Topics of Interest

Understanding and Installing Ceramic Tile
This 4 1/2 day course provides basic instruction in the TCA Handbook and ANSI specifications along with actual hands-on experience for the individual seeking an entry level installer position with a tile contractor. It is also well suited for the salesperson, technical service representative, or any other individual seeking basic working knowledge of ceramic tile. All aspects of the thinbed tile installation process including floor prep, mortars, grouts, backerboards, caulks, sealants, and sealers are covered. Attendees will work in actual room size modules installing tile using all the previously mentioned products. At the end of the class, these materials will be removed while being reviewed for adherence to industry standards. All attendees will receive a certificate of attendance. A certificate of completion is also available based on satisfactory work having been performed in the modules and achieving a passing grade on the take-home, open book, written test within 30 days. Testing is not mandatory and only required if a certificate of completion is desired. This class is held Monday thru Thursday, 8AM-5PM and Friday, 8AM-1PM.
Cost is $695

Dates & Locations:	February 23-27, 2009 - Pendleton, SC May 4-8, 2009 - Pendleton, SC June 15-19, 2009 - Pendleton, SC August 24-28, 2009 - Pendleton, SC October 19-23, 2009 - Pendleton, SC December 14-18, 2009 - Pendleton, SC CALL FOR INFORMATION
# of people attending:
ENROLL

Waterproofing and Mortar Shower Bases
This 3 1/2 day course is designed to teach how to provide waterproof showers, waterproofing and/or crack isolation in a variety of thickbed (mortar) and thinbed (direct bond) applications. Demonstration and hands-on installation will include trowel applied, trowel and fabric applied, direct bond membranes shower pan liners, and drainage matting. Movement accommodation joints and prefabricated movement profiles are discussed and demonstrated. You will learn basic mortar working techniques and perform installation of both conventional and topically applied waterproofing to shower bases using various available systems in this hands-on course. A large amount of hands-on participation is required. A complete course outline is available upon request. All attendees will receive a certificate of attendance. A certificate of completion is also available based on satisfactory work having been performed in the modules and achieving a passing grade on the take-home, open book, written test within 30 days. Testing is not mandatory and only required if a certificate of completion is desired. Classes are held Monday through Wednesday, 8AM-5PM and Thursday, 8AM-1PM.
Course fee is $ 795.00

Dates & Locations:	March 2-5, 2009 - Pendleton, SC June 22-25, 2009 - Pendleton, SC August 31-September 3, 2009 - Pendleton, SC October 26-29, 2009 - Pendleton, SC CALL FOR INFORMATION
# of people attending:
ENROLL

Ceramic Tile Inspection Course
Ceramic tile industry organizations and experts annually receive countless requests for information relative to installation failures and inspection. In response to these requests, the Ceramic Tile Education Foundation (CTEF) is offering an intense 5 day, 40 hour classroom course to aid the inspector in properly evaluating ceramic tile installations. You will learn the latest ceramic tile industry standards, procedures, and methods from industry experts with nearly 100 years of combined experience. This study includes industry standards and test methods, how tile is manufactured and classified, proper installation techniques, how to evaluate tilework, correct use of materials and applications, how to prepare a written forensic report, and where to obtain industry information. The resource materials used will include the TCA Handbook, ANSI Standards, ISO standards and test methods, ASTM test methods and generally accepted industry practices. Some hands-on training may be involved. Prerequisites for this class include a good working knowledge of substrates and ceramic tile installation, general construction practices, the use of common tools, and an ability to write clearly. Certificates of attendance are provided to all attendees. A certificate of completion is awarded upon satisfactory completion of a take-home, open book test, within 30 days. Instructor approval is required prior to registration. This course does NOT provide certification as a ceramic tile inspector.
$1900

Dates & Locations:	June 8-12, 2009 - CTEF, Pendleton, SC November 16-20, 2009 - CTEF, Pendleton, SC CALL FOR INFORMATION
# of people attending:
ENROLL

Mortar Bed Basics
This 5 day course includes discussion of mortar bed theory and techniques, safety, housekeeping, handling and storing materials, estimating materials, tools, TCA and ANSI A108 Methods, screeds, membranes, reinforcing, expansion joints, layout and design, mixing floor and wall mortar, flat and sloped floor construction techniques, basic wall floating, protecting the work, production techniques, repairs and finishing. The objective of the course is to develop an understanding of mortar bed theory and applications, an understanding of the tools, methods and materials used for producing mortar bed floors You will develop the ability to install and water test a basic shower floor in addition to basic flat floors and walls. A certificate of completion will be issued on satisfactory completion of work modules and written test. Testing is not mandatory and only required if a certificate of completion is desired. It must be completed with-in 30 days of attendance.
$750

Dates & Locations:	CALL FOR INFORMATION
# of people attending:
ENROLL

Ceramic Tile Consultant Course by The Ceramic Tile Institute of America
The CTC course is to furnish those in the tile industry with a curriculum of knowledge of Ceramic tile, allied products, and their usage which would enable all participants to develop their knowledge to the fullest extent and thereby improve the performance of the total tile industry. The purpose of certification is to provide means of recognition of those in the field who do have knowledge so that they can work win architects, designers, builders and owners to acquaint them with the best available information gleaned from all segments of the tile industry.
REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTIFICATION: Successful completion of required course by attending educational meetings plus several hours of home study between sessions. Read material under discussion to broaden understanding of the topics and submit a research report. Requires a minimum score of 70 on final exam. Requires continuing education for annual renewal.
Call CTIOA at 310-574-7800 for more information
$1300

Dates & Locations:	CALL FOR INFORMATION
# of people attending:
ENROLL