Menu
« Back to All Apprenticeships
Tile Finisher
Published
Hybrid Apprenticeship
Industries
O*Net Code
47-3011.00
Rapids Code
0971HY
Req. Hours
2812.5
State
DC
Created
Jul 16, 2021
Updated
Jul 16, 2021
Competency-Based Skills
33 skill sets | 355 total skills
OSHA Safety Practices: PPE Personal Protective Equipment
Hard hat
Safety glasses
Work boots
Ear protection
Gloves
Dress code required for worksite and task
Respirator (if required)
Other site or task specific PPE
Follows other processes and procedures as required
OSHA Safety Practices: Fall Protection Equipment
Scaffolding and work platforms
Ladders and other egress points
Body harness
Safety net as required
Other site or task specific fall protection equipment
Follows other processes and procedures as required
OSHA Safety Practices: Employer’s Safety Program
Follows company safety program
Attends company safety meetings (on job or in office)
Participates in company safety meetings
Attends respirator fit test as required by company
Other site or task specific equipment
Follows other processes and procedures as required
Jobsite Readiness: Jobsite Arrival
Arrives at job site prior to the start of the work day ready to work
Arrives at job site with required tools
Arrives to work drug and alcohol free
Arrives at job site with proper PPE
Attends daily meetings before work begins
Follows supervisor’s directions
Follows safety rules and requirements appropriate with this section
Material Handling: Material Storage and Staging
Locates area where material is to be stored
Prepares storage/staging area
Inventories/inspects materials
Ensures storage area is secure
Stages material appropriate for work flow
Protects materials form weather, damage
Monitors inventory levels and reports to supervisor
Follows safety rules and requirements
Follows supervisor’s directions
Follows other processes and procedures as required
Material Handling: Handling
Handles material using proper lifting techniques and equipment
Identifies hazardous material and secures correctly
Stores material per manufacturer instructions
Stages materials based on mechanic/supervisor needs
Reports missing/damaged material to supervisor
Schedules material movement with on-site equipment when required
Blends, sorts, and mixes materials as required
Follows safety rules and requirements
Follows supervisor’s directions
Follows other processes and procedures as required
Material Handling: Clean Up, Restocking, and Disposal
Gathers unused material, organizes, restocks as necessary
Separates recyclable materials and disposes of according to job site requirements
Identifies and disposes of hazardous materials per state and local regulations
Gathers remaining waste and spoilage, disposes of in an appropriate manner
Identifies and secures materials to be returned to the shop
Follows safety rules and requirements
Follows supervisor’s directions
Follows other processes and procedures as required
Use and Maintain Tools & Equipment: General Maintenance of Tools
Checks electrical cords and equipment before use
Keeps hand tools in good repair
Demonstrates proper maintenance of equipment
Keeps tools clean
Checks for required guards and other safety features on power equipment
Stores tools properly
Follows safety rules and requirements
Follows supervisor’s directions
Follows other processes and procedures as required
Use and Maintain Tools & Equipment: Tools and Equipment
Chalk line
Steel measuring tape
Steel square
Straight edge
Spirit level
Folding rule
Tile Cutter
Electric chipping hammer
Carbide hole saw
Nippers
Tin snips
Rubbing Stone
Electric drill ½” or larger
Tile saw
Utility knife
Scoring tool
Grout saw keyhole
Saw
Carbide tipped chisel
Jamb saw
Margin trowel
Flat trowel
Gauging trowel
Pointing trowel
Buttering trowel
Bucket trowel
Grout float
Rubber float
Epoxy float
Wood float
Mortar hoe
Mortar box
Mixer
Beating block
Rubber mallet
Grout sponge
Epoxy sponge
Combination square
Trammel bar
Plumb bob
Tile cutting board
All angle tile cutter
Rod saw
Scribe
Scraper
Hammer
Tool bag/bucket
Square edge shovel
Water brush
Foxtail brush
Center punch
Hawk
Storypole
Laser
Caulk gun
Rubbing brick
Notched trowel
Mixing paddle
Chipping hammer
HEPA vac
Grouting blankets
Buckets – 1, 3, and 5 gallons
Shims and spacers
Float strips
Lights
Extension cords
Ladders
Gloves – rubber and cloth
Push broom
Staple gun
Hammer tacker
Cutting Tools: Hand Tools
Selects correct tool for required cut
Makes cut accurately along mark
Trims/smooths material as needed
Uses proper PPE for task
Follows safety rules and requirements
Follows supervisor’s directions
Follows other processes and procedures as required
Cutting Tools: Electric Tools
Selects appropriate equipment for task
Ensures equipment is set up properly
Double checks accuracy of blade to mark prior to cutting
Makes cut accurately along mark
Uses proper PPE for task
Dries off cut tile prior to handing to tile setter
Follows safety rules and requirements
Follows supervisor’s directions
Follows other processes and procedures as required
Mixing Mortars, Epoxy Resins, and Adhesives: Hand
Selects proper tools as required for the job
Selects proper mortar types to be mixed as specified
Wears proper PPE as required for product being mixed
Maintains proper consistency as required
Re-tempers as permitted
Follows supervisor’s directions
Follows safety rules and requirements appropriate with this section
Follows other processes and procedures as required
Mixing Mortars, Epoxy Resins, and Adhesives: Power Equipment
Identifies equipment to be used
Performs necessary maintenance
Cleans equipment
Follows supervisor’s directions
Follows safety rules and requirements appropriate with this section
Follows other processes and procedures as required
Preparation of Substrates: Preparation
Scraps, sweeps and cleans as needed
Gathers necessary tools and materials
Checks substrate meets tolerances
Identifies tolerances necessary for the material per the specs
Blocks off area, as required, to protect from other trades
Utilizes equipment properly to ensure substrate is flat, plumb, level as required
Documents and reports any discrepancies to supervisor
Follows supervisor’s directions
Follows safety rules and requirements appropriate with this section
Follows other processes and procedures as required
Preparation of Substrates: Demolition
Gathers necessary tools and materials
Reviews areas to be requiring demolition with supervisor
Adheres to proper techniques for each piece of power equipment that is used
Contains area as necessary
Uses proper angles and techniques depending on demo requirements
Wears proper PPE
Documents and reports any issues to supervisor
Follows supervisor’s directions
Follows safety rules and requirements appropriate with this section
Follows other processes and procedures as required
Preparation of Substrates: Grinding
Gathers necessary tools and materials
Reviews areas to be ground with supervisor
Checks that guards are attached
Ensures HEPA vacuum is attached properly
Contains area as necessary
Demonstrates ability to properly grind and check work
Documents and reports any issues to supervisor
Follows supervisor’s directions
Follows safety rules and requirements appropriate with this section
Follows other processes and procedures as required
Preparation of Substrates: Membranes - Liquid
Gathers necessary tools and materials
Identifies area to receive membrane
Mixes membrane per manufacturer instructions
Understands area to receive membrane
Applies membrane per specs and manufacturer instructions
Checks the wet film thickness to ensure proper thickness used per application
Follows supervisor’s directions
Follows safety rules and requirements appropriate with this section
Follows other processes and procedures as required
Preparation of Substrates: Membranes - Sheet
Gathers necessary tools and materials
Know area to receive membrane
Applies thinset when required per manufacturer instructions
Applies primer when required per manufacturer instructions
Applies membrane per specs and manufacturer instructions
Pushes all air bubbles out from under the membrane
Follows supervisor’s directions
Follows safety rules and requirements appropriate with this section
Follows other processes and procedures as required
Preparation of Substrates: Self Leveling Underlayment (SLU)
Places dams where required
Communicates effectively with SLU team
Sets up SLU mixing station
Mixes SLU per manufacturer instructions
Places mixed SLU where required
Effectively cleans up the mixing station, tools, and equipment at the end of the pour
Follows supervisor’s directions
Follows safety rules and requirements appropriate with this section
Follows other processes and procedures as required
Preparation of Substrates: Mortar Beds
Gathers necessary tools and materials
Sets up mixing station
Communicates with tile setter about the type of mortar mix that will be required
Installs wire reinforcing as required
Uses correct ratio of products to mix mortar bed
Stages mortar for tile setter based on their requirements
Effectively cleans up the mixing station, tools, and equipment at the end of the process
Follows supervisor’s directions
Follows safety rules and requirements appropriate with this section
Follows other processes and procedures as required
Preparation of Substrates: Primers
Gathers necessary tools and materials
Follows manufacturer instructions
Reviews area to receive primer with supervisor
Applies primer per specs and manufacturer requirements
Cleans tools and materials after use
Follows supervisor’s directions
Follows safety rules and requirements appropriate with this section
Follows other processes and procedures as required
Preparation of Substrates: Backer Boards
Gathers necessary tools and materials
Cuts backer board to appropriate size for installation
Installs backer board per manufacturer/supervisors instructions
Utilizes correct fasteners for backer board
Applies joint treatment per manufacturer/supervisors instructions
Follows supervisor’s directions
Follows safety rules and requirements appropriate with this section
Follows other processes and procedures as required
Preparation of Substrates: Patching Material
Gathers necessary tools and materials
Set up mixing station
Mixes per manufacturer instructions
Verifies areas requiring patch material
Applies patch material per manufacturer instructions
Cleans tools, materials, and mixing station when finished
Follows supervisor’s directions
Follows safety rules and requirements appropriate with this section
Follows other processes and procedures as required
Mixing: Mixing Dry Pack
Demonstrates ability to gather materials for the mix (Sand, Portland Cement, Additives, Water)
Gathers proper tools and equipment
Wears proper PPE required for mixing dry products
Mixes ingredients according to standard procedures to desired consistency
Transports mortar to desired location
Notify supervisor when inventory is low and more needed for next day
Cleans tools and equipment after each use
Follows safety rules and requirements
Follows supervisor’s directions
Follows other processes and procedures as required
Mixing Grouts and Adhesives: Power Equipment
Identifies paddle to be used based on material that is mixed
Performs necessary maintenance
Follows manufacturer mixing instructions including slake times
Wears proper PPE required for mixing dry and wet products
Cleans equipment after use
Has material ready without crew stopping and waiting
Follows safety rules and requirements
Follows supervisor’s directions
Follows other processes and procedures as required
Grouting: Inspection
Checks for any residual setting material or foreign matter in the joints on the surface
Checks for any loose, damaged, or improperly installed tile
Identifies area to be grouted
Identifies areas to be caulked or left ungrouted
Follows safety rules and requirements
Follows supervisor’s directions
Follows other processes and procedures as required
Grouting: Preparation
Gathers necessary tools and materials
Verifies correct color and type of grout
Understands differences of each type of grout
Protects adjacent finished surfaces
Cleans and residual setting material or foreign matter
Locates potable water source and disposal area
Cleans tools and equipment after each use
Follows safety rules and requirements
Follows supervisor’s directions
Follows other processes and procedures as required
Grouting: Installation
Mixes proper quantity of grout per manufacturer’s specs
Uses proper float
Works grout thoroughly into joints
Cleans excess off tile surface and joints as needed
Follows set up times per manufacturer
Washes excess grout from surface of tile and joints
Maintains uniform joint width and height
Performs final clean per manufacturer’s specs
Polishes haze from tile surface
Cleans tools and work area
Properly disposes of grout water
Protects grouted work area as required
Follows safety rules and requirements
Follows supervisor’s directions
Follows other processes and procedures as required
Clean, Caulk and Seal Surfaces: Inspection
Checks tile and grouting for any imperfections
Determines that installation has properly cured per manufacturer recommendations
Identifies areas to be cleaned, caulked, and sealed
Determines and identifies any contaminants from other trades
Verifies proper ventilation exists before starting
Follows safety rules and requirements
Follows supervisor’s directions
Follows other processes and procedures as required
Clean, Caulk and Seal Surfaces: Preparation
Gathers necessary tools and materials
Verifies correct cleaner, caulk, sealer
Protects adjacent finished surfaces
Assures areas to be caulked are free of debris and contaminants
Locates potable water source and disposal area
Wears proper PPE for each task
Follows safety rules and requirements
Follows supervisor’s directions
Follows other processes and procedures as required
Clean, Caulk and Seal Surfaces: Cleaning
Mixes cleaning materials per manufacturer specs
Uses proper applicator for cleaning material
Allows contact time required by manufacturer
Washes excess cleaners from surface of tile and joints
Performs final clean as necessary
Protects finished surface
Wears proper PPE depending on cleaner
Follows safety rules and requirements
Follows supervisor’s directions
Follows other processes and procedures as required
Clean, Caulk and Seal Surfaces: Caulking
Verifies correct color and material
As required, primes area to be caulked
Uses proper applicator
Applies caulk per manufacturers/TCNA Handbook requirements
Removes excess caulk from surface of tile
Protects finished surfaces as required
Follows safety rules and requirements
Follows supervisor’s directions
Follows other processes and procedures as required
Clean, Caulk and Seal Surfaces: Sealing
Verifies correct color and material
Protect adjacent tile areas as required
Uses proper applicator
Applies sealant per manufacturer’s/TCNA Handbook requirements
Removes excess sealant from surface of tile and joints
Ensures a full sealant joint
Protects finished surfaces as needed
Follows safety rules and requirements
Follows supervisor’s directions
Follows other processes and procedures as required
Time-Based Skills
6 skill sets | 6 total skills
Grout and Surface (All Types of Tile and Types of Techniques) - 862.5 req. hrs
Methods of Cutting Tile - 112.5 req. hrs
Substrate Preparation - 562.5 req. hrs
Mix Mortars, Epoxy Resins and Adhesives - 562.5 req. hrs
Handle/Move Job Site Materials from Stockpile to Point of Installation - 412.5 req. hrs
Clean, Treat, and Seal Surfaces (all Techniques) - 300 req. hrs
Technical Instruction
Orientation - 8 req. hrs
Orientation to the Job
Tile Specific Safety Awareness
Safety Orientation Part 1
Safety Orientation Part 2
Safety Orientation Part 3
Hand Tool Orientation
Cutting Tool Orientation
Electric Tool Orientation
What to expect on the Job
Scaffolding & Lift Safety - 8 req. hrs
Elevation Equipment Knowledge
Safety & Erection of Scaffolding
Scissor Lift Certification
Fork Lift Certification
Trade History & Education - 8 req. hrs
History of Tile
Markets That Use Tile
Difference Between W2 & 1099 Workers
Related Products and Industries
Backer Boards for Tile Installations
Introduction to Trims & Profiles
Surface Profile
Introduction to Bonding Materials
Introduction to Cleaning Agents & Sealers
Enhancers & Impregnators
Cleaners
Warehouses
Use of Tools and Equipment - 30 req. hrs
Trowel Education
Trowel & Error
Cutting Tools Equipment Knowledge
Cutting/Fitting Tile
Hand Tools Equipment Knowledge
Grinding Tools Equipment Knowledge
Mixing Tools Equipment Knowledge
Slake Mix
Demolition Tools Equipment Knowledge
Power Tools Equipment Knowledge
Surface Profile Operation
Grouting and Caulking - 40 req. hrs
Introduction to Grouts
Grout Overview
Standard Cement Grout
Epoxy Grout
High Performance Cement Grout
Ready to Use Grout
Grout Problems & Remedies
Grout Clean-Up & Detailing
Grout Team Leader
Sealants
Soft Joints/Movement Joints
Tile Industry Preparation - 110 req. hrs
Introduction to Preparation Materials
Introduction to Primers
Waterproof Membranes 101
Crack Isolation Membranes 101
Mortar Beds & Admixtures 101
Demolition Process
Surface Prep – Concrete
Patching Material – Concrete
Self-Leveling Underlayments – Concrete
Portland Cement Mortar Bed 201
Backer Boards
Surface Preparation – Wood Substrates
Overview of Underlayments
Bonding Primer
Moisture Mitigation Systems
Waterproof Membranes 201
Crack Isolation Membranes 201
Uncoupling Mats
Vapor Barriers
Sound Reducing Membranes
Moisture Concerns Installing Over Concrete
Surface Preparation 201
Underlayments 201
Shower Pan Construction
