IICRC SMT study plan

Classify the main natural stone families (calcareous vs. siliceous) by mineral composition and predict acid sensitivity for each

Classify the main cultured stone products (engineered quartz, solid surface, cultured marble) by resin/binder type and list their chemical vulnerabilities

Build a one-page decision table mapping stone type to cleaner pH range, pad type, and dwell-time limits

Demonstrate on scrap samples why acidic cleaners etch calcareous stone while leaving siliceous stone intact

Diagnose common surface defects on natural and cultured stone (etching, efflorescence, resin yellowing, burn marks) from written case descriptions

Sequence a maintenance visit for polished natural stone floors from dry soil removal through final buff

Sequence a maintenance visit for cultured stone vanities and countertops, including sealant inspection and edge care

Select impregnating sealers versus topcoat sealers for given stone and cultured product scenarios and justify the choice

Calculate dilution ratios and coverage rates for stone care chemicals from label data

Compare agglomerate/engineered stone joint and grout interfaces against ceramic tile assemblies to identify where moisture intrusion occurs

Identify ceramic tile body types (porcelain, glazed ceramic, quarry, glass mosaic) and match each to appropriate cleaning chemistry

Explain how grout porosity and tile porosity differ and why that drives cleaning method selection

Practice interpreting pH scale effects on acid-sensitive surfaces using worked numeric examples

Diagnose grout problems (efflorescence, polymer breakdown, color loss, mildew) and match each to a corrective treatment

Select grout cleaning chemistry by grout type (cementitious vs. epoxy) and justify acid avoidance on epoxy and acid-sensitive tile

Describe sealing options for cementitious grout and state when sealing is contraindicated

Explain efflorescence formation and the moisture-control measures that prevent recurrence

Sequence a full ceramic tile and grout restoration from pre-inspection through customer walkthrough

Identify masonry surface types (brick, concrete block, cast stone, mortar joints) and their cleaning constraints

Select cleaning methods for masonry (low-pressure washing, chemical application, poultice) that avoid substrate damage

State safety controls for chemical use on masonry, including PPE, runoff containment, and ventilation

Practice writing a scope-of-work estimate for a tile-and-grout job using measured square footage

Integrate inspection, testing, and documentation steps into a single pre-job checklist usable across all four domains

Perform a spot-test protocol on an unknown surface and record results in a defensible format

Identify when to decline or refer a job based on substrate condition or chemical incompatibility

Write customer-facing care instructions for each of the four surface categories

Answer timed practice questions across all four domains and log every missed item by domain and cause

Re-teach weak areas by rewriting missed concepts in your own words without referring to source material

Recalculate dilution, coverage, and square-footage problems until error-free on 10 consecutive items

Review safety and chemical-handling points that recur across domains

Review the error log from week 7 and confirm each weak concept can be explained aloud in under one minute

Run two full timed mock exams and compare domain-level scores for improvement

Consolidate the compatibility matrix, SOPs, and troubleshooting charts into one indexed reference packet

Finalize exam-day logistics: scheduling, identification requirements, and allowed materials