Tile Setting NC II study plan
Tile Setting NC II · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 6 hours per week
Tile laying and fixing (floor, wall, and special features) & Tools, equipment and materials selection, use and maintenance
Identify and describe the functions of at least 10 tile-laying tools and materials (trowels, spacers, levels, cutters, adhesives, etc.)
Explain the sequence of steps for laying floor tiles on a concrete substrate, from surface prep to grouting
Demonstrate the correct method for checking substrate flatness with a straightedge and level
List the personal protective equipment (PPE) required for tile setting tasks and explain why each is needed
Your checkpoint
Create a written checklist of tools and PPE for a typical floor-tiling job, with a brief description of each item's use.
Tile laying and fixing (floor, wall, and special features) & Workplace safety and housekeeping (5S)
Describe the 5S methodology (Sort, Set in order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain) and give two examples of each in a tiling workplace
Demonstrate proper housekeeping procedures for a tiling work area, including waste segregation and cleanup
Explain safe handling and storage of tile adhesives, grouts, and chemicals according to label instructions
Identify common workplace hazards in tiling (silica dust, sharp edges, heavy loads) and propose control measures
Your checkpoint
Produce a 5S audit checklist for a tiling workshop, with at least 15 checkpoints and a scoring system.
Tile laying and fixing (floor, wall, and special features) & Surface preparation and setting-out
Prepare a concrete floor surface for tiling: clean, repair cracks, and apply primer as per specification
Set out a tile layout for a rectangular room using the 3-4-5 method to establish squareness
Calculate the number of tiles needed for a given area, accounting for cuts and waste (minimum 10% allowance)
Demonstrate the correct technique for back-buttering and notching adhesive with a trowel
Your checkpoint
Produce a setting-out plan for a 3m x 4m room, including tile layout, starting point, and cut tile locations, with calculations.
Tile laying and fixing (floor, wall, and special features) & Cutting and shaping of tiles
Cut ceramic and porcelain tiles using manual and electric cutters, achieving clean edges without chipping
Shape tiles for obstacles (pipes, corners, outlets) using hole saws, angle grinders, and nippers
Install floor tiles in a dry layout, then fix them with adhesive, maintaining consistent joint widths
Install wall tiles on a vertical surface, ensuring plumb and level alignment
Your checkpoint
Complete a practical project: tile a 1m x 1m practice board with a mix of full and cut tiles, including one hole for a pipe, and photograph the result.
Mortar and adhesive mixing and application & Grouting, sealing and finishing
Mix tile adhesive and grout to the correct consistency according to manufacturer instructions, using a mixing paddle and drill
Apply adhesive uniformly with the correct trowel size and notch shape for the tile type and substrate
Grout a tiled area, filling joints completely and cleaning excess without disturbing the joints
Apply sealant (silicone) around edges and in wet areas, achieving a smooth, neat finish
Your checkpoint
Create a step-by-step guide for mixing and applying adhesive and grout, including ratios, tools, and curing times, and demonstrate on a small sample.
Interpretation of drawings, plans and specifications & Workplace communication
Read and interpret a simple floor plan and elevation drawing, identifying tile types, sizes, and layout patterns
Extract quantities from drawings to create a material take-off list for tiles, adhesive, and grout
Communicate effectively with a client or supervisor to clarify tiling specifications and report progress
Interpret specification sheets for tile products, including PEI rating, water absorption, and slip resistance
Your checkpoint
Given a sample drawing, produce a material take-off and a written communication (email or memo) summarizing the tiling plan and any clarifications needed.
Quality control, defect identification and rectification & Workplace safety and housekeeping (5S)
Inspect a tiled surface for common defects: lippage, hollow spots, uneven joints, efflorescence, and cracking
Diagnose the causes of at least three common tiling defects and propose corrective actions
Demonstrate the tap test to detect hollow tiles and explain acceptable tolerances
Review and apply 5S principles to maintain an organized and safe work area during and after tiling
Your checkpoint
Conduct a quality inspection of a tiled area (your practice board or a real job) and produce a defect report with photos and recommended fixes.
Tile laying and fixing (floor, wall, and special features) & Quality control, defect identification and rectification & Workplace communication
Integrate all skills to complete a small tiling project from planning to finishing, including surface prep, layout, cutting, fixing, grouting, and sealing
Perform a final quality check and rectify any defects identified
Document the project with a before-and-after photo log and a brief written report
Explain the importance of client communication and handover procedures in tiling work
Your checkpoint
Complete a comprehensive tiling project (e.g., a small bathroom floor or kitchen backsplash) and submit a portfolio with photos, material list, and self-assessment against quality standards.
Milestones
Week 2: Pass a 20-item quiz on tools, materials, and safety with at least 80% correct.
Week 4: Successfully tile a 1m x 1m practice board with cuts and a pipe hole, meeting criteria for alignment, joint width, and cleanliness.
Week 6: Accurately interpret a provided drawing and produce a material take-off with less than 10% error.
Week 8: Complete a full tiling project and pass a self-assessment checklist covering all domains with at least 90% compliance.