University of Ceramic Tile and Stone Offers Certification Stone Specialist Program

The University of Ceramic Tile and Stone (UofCTS) offers a certification accreditation program for experienced stone professionals who have a minimum of two years full time on-the-job experience within the stone industry.

The UofCTS Certified Stone Specialist (CSS) program covers natural stone, engineered stone, manufactured stone and related installation products. 

Before issuing a Certified Specialist designation, CSS candidates must provide verification of employment in the industry. Then they have to complete and pass three prerequisite courses. Only after the courses are passed are they then allowed to register for a final exam. The final exam must be passed with a score of 80 percent or better. The UofCTS Certification Board will review and scrutinize the student’s final exam results and the results from the courses they took in determining if the student will be approved for the designation.  

The UofCTS Certified Specialist Program is designed to teach and update experienced industry professionals with product knowledge, industry standards, learning how to draft MasterFormat Architectural Specifications, learning proper selection and installation methods for stone applications, and learning how to properly, clearly and effectively communicate with clients.  The Certified Specialist courses have been developed with an emphasis on preparing students for their dealings with clients in a consultative manner.  The training program aims to build confidence, enhance credibility and improve professionalism.