The Ceramic Tile Education Foundation (CTEF) celebrates the graduation of CTI #2000 from its Certified Tile Installer (CTI) program on May 9, 2025. Alex Ilisei completed the hands-on test at Premier Tile Design Inc. in Detroit, Michigan, earning his certification with a combined score of over 85%. 

Ilisei is a project manager at Premier Tile Design Inc., a full-service family-owned flooring company that services Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, and Indiana. He has 13 years of experience installing and has worked in the office for the last two years. 

The CTI program, first launched in 2008, has become the gold standard for verifying the skills and knowledge of open shop tile installers with the support of industry leaders, including the Tile Council of North America (TCNA) and the National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA). 

“Reaching 2000 certified tile installers in the United States represents an incredible achievement for the CTI program, and it reflects the strong partnerships we've built with TCNA, NTCA, and other industry stakeholders," said Brad Denny, executive director of CTEF. “The CTI program continues to evolve, and we are excited to celebrate the success of our certified installers, who are helping to elevate the quality and integrity of tile installation nationwide.”

To honor this milestone, Ilisei, CTI #2000, will receive a trip to Total Solutions Plus in Phoenix, Arizona, courtesy of NTCA; a Katana Single Rail Tile Cutter from QEP; and a custom set of engraved Crick levels from D.W. Sanders Tile & Stone. 

In March, Ken Ballin and Jason Potts, founders of Ballin Knows Best, offered to reimburse the testing fee for the tilesetter who received CTI #2000. However, Ilisei requested that the sponsorship be extended to another team member.

“Ballin Knows Best is committed to improving the state of the industry and building up installers everywhere,” said Ballin. “We're proud to sponsor CTI #2000 and want to congratulate Alex once more because making this commitment to better ourselves is so important to everyone around us.”

Ballin Knows Best has implemented a sponsorship program to reimburse installers after the successful completion of the CTI certification.   

“Becoming a certified tile installer is the gold standard of certifications for the tile industry,” Ballin said. “While not a requirement, earning your CTI number is an incredible marketing tool that not only legitimizes a contractor with their clients but has the ability to take a business to the next level if used correctly.”