IMI and BAC Expand Tile Certifications and Markets

JOURNAL: ISSUE 2 - 2013

IMI and BAC, working alongside tile employer associations, including the Tile Contractors Association of America (TCAA), have taken a major step to expand the job opportunities of tile installers by developing a series of certifications that will help distinguish the skilled tile installer from the less-skilled. The Advanced Certifications for Tile Installers (ACT) is a new set of certifications that recognize the importance of qualified installers and the role that the installers play in the success of any tile project.
 
The certifications were developed by IMI, BAC, TCAA as well as the Ceramic Tile Education Foundation, the National Tile Contractors Association and the Tile Council of North America (TCNA). Recent editions of both the TCNA Handbook and ARCOM MasterSpec® recommend the requirement of qualified tile installers. IMI's Area Marketing Director Scott Conwell and National Director of Apprenticeship and Training Bob Arnold working with BAC Tile/Marble/Terrazzo Craft Director John Mason represented IMI and BAC on the ACT working group. The first certifications were awarded at the 2013 Coverings trade show in Atlanta, GA.

IMI judges Lupe Ortiz, left, and Bob Mion at the 2013 Coverings trade show in Atlanta.

The current specialty areas of ACT are: large format tile floors/substrate preparation; mud work; showers; and membranes. It is anticipated that other areas will be added as the program expands.  In order to be eligible for certification, an installer must meet the prerequisite of being an experienced installer (those who have completed a BAC/IMI apprenticeship program are qualified), and pass a written exam and practical hands-on test. 

The multiple choice questions of the written test verify the installer's knowledge of the certification topic as documented in relevant ANSI standards, TCNA Handbook and industry best practices. The installer must pass the written test to be eligible to take the hands-on test, which is administered at an IMI training center, a manufacturer's warehouse or other pre-determined location. The installer is given a pre-constructed module, such as a shower base, subfloor, etc. to install the designated components of that certification's system on the module. 

These certifications will help expand work opportunities for installers and contractors who want to distinguish themselves as highly-skilled and known for top quality work. BAC members who are interested in becoming ACT-certified should contact IMI Director of Apprenticeship and Training Bob Arnold at barnold@imiweb.org.

Clockwise from top left, BAC members at the 2013 Coverings trade show in Atlanta: Bill Dumas of Local 3 CA; Eric Manzarolli of Local 1 MI; Terry Trane of Local 3 OH; and Gavin Collier of Local 21 IL.