standards. The ITS course is available in English and in Spanish.

In addition to providing the UofCTS online courses on tile and stone and the ITS Verification course for installers, UofCTS is assisting NTCA in developing other online courses for their new online apprenticeship training program.

Students have 14 days to complete courses, which are accessible online, 24/7.

For more information, visit tile-assn.com.