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CCTS Program
Education

CCTS Program

Certified Ceramic Tile Specialist (CCTS) Program

The Ceramic Tile Distributors Association (CTDA) reaches another milestone in its history of maintaining a strong industry with the Certified Ceramic Tile Specialist (CCTS) program! Through the CCTS program, companies can gain the prestige, professional recognition, expanded knowledge and increased customer satisfaction through documented sales competence.

It’s the first and only certification program specifically designed by and for ceramic tile salespeople!

Download the NEW CCTS program brochure

Certified Ceramic Tile Specialist (CCTS) Program

History

Developed by professional ceramic tile sales experts with the assistance of Southern Illinois University (SIU), the CCTS program covers the necessary skill sets to meet customers growing demands.

Benefits

  • Raises professionalism
  • Promotes focus on product features and benefits
  • Increases employee pride
  • Provides a competitive edge
  • Increases profits
  • Establishes the CTDA as an important standard-setting body for professional competence in the ceramic tile industry

Who Created It

SIU’s Department of Workforce Education and Development (WED) is one of the largest workforce-related professional development preparation agencies in the United States, and offers undergraduate and graduate preparation through the master's and doctoral degrees.

What to Expect

Once a candidate has registered for the CCTS exam, he or she receives two binders that comprise the CCTS Study Guide (The Study Guide Reference Binder and Tile Training in a Box).

The Study Guide Reference Binder contains tile industry references from which the test was written (such as the TCNA Handbook for Ceramic Tile Installation and the ANSI Specifications for the Installation of Ceramic Tile). Also included are CD-ROMs with pretests and a study guide.

Tile Training in a Box with DVD's covers additional areas of knowledge needed to pass the CCTS program. It includes CTDA's Reference Guide and Installation of Tile and Stone for the Beginner, Basics of Ceramic Tile Test, CTDA's How to Handle Customer Complaints, CTDA's Mold Brochure, 4 Training DVD's, and A Guide to Training Employees New to the Tile Industry CD-ROM.

Due to the complexity of the exam CTDA recommends at least one month of study time prior to testing.

Certified Ceramic Tile Specialist (CCTS) Study Guide has been created by the UofCTS as an online study guide for people who are preparing to take the CTDA Certified Ceramic Tile Specialist (CCTS) test. Through the CCTS program, companies can gain the prestige, professional recognition, expanded knowledge and increased customer satisfaction through documented sales competence.  It’s the first and only certification program specifically designed by and for ceramic tile salespeople!

The online CTDA Certified Ceramic Tile Specialist (CCTS) Study Guide is available at Online Education Registration. Students who purchase this course will be given 30 days access to it.  Additional 30 days access to the course will be provided as necessary until which time the student successfully passes the CCTS test.

Applications

Please allow for 2 weeks to process your application and get the study guide to you.

Testimonials

"Even though I have gray hair and 20 years of experience, people ask me all the time what is CCTS. After I explain what I had to do to pass the certification, they are impressed. This certification sets me apart from the competition. It adds to my credibility. In today's competitive market, education sets you apart. While there are many reasons as to why we are up double digit this year, this certification is definitely one of them."

Steve Slutzah Westside Tile and Stone, Inc.

Recertification

Each CCTS must renew their certification at three year intervals. If a CCTS does not recertify, he/she is no longer considered a Certified Ceramic Tile Salesperson and may no longer use the CCTS designation or logo. All certifications expire at the end of a calendar year, regardless of the original testing date.

CTDA will email or mail notices to each CCTS advising them of the renewal requirements. Recertification Applications must be received no later than December 31st of your renewal year.

For each three year period you must attend 20 hours of professional education and pay a renewal fee of $125. It must be paid with the Recertification Application is submitted.

CTDA is happy to keep track of your educational hours throughout the year. Simply email CTDA staff and include the educational session you attended and how long the session lasted.

Access the Recertification Application >

Contact CTDA staff to determine your Recertification year.

CTDA’s certification program is designed to elevate professional standards, enhance individual performance, and recognize those individuals who demonstrate the knowledge and critical skills necessary to provide effective service and solutions in the ceramic tile industry.

To be eligible for the CTDA certification program an applicant must:

  • Have been employed for at least 2 years in the ceramic tile industry.
  • Agree to the policies for use of the CCTS Designation and Logo, and any other relevant policies (see next page of this form.

Complete this application and pay the appropriate filing fee (indicate fee below):

  • $325 - 1-4 Employees of CTDA members and participating manufacturers
  • $275 - 5-9 Employees of CTDA members and  participating manufacturers
  • $225 - 10+ Employees of CTDA members and participating manufacturers
  • $499  - Employees of non-CTDA member distributors or non-participating manufacturers
  • $3,000 - 30 Employees testing for the exam, includes 15 Study Guides
  • $99 - Additional or Replacement Study Guides
  • $100  - Retake the Exam
  • $125 - Recertification

Full payment by check, in U.S. funds, or credit card is required at the time of this application.  Please make checks payable to Ceramic Tile Distributors Association.

Note:  Study Guides are included in first-time certification test fee.



  • Complete the study guide enclosed with your application confirmation
  • Verify that you are registered for the date and location you selected
  • Arrive at your test site early
  • Bring 3 references of your choice (such as handbooks or standards manuals) and a hand-held calculator.  Note: You may not bring the study guide into the exam.
  • You are allotted 180 minutes (3 hours) to complete the test.





This certifies that I meet the above requirements and agree to the policies for use of the CCTS designation stated on the next page.

Phone: 630-545-9415

Fax: 630-790-3095

Email: info@ctdahome.org

All Applications are reviewed by the Ceramic Tile Distributors Association. After submitting the CCTS Application, a payment link will be sent directly to the email listed in the application.