The Advanced Certifications for Tile Installers (ACT) program has been created through the combined efforts of five organizations including; the Ceramic Tile Education Foundation (CTEF), the International Masonry Institute (IMI), the International Union of Brick Layers and Allied Craftworkers (IUBAC), the National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA) and the Tile Contractors Association of America (TCAA).
The purpose of the ACT Certification program is to establish a testing mechanism which evaluates the skills and knowledge of tile installers who have been pre-qualified by being either a Certified Tile Installer (CTI) through the Ceramic Tile Education Foundation (CTEF) or a journeyman tile setter who has successfully completed the apprenticeship training program conducted by the International Union of Brick and Allied Craftworkers (IUBAC).
The intent of the Membrane certification is to determine if the pre-qualified tile installer possesses the skills and knowledge necessary to successfully install these products based on the recommendations contained in the TCNA Handbook. ANSI Specifications and industry accepted best practices.
Understanding that waterproofing and crack isolation membranes have become almost solely the responsibility of the ceramic tile installer, the following proficiencies should be accomplished with this certification:
- Knowledge of the specifications and installation of the two general types of membranes:
- Liquid Applied and Sheet Membranes
- Proper installation to floor substrates and slopes
- Proper attachment of membranes to drains.
- Proper installation of both membranes at change in plane, i.e. floor to wall, inside corners, and outside corners
- Proper fitting of membranes at penetrations, e.g. pipes
- Remember: There is no such thing as almost waterproof!
Those who successfully complete this hands-on and written testing will gain the distinction of being an ACT certified Membrane specialist who is able to provide the consumer with verification of said competencies.
