The Ceramic Tile Education Foundation (CTEF) is dedicated to advancing the quality and professionalism of tile installation through comprehensive training, education, and certification programs. As we progress through 2025, CTEF is excited to announce several key developments in their Spring Update, including our annual training schedule, the relocation to Nashville, the operational status of our New Jersey facility, the introduction of our 300-Level Dynamic Series courses, and announcement of the forthcoming Certified Ceramic Tile Inspector program.
Relocation to Nashville and 2025 Training Schedule
To expand its reach and better serve the tile community, CTEF is relocating its headquarters to Nashville, Tenn. This strategic move allows CTEF to connect with a broader network of industry professionals and provide more accessible training opportunities nationwide. The Nashville facility will launch its inaugural training event on April 7, 2025, with a comprehensive week-long program. Additional courses, including the 100-Level Foundations Series, 200-Level Practical Installation Applications, UICT, and CSC classes, will be held monthly.
Highlighted first sessions in Nashville include:
- April 7, 2025: Understanding and Installing Ceramic Tile (UICT) – Weeklong training for professionals seeking advanced skills in industry best practices.
- April 14, 2025: Comprehensive Shower Class (CSC) – Three-day intense hands-on workshop and class study of shower system evolution.
- May 19, 2025: 100-Level Foundations Series – An introduction for those new to the industry and apprentice finishers, incorporating the Grouts and Membranes ACT tests.
- June 9, 2025: 200-Level Practical Installation Applications – Focused on essential installer skills, preparing participants for the CTI test.
A.R.T. training at CTEF Nashville
Although it is not a CTEF program, an exciting training event is coming to CTEF Nashville September 29-October 2. CTEF will provide the space and the setting for the Artisans Revolution in Tile (A.R.T.) training, which was formerly held in Milwaukee, Wis. This intensive, four-day training program provides 16 experienced tile installers with information and hands-on training to design, produce, install and market their own hand cut, custom tile art features. This standards-based class is led by Lee Callewaert of Dragonfly Tile & Stone Works and Joshua Nordstrom of Tierra Tile. For information, email [email protected].
Egg Harbor, N.J. 2025 Training Schedule
CTEF continues to offer a robust lineup of training events at its Egg Harbor City, N.J., facility. Key upcoming events include:
- June 23, 2025: 100-Level Foundations Series
- September 8 & November 5, 2025: 200-Level Practical Installation Applications
- December 1, 2025: Understanding and Installing Ceramic Tile
- December 8, 2025: Comprehensive Shower Class
Additional locations for training
Due to CTEF’s value to the industry by providing non-proprietary methods and standards-based career path training, industry manufacturers are opening their doors to host its classes. As new locations and classes are scheduled, they will appear on our Training Events Calendar at https://www.ceramictilefoundation.org/training-events. Please visit the full list and watch for a class at a manufacturer training facility near you.
Introduction of the 300-Level Dynamic Series
CTEF is proud to introduce the 300-Level Dynamic Training Series, tailored for tile professionals seeking advanced expertise. This series explores topics such as evolution from mud to foam core boards, installation practices from mosaic to GPTP, and the advanced test skills. Each segment is one week long, allowing for deep immersion. Attendees may enroll in individual courses or complete the full three-week program. The 300-Level Series also serves as preparation for Advanced Certifications for Tile Installers (ACT) testing. More details are available on the 300-Level Dynamic Series page at https://www.ceramictilefoundation.org/ceramic-tile-courses.
Upcoming Certified Ceramic Tile Inspector Program
Recognizing the industry’s need for qualified inspectors, CTEF is developing a Certified Ceramic Tile Inspector program, launching later this year. This program will equip professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to assess tile installations, ensuring adherence to industry standards and best practices while effectively communicating their findings. Details will be announced soon – stay updated by visiting our website.
CTEF remains committed to advancing the tile industry through education, hands-on training, and certification. We invite all tile professionals to participate in our programs, enhance their skills, and contribute to the elevation of industry standards.
Brad Denny
Brad Denny CTI #1190 has been intensely active in the tile industry for many years. He has served as Region 6 Director for the National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA), received the NTCA Dedication to Membership award – a recognition specially created just to honor his passion for methods, standards, and the internet – and chaired the NTCA’s Social Media Subcommittee as well as moderated the Tile Geeks Facebook group.
Brad also served as the Co-Chairman of the NTCA Training and Education Committee with Sam Bruce of Visalia Tile for 2020 and 2021.
In 2021, Brad received the prestigious NTCA Tile Person of the Year Award. This award is given to someone who has positively impacted NTCA through participation in the Association's programs.
Before becoming Executive Director for CTEF, Brad was vice president and COO of Nichols Tile & Terrazzo Co, Inc., a family-owned tile contractor business located outside of Nashville, Tenn., and NTCA Five-Star Contractor Member of the NTCA.
