The Tile Contractors Association of America (TCAA) unveiled a new certification program for trained tile contractors recently during its annual convention in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Called "Trowel of Excellence," the program aims to assess and certify the best tile contractors via a variety of criteria. To help develop the program, TCAA turned to two organizations long known for training expertise and high standards: the International Masonry Institute (IMI) and the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (BAC).

To achieve Trowel of Excellence certification, a tile contractor must maintain minimum continuing education requirements, be fiscally sound, present a body of work subject to peer review, demonstrate a history of integrity, and be member of the TCAA, IMI or BAC.

"Earning Trowel of Excellence status will be difficult for a contractor to achieve and, equally importantly, to maintain," said Vincent P. DeLazzerro, TCAA president. "With Trowel of Excellence in place, there will be a measurable quality standard, and the entire industry will benefit."

For more information, call (800) 655-TILE.