Certifications
Certified Tile Installer (CTI) & Advanced Certified Tile Installer (ACT)
Why Certification Matters
When investing in a custom tile installation, choosing the right installer is just as important as selecting the tile itself. Beautiful materials alone cannot compensate for poor workmanship. The performance and longevity of a tile assembly depend on proper installation methods, industry knowledge, and strict adherence to recognized standards.
At Sovereign Tile & Stone, we believe exceptional craftsmanship begins with education. Every installation is completed using industry-recognized best practices established by the Tile Council of North America (TCNA), the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), and leading material manufacturers.
Unlike many contractors, we have invested thousands of hours into continuing education, technical training, and hands-on certification to ensure every project is built correctly from the substrate up.
What Is a Certified Tile Installer (CTI)?
The Certified Tile Installer (CTI) program, administered by the Ceramic Tile Education Foundation (CTEF), is the tile industry's premier hands-on certification for professional installers.
Earning the CTI designation requires demonstrating both extensive technical knowledge and the ability to execute proper installation techniques under direct evaluation. Candidates must successfully complete a comprehensive written examination and a rigorous hands-on installation test that measures real-world craftsmanship, layout accuracy, substrate preparation, waterproofing practices, cutting precision, and overall workmanship.
This certification demonstrates that an installer possesses the knowledge and practical skills necessary to produce installations that meet nationally recognized industry standards.
Sovereign Tile & Stone owner Nicholas Struzik is proud to hold Certified Tile Installer #1494.
Advanced Certifications for Tile Installers (ACT)
The Advanced Certifications for Tile Installers (ACT) program represents the highest level of specialized hands-on certification available within the tile industry.
Each ACT certification focuses on a specific installation discipline and requires installers to demonstrate mastery of advanced techniques under strict testing conditions.
These disciplines include:
- Large Format Tile Installation
- Mud Work
- Membranes and Waterproofing
- Shower Receptors
- Glass Tile Installation
- Mortar Floors
- Crack Isolation
- Gauged Porcelain Tile Panels
- Substrate Preparation
Nicholas Struzik has earned all nine ACT certifications (ACT #49), demonstrating proficiency across every major specialty recognized by the ACT program.
This level of technical achievement reflects an ongoing commitment to education, craftsmanship, and adherence to industry standards.
Why This Benefits Our Clients
Professional certification is more than a credential—it is a commitment to doing the job correctly.
By following established installation standards, our clients benefit from:
- Longer-lasting installations
- Proper waterproofing methods
- Improved substrate preparation
- Reduced risk of cracked tile or grout
- Better movement joint planning
- Manufacturer-compliant installation methods
- Increased durability and performance
- Greater protection of your investment
Every project is approached with the understanding that tile is a complete system—not simply a decorative finish.
Built to Industry Standards
Every installation is performed using nationally recognized standards and manufacturer-approved installation methods whenever applicable, including:
- Tile Council of North America (TCNA)
- American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
- Manufacturer installation specifications
- Building code requirements where applicable
Our goal is not simply to create beautiful tile work—it is to build assemblies engineered to perform for decades.
Continuing Education
The tile industry continues to evolve through new materials, installation systems, and technical advancements.
Sovereign Tile & Stone remains committed to ongoing professional development through industry organizations, manufacturer training programs, technical seminars, certification courses, and continuing education.
This dedication allows us to provide our clients with current installation methods and proven best practices based on today's standards—not outdated techniques.
Documentation & Transparency
We believe informed clients make better decisions.
For many projects, we provide:
- Written installation specifications
- Product documentation
- Manufacturer technical data
- Waterproofing system information
- Installation procedures
- Maintenance recommendations
We want every client to understand exactly how their installation is being built and why each step matters.
Experience You Can Trust
With more than two decades of experience specializing in luxury residential tile and stone installation, Sovereign Tile & Stone combines traditional craftsmanship with modern installation science.
Whether your project involves a custom shower, natural stone, large-format porcelain, gauged porcelain panels, decorative mosaics, or a complete luxury bathroom remodel, every installation receives the same attention to detail and technical precision.
Our reputation is built on quality—not shortcuts.
Schedule Your Consultation
If you're planning a luxury tile or stone project and want the confidence that comes from working with a professionally certified installer, we'd be honored to discuss your vision.
Contact Sovereign Tile & Stone today to schedule your consultation and experience the difference that technical expertise, precision craftsmanship, and industry-recognized certification can make.