About Us
The PTCA program gives manufacturers and sellers an independent way to demonstrate that their products meet the American national standard for porcelain tile based on water absorption criteria. Products that meet the requirements may display the PTCA Certified Porcelain Tile mark, providing a clear way for the industry to identify certified porcelain tile.
A certification program built by the industry.
PTCA was created through the collaboration of the Ceramic Tile Distributors Association (CTDA) and the Tile Council of North America (TCNA) to address the need for greater consistency and confidence in the identification of porcelain tile.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Porcelain Tile Certification Agency (PTCA) was created by the Tile Council of North America (TCNA) and the Ceramic Tile Distributors Association (CTDA). PTCA answers a critical industry need for independent verification that tile products marketed as porcelain meet the water absorption requirement used to define porcelain tile.
PTCA certification was created in response to growing concerns about products being marketed as porcelain that did not meet the industry definition. Independent verification helps protect the integrity of the porcelain category and supports confidence throughout the supply chain.
No. Porcelain and non-porcelain ceramic tile can look very similar. Visual characteristics such as color, finish, or body appearance do not reliably indicate whether a tile meets the porcelain definition. Laboratory testing is required to confirm water absorption.
Water absorption is a key factor in determining the density and porosity of ceramic tile. Tiles with lower water absorption are generally less porous and more resistant to moisture penetration. The 0.5% water absorption limit is the recognized industry threshold used to distinguish porcelain from other ceramic tile products.
PTCA certification focuses specifically on verifying water absorption to confirm porcelain classification. Other testing programs may evaluate additional performance characteristics or compliance with broader product standards.
No. PTCA certification confirms that a tile meets the water absorption requirement used to define porcelain. It does not evaluate other performance characteristics such as strength, durability, slip resistance, or suitability for specific applications. Additional testing may be required depending on the intended use.
PTCA certification is voluntary. However, many manufacturers choose certification to demonstrate transparency, support accurate product labeling, and differentiate their products in the marketplace.
PTCA certification helps reduce confusion in the marketplace by confirming that products labeled as porcelain meet the industry definition based on water absorption.
This benefits the following groups:
- Consumers, by providing confidence that the product they purchase is accurately labeled
- Manufacturers, by demonstrating transparency and product integrity
- Distributors and retailers, by reducing risk from mislabeled products
- Architects and designers, by supporting more informed product selection
Porcelain tile is a type of ceramic tile defined by its low water absorption of 0.5% or less, as measured using ASTM C373.
Because porcelain has a dense structure and low porosity, it is often used in demanding applications. However, porcelain and other ceramic tile products may appear similar, and visual inspection alone cannot reliably determine whether a tile meets the porcelain definition. Independent laboratory testing is required to verify water absorption.
Visit the PTCA Certified Product Database to search by manufacturer or product series. In the marketplace, certified porcelain products are authorized to use the PTCA Certification Mark on packaging and marketing materials.
The ASTM C373 test for water absorption qualifies a tile as true porcelain tile. Five tile samples are tested, and if the average water absorption for the tiles is 0.5% or less, then that tile qualifies to be certified as porcelain tile.
No, only the lightest color in the series should be submitted for testing.
Five (5) samples that are at least 12″ x 12″. For mosaics, twenty (20) samples of the largest size in the series are needed per test.
Products that do not meet the 0.5% water absorption limit cannot be certified as porcelain and are not authorized to use the PTCA mark.
Certified products must participate in ongoing surveillance and renewal to maintain certification. This helps ensure continued compliance and confidence in the certification mark. Products that are manufactured by the program participant must be retested every three years. Products not manufactured by the program participant must be retested every year.
Yes. PTCA certification is available to both domestic and international manufacturers. The program provides an independent way to verify porcelain classification regardless of where the product is manufactured.
Testing is conducted by IPA Laboratories, the only independent laboratory authorized by PTCA. IPA Labs follows a standardized test method, ASTM C373, to ensure consistency and reliability.
Yes, IPA Laboratories offers expedited service. For tests initiated within 24 hours, there is a 100% surcharge. For test initiated within 3-5 days, the surcharge is 50%. Contact IPA Laboratories for expedited testing.
The PTCA certification steps are as follows:
- Apply. Complete this easy online order form.
- Test. Submit your products to IPA Laboratories, the only PTCA-authorized laboratory in the U.S.
- Certify. Once compliance is confirmed, your products earn the right to display the PTCA Certification Mark, proving they meet the criteria for porcelain tile.
You will receive a confirmation letter from IPA Laboratories, and a copy will be sent to PTCA. Once PTCA receives your participation agreement and payment of fees, PTCA will send you the PTCA mark for use on your product packaging and marketing materials to indicate the product is certified porcelain.