Thin-set Course Updated

SAN DIEGO– The University of Ceramic Tile and Stone (UofCTS) releases an updated version of its online Tile Installer Thin-set Standards (ITS) Verification course.  Both the U.S. version and the Canadian version of this course were updated, as well as the Spanish version. 

The updated course offers a comprehensive review of the current industry installation standards, methods, and practices for ceramic tile, porcelain tiles, glass tile, concrete tiles, and natural-stone tiles.  

The intent of the course is to teach tile installers, and others, the current installation standards, methods, and practices to avoid installation problems and failures.  

Besides the industry standards being updated, the updated ITS Verification course has two new lessons and other expanded sections.  

There is a new lesson on Special Tile Applications that includes a detailed section on How to Install the Gauged Porcelain Tile Panels; known as thin tile panels.  The lesson thoroughly reviews the product characteristics, the tools and substrate conditions needed for installing these large tile panels, and the methods for installing these tile panels for both floor and wall applications.  It is loaded with photos, video clips and animations demonstrating how to properly install gauged porcelain tile panels. 

The Special Tile Application lesson also includes a section on How to Construct Tile Showers that includes shower pans, curbless showers, and steam showers.  There is an expanded section on How to Install Glass Tile and Mosaics, and a section on How to Install Tile in Swimming Pools and Other Water Features.

There is a new section added to the preparing substrates lesson that covers the tile layout process and options.  There is a new section in the tile installation methods lesson that reviews the types of tools used and needed in a tile installation.

There is a new lesson on grouting. It covers the types of grout and how to install them, which include cementitious grouts, pre-mixed grouts, and epoxy grouts.  It also shows the different grouting methods from using rubber floats to grout bags. 

The UofCTS ITS Verification course takes about 5 hours to complete.  Students have unlimited 24/7 access during their 14 days of access.  Tile installers who complete and pass the course can use the acronym ITS alongside their name designating them as ITS Verified.  This verification is good for two years, at which time they need to take the updated ITS Verification course to continue to be up-to-date on the industry standards and practices, and to continue being ITS Verified.  

The updated course was created with the latest HTML5 Technology that allows students to access the courses with mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets.

UofCTS also offers two other courses that will educate your employees on tile and stone:  Understanding the Basics of Ceramic Tile and Understanding the Basics of Natural Stone.  Both courses teach the basics in terms of terminology, uses, applications, selection, maintenance, and avoiding problems. A sales emphasis that teaches ane employee how to professionally interact with clients is good for showroom or sales reps; it’s also good for installers, project managers, architects and designers.

UofCTS Online courses are available through many key organizations in the tile and stone industry, wheremembers receive special discounts.  Courses can be purchased through CTDA at www.ctdahome.org, through Fuse Alliance at www.fusealliance.com, through Local 18 Tile Union at www.tileunion.org, through NTCA at www.tile-assn.com, through TTMAC at www.ttmac.com, through WWCA at www.wfca.org for member rebates, or at the UofCTS website at www.uofcts.org.

To see video previews of each of the courses visit the www.UofCTS.org website at https://uofcts.org/online-courses/.

Tuition is only $150 per person and once registered, students have 14 days to complete the course which is accessible online, 24/7. Students can print a personalized certificate when they have passed all lesson assessments with a score of 80% or better.  Upon passing the course the student is provided a link to download a student reference guide that contains all of the key information from that respective course.  Volume discounts are available.

The UofCTS is the training division of Ceramic Tile and Stone Consultants (CTaSC) and is committed to developing training programs for the ceramic tile and stone industry utilizing the latest and most effective technology and learning methodologies. Launched in 2003, UofCTS has enjoyed many years of success with trade and design professionals.

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