IICRC SMT
Stone, Masonry and Ceramic Tile Cleaning Technician (SMT)
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ExploreAbout this exam
The Stone, Masonry and Ceramic Tile Cleaning Technician (SMT) credential is issued by the IICRC, a non-profit organization for the inspection, cleaning and restoration industries. According to the IICRC's SMT page, the certification "demonstrates covers for the proper maintenance and cleaning of natural and human-made (cultured) stone, ceramic tile, masonry, and grout surfaces" and signals that a technician can "demonstrate what you know and how to perform maintenance-related tasks involving stone, masonry, and ceramic tile surfaces." It is aimed at cleaning and maintenance technicians, flooring-care specialists and business owners who service hard surfaces in homes and commercial buildings. The content is organized around four equal areas: natural stone, human-made (cultured) stone, ceramic tile, and masonry and grout. Expect questions on identifying surface types, choosing appropriate cleaning chemistry and methods, and avoiding damage during routine maintenance. There are no prerequisites, so candidates can enroll directly. Certification is offered in live-stream and in-person formats; course availability varies and may change, so check the IICRC site for scheduled courses. Preparation means attending an approved course, studying the course materials for all four surface categories, and being able to explain why a given method suits a given material. This page is an independent study resource and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the IICRC. Always confirm current requirements and scheduling directly with the IICRC before you register or pay any fee.
What you'll study
About IICRC SMT preparation
Do I need experience or another certification before taking SMT?
No. The IICRC states plainly: "There are no prerequisites for this certification." You can enroll without holding any prior IICRC credential or documented field experience. That said, hands-on familiarity with stone, tile, masonry and grout surfaces makes the course material easier to absorb, so beginners should plan extra study time.
What delivery formats are available?
The IICRC lists live-stream and in-person certification as the available options. Live-stream lets you attend remotely; in-person puts you in a classroom with an instructor. The IICRC notes that all course availability may vary and may be subject to change, so confirm a specific session exists before making travel or schedule commitments.
What does the SMT exam actually cover?
The credential addresses maintenance and cleaning of natural stone, human-made (cultured) stone, ceramic tile, and masonry and grout surfaces. In practice that means recognizing surface types, selecting suitable cleaning agents and methods, and performing routine maintenance without damaging the material. Use the four surface categories as your study outline and make sure none is neglected.
How long is the exam, how many questions, and what score do I need to pass?
The IICRC SMT page does not publish question count, time limit or passing score, so treat any specific numbers you see elsewhere with suspicion unless they come from the IICRC directly. Contact the IICRC or your approved instructor for the current exam structure before you sit the test.
Is this certification required to earn an IICRC Master designation?
No. The IICRC states that this certification "is not required for any Master Designation." If your goal is a Master designation, check the IICRC Master requirements to see which certifications do count, and treat SMT as a standalone specialty credential rather than a stepping stone.
What happens if I fail - is there a retake policy?
The IICRC SMT page does not describe a retake policy, fee or waiting period. Rather than rely on rumor, ask your approved school or the IICRC about retest procedures before exam day. The IICRC site does maintain an "I Need to Retest" link, which is the right starting point for current process details.
How should I sequence my studying across the four surface areas?
Cover all four areas evenly, because they carry equal weight: natural stone, human-made stone, ceramic tile, and masonry and grout. A practical order is natural stone first, since it is typically the most sensitive to wrong chemistry, then cultured stone, then ceramic tile, then masonry and grout. Build comparison notes on which cleaners and methods suit each material.
What are the most common ways candidates lose points?
The recurring failure mode is treating all hard surfaces the same - applying an aggressive product or method suited to one material onto a more sensitive one. Another is knowing a cleaning step but not why it is appropriate. Practice justifying each choice by material type, and be ready to explain what damage an incorrect approach would cause.
How current is the information on this page?
This overview and FAQ were written from IICRC source pages retrieved on 5 November 2026. Program details such as course availability can change, and the IICRC states that availability may vary and may be subject to change. Verify prerequisites, formats and exam logistics on the official IICRC site before registering.