CTI Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CTI facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What is the primary purpose of conducting a crack assessment on a concrete slab before tile installation? → To identify moving or active cracks that require isolation or repair before tiling
2. Which factor BEST indicates mastery of building codes & standards in Certified Tile Inspector? → The ability to adapt knowledge and skills to varying contexts while maintaining standards
3. Why does a wood-framed floor system typically require a cleavage membrane before a mortar bed tile installation? → Wood expands and contracts with moisture changes, requiring isolation from the mortar bed
4. What is the purpose of grout joints? → To accommodate tile movement
5. Which tile type typically requires sealing before installation? → Natural stone tile
6. Which personal protective equipment is mandatory when handling chemicals? → Gloves and eye protection
7. What material should be installed inside a movement joint before applying sealant to control joint depth and prevent three-sided adhesion? → Polyethylene foam backer rod
8. On column bases in a tiled area, where should a CTI inspector verify that movement joints are present? → On all four sides of each column base
9. What is the minimum recommended width for movement joints in tile installations per TCNA EJ171? → 1/4 inch
10. What is the MOST important skill for effective project estimation & planning in Certified Tile Inspector? → Clear communication and the ability to align team efforts with objectives
11. For interior tile installations, what is the maximum recommended spacing between movement joints per TCNA EJ171? → 20–25 feet in each direction
12. In a steam shower installation, the waterproofing membrane must cover: → The entire ceiling in addition to all walls and the floor
13. When inspecting a tile installation, which condition at a movement joint would indicate sealant failure requiring remediation? → Cohesive or adhesive splitting, cracking, or pull-away from tile edges
14. When inspecting a shower pan liner installation, how high must the liner extend above the rough shower curb? → 2 inches
15. When facing an unfamiliar challenge in building codes & standards within Certified Tile Inspector, what is the BEST approach? → Research established best practices, consult colleagues, and document the approach
16. What role does documentation play in client communication & service within Certified Tile Inspector? → It ensures continuity, accountability, and serves as a reference for all parties
17. What is the most common material used for ceramic tiles? → Clay and minerals
18. When facing an unfamiliar challenge in blueprint reading & technical drawing within Certified Tile Inspector, what is the BEST approach? → Research established best practices, consult colleagues, and document the approach
19. What does the term 'flatness' refer to when assessing a substrate for tile installation? → The absence of high and low spots over a defined measurement length
20. What does a medium-bed mortar offer that standard thinset mortar cannot provide? → Application thickness up to 3/4 inch without slumping or shrinking
21. When learning new maintenance & repair procedures in Certified Tile Inspector, which approach is MOST effective? → Combining theoretical study with supervised practical application
22. What is the MOST important consideration when applying tools & equipment operation in Certified Tile Inspector? → Following established protocols while adapting to specific circumstances
23. What is the MOST important consideration when applying maintenance & repair procedures in Certified Tile Inspector? → Following established protocols while adapting to specific circumstances
24. When learning new tools & equipment operation in Certified Tile Inspector, which approach is MOST effective? → Combining theoretical study with supervised practical application
25. What does a hollow sound when tapping a recently installed tile indicate? → Voids beneath the tile due to insufficient mortar coverage
26. Movement joints located over structural building expansion joints should be: → The same width as or wider than the underlying structural joint
27. Why is documenting defects important? → To ensure proper repairs and accountability
28. In Certified Tile Inspector, which materials & resource management approach is MOST effective for achieving long-term goals? → Strategic planning with measurable objectives and regular progress reviews
29. A CTI inspector measures a concrete floor and finds it is 3/8 inch low in a 10-foot span. What is the recommended correction? → Apply a self-leveling underlayment to bring the floor within tolerance
30. What is the minimum thickness of a single layer of plywood used as a subfloor for ceramic tile installation over joists spaced 16 inches on center? → 3/4 inch (19 mm)