NCCER Tile study plan

NCCER Tile · Give each week a clear focus.

8 weeks · About 6 hours per week

Week 1

Tile Craft Fundamentals and Safety & Surface Preparation and Substrates

List the PPE required for tile work and explain when each item is mandatory, citing at least three silica-dust and wet-saw hazards.
Identify the hand and power tools used in tile installation and state the safe operating procedure for each of five core tools.
Describe the substrate types common in tile work (concrete, cement backer board, gypsum, plywood) and their basic acceptance criteria.
Explain how substrate flatness and deflection requirements affect tile performance before any layout begins.

A one-page safety and substrate checklist covering PPE, tool hazards, and substrate acceptance criteria, scored against a self-made answer key.

Week 2

Measure substrate flatness with a straightedge and calculate the deviation over a 10-foot span.
Select the correct substrate preparation method for concrete, wood-frame, and backer-board assemblies.
Describe crack-isolation and waterproofing membrane installation steps for wet areas.
Identify common substrate defects (delamination, efflorescence, high moisture) and prescribe a corrective action for each.

A written substrate assessment of a practice room or mock-up, including measurements, defect list, and corrective actions.

Week 3

Classify tile types (ceramic, porcelain, natural stone) and match each to appropriate mortar and setting methods.
Explain the difference between thin-set and thick-bed installation and when each is used.
Describe the open-time, pot-life, and coverage requirements for thin-set mortars.
Demonstrate correct trowel notch selection and back-buttering technique for a given tile size.

A materials selection matrix that maps five tile types to mortar, trowel, and setting method with justifications.

Week 4

Explain the purpose and placement of movement joints, including perimeter and field joints.
Describe the steps for installing cement backer board, including fastener spacing and joint treatment.
Identify the causes of lippage and describe at least three methods to control it.
Outline the curing and sealing requirements for natural stone installations.

A step-by-step installation procedure for a 100-square-foot floor, including joint layout, fastener schedule, and lippage controls.

Week 5

Calculate square footage, waste factor, and material quantities for a rectangular room with a border and diagonal layout.
Establish a square reference line using the 3-4-5 method and verify it with a diagonal check.
Describe layout options (stack bond, running bond, herringbone) and their impact on cuts and waste.
Explain how to plan cuts at doorways and edges to avoid slivers.

A scaled layout drawing for a 10x12-foot room with material takeoff and cut plan, checked for square and waste percentage.

Week 6

Describe the mixing, application, and finishing steps for cementitious and epoxy grouts.
Explain the difference between sanded and unsanded grout and select the correct type for joint widths.
Outline the procedure for caulking movement joints and changes of plane.
Identify common grout defects (efflorescence, shading, pinholes) and their remedies.

A grout and finishing procedure checklist covering mixing ratios, joint filling, cleanup, and curing for two grout types.

Week 7

Review safety practices for wet saws, grinders, and chemical cleaners.
Explain inspection and acceptance criteria for a completed tile installation, including lippage, joint width, and coverage.
Describe the steps to repair or replace a damaged tile without disturbing adjacent tiles.
Summarize the maintenance and sealing schedule for ceramic, porcelain, and stone installations.

A quality-control inspection form with at least ten checkpoints and pass/fail criteria for a finished floor.

Week 8

Complete a timed 60-question practice exam spanning all four domains and score at least 80%.
Review missed questions and write a corrective note for each weak area.
Recite the key safety, substrate, and layout rules from memory in a self-quiz.
Finalize a one-page quick-reference sheet for exam day.

A scored practice exam with a written remediation log and a final quick-reference sheet.

Week 2: Score at least 80% on a 20-question substrate and safety quiz, and correctly measure flatness deviation within 1/8 inch over 10 feet.

Week 4: Produce a complete installation procedure that passes a self-review checklist for joints, fasteners, and lippage controls.

Week 6: Calculate material quantities for a mock room within 5% of the answer key and correctly select grout type for three joint widths.

Week 8: Achieve at least 80% on the full practice exam and complete a remediation log for every missed question.