Menu
« Back to All Apprenticeships
Tile Setter
Published
Hybrid Apprenticeship
Industries
O*Net Code
47-2044.00
Rapids Code
0537HY
Req. Hours
3076
State
DC
Created
Jul 16, 2021
Updated
Jul 16, 2021
Competency-Based Skills
63 skill sets | 596 total skills
Math Skills
Calculate tile and stone quantities for basic projects
Estimate manpower requirements for jobs
Calculate tile and stone quantities for special shapes and applications
Calculate setting material quantities for tile and stone
Calculate grout quantities for tile and stone
Calculate placement, location and cuts for the installation of accessory materials
Use blueprints and specifications to determine calculations
Solve problems related to rounding off numbers
Properly measure capacity and mass
Properly measure lengths
Use fractions in addition, subtraction, multiplication and division
Convert between fractions and decimals
Solve ratio and proportion problems
Calculate the percentage value of a number
Calculate the percentage value of one number relative to another
Calculate perimeters and circumferences
Calculate hypotenuse using Pythagorean' Theorem (3-4-5 method)
Use formulas to calculate the areas of various shapes
Calculate volumes of various shapes
Reading Blueprints/Plans
Interpret schedules and specifications
Interpret elevation changes
Interpret section views
Interpret floor plans
Interpret symbols & notations
Interpret scaling & dimensions
Interpret and sketch details
Interpret plot plans
Follows supervisor’s directions
Follows safety rules and requirements appropriate with this section
Follows other processes and procedures as required
Hand Tools: Usage
Demonstrate the safe and proper use of measuring tools
Demonstrate the safe and proper use of layout tools
Demonstrate the safe and proper use of tile cutters, nippers, and rubbing stones
Demonstrate the safe and proper use of chisels and hammers
Demonstrate the safe and proper use of trowels and floats
Demonstrate the safe and proper use of mortar and grout mixings tools
Demonstrate the safe and proper use of utility knives
Follows other processes and procedures as required
Power Tools: Usage
Demonstrate the safe and proper use of tile and stone saws
Determine the proper saw blade required for cut
Demonstrate the safe and proper use of grinders
Determine the proper grinding stone / wheel required for project
Demonstrate the safe and proper use of polishers
Determine the proper polishing wheel for project
Demonstrates how to properly change blades, stones, wheels, and polishers
Demonstrates proper techniques for drilling of tile, stone, glass
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 power actuated equipment
Keeps power tools clean and in good order
Checks for required guards and other safety features on power equipment
Stores tools properly
Other tools and equipment maintenance as required
Lasers and Levels
Inspects laser and/or level for accuracy prior to use
Properly sets up laser for use
Transfer elevations correctly
Mark vertical and horizontal lines correctly using level
Mark vertical and horizontal lines correctly using laser
Turn angles for large projects
Cleans laser/and or level after use
Follows supervisor’s directions
Follows safety rules and requirements appropriate with this section
Follows other processes and procedures as required
Safety
Wears safety glasses when required
Wears gloves / long sleeves when required
Identifies potential hazards prior to beginning work
Reports potential hazards when noticed
Follows processes and procedures as required
Follows safety rules and requirements appropriate with this section
Uses guards on equipment
Wears required PPE
Reviews SDS sheets prior to working with hazardous materials
Uses ramps, ladders, and lifts correctly and safely
Wears eye protection when needed
Wears appropriate hearing apparatus when needed
Wears appropriate breathing apparatus when needed
Follows other processes and procedures as required
Scaffolding
Received and understands scaffolding systems and structures training
Understands scaffold components and materials
Wears proper safety equipment when using scaffolds
Properly erects scaffolds
Braces scaffold correctly
Safely dismantles scaffolds
Instructs users of scaffold of how to work safely on equipment
Follows other processes and procedures as required
Methods of Cutting Tile: Hand
Measures and marks materials correctly
Selects appropriate tool(s) for application
Makes cuts accurately
Trims material as needed
Uses proper PPE for the project
Follows safety rules and requirements associated with this section
Follows supervisor’s directions
Follows other processes and procedures as required
Methods of Cutting Tile: Power Equipment
Measures and marks materials correctly
Selects appropriate equipment for application
Makes cuts accurately
Uses proper PPE for the project
Follows safety rules and requirements associated with this section
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
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
Handle and Move Job-Site Materials: Storage and Staging
Provides clean, dry, secure area
Provides storage area close to installation area
Maintains clean and orderly storage area
Stores materials so that labels are visible
Stages materials according to work flow
Monitors material inventory and reports to supervisor
Follows supervisor’s directions
Follows safety rules and requirements appropriate with this section
Follows other processes and procedures as required
Handle and Move Job-Site Materials: Handling
Handles material responsibility, using appropriate material handling equipment
Identifies any hazardous or perishable materials
Stores material as per manufacturer recommendations
At the direction of the mechanic stages materials according to: work flow/time requirements/where needed
Maintains adequate inventory at installation site
Reports missing or damaged materials to supervisor
Coordinates scheduling material movement with on-site equipment
Blends, sorts, and mixes materials as required
Follows supervisor’s directions
Follows safety rules and requirements appropriate with this section
Follows other processes and procedures as required
Handle and Move Job-Site Materials: Restocking and Disposal
Gathers unused material, organizes, and re-stocks as appropriate
Separates recyclable materials and disposes of according to job-site requirements
Identifies and disposes of hazardous materials according to state and local regulations
Gathers remaining waste and spoilage and disposes of it in an appropriate manner
Identifies and secures materials to be returned to the shop
Follows supervisor’s directions
Follows safety rules and requirements appropriate with this section
Follows other processes and procedures as required
Substrate Inspection
Inspects integrity of substrate
Identifies repairs needed to substrate
Ensures substrate is a bondable surface
If substrate repair needed, determines best method to repair substrate
If slope is required, determines substrate has proper slope
Identifies locations for expansion and movement joints
Properly prepare surface for tile installation
Follows other processes and procedures as required
Walls: Thin-Set - Wall Inspection
Scraps, sweeps and cleans wall
Checks for sound substrate. Properly fastened and sound framing conditions per specs
Checks for within tolerance per specs: Straight, Flat, and Plumb
Checks for painters’ overspray and correct substrate material
Verifies finish heights
Verify placement, size and shape of accessories and fixtures
Maintains uniform joint width and height
Performs final clean as necessary per manufacturer’s specs
Identify any lighting related placement issues
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
Walls: Thin-Set - Preparation
Gathers necessary tools and materials
Identifies tolerances necessary for the material per the specs
Corrects defects in substrate/framing
Verifies corrections by other trades
Applies vapor/moisture barrier as required by specs
Follows supervisor’s directions
Follows safety rules and requirements appropriate with this section
Follows other processes and procedures as required
Walls: Thin-Set - Wood or Steel Framed Wall Preparation
Gathers necessary tools and materials
Identifies tolerances necessary for the material per the specs
Corrects defects in framing
Verifies corrections by other trades
Applies vapor/moisture barrier
Applies lath reinforcing
Applies scratch coat per specs
Applies mortar bed (float coat) per specs
Follows supervisor’s directions
Follows safety rules and requirements appropriate with this section
Follows other processes and procedures as required
Walls: Thin-Set - Inspection
Scrapes, sweeps, and cleans work surface
Checks for sound substrate:
Properly fastened and sound framing conditions per specs
Properly bonded underlayments
If containments are present, address per specs
Checks for tolerance per specs and corrects as necessary: Straight, Flat and Level
Checks for movement in joints: If present, verifies location and treats per specs
Follows supervisor’s directions
Follows safety rules and requirements appropriate with this section
Follows other processes and procedures as required
Walls: Thin-Set - Preparation
Gathers necessary tools and materials
Identifies tolerances necessary for the material of the specs
Corrects and defects in substrate
Verifies corrections by other trades
Follows supervisor’s directions
Follows safety rules and requirements appropriate with this section
Follows other processes and procedures as required
Floors: Mortar Bed - Inspection
Scrapes, sweeps, and cleans work surface
Checks for sound substrate:
Properly fastened and sound framing conditions per specs
Properly bonded underlayments
If containments are present, address per specs
Checks for tolerance per specs and corrects as necessary: Straight, Flat and Level
Checks for movement in joints: If present, verifies location and treats per specs
Follows supervisor’s directions
Follows safety rules and requirements appropriate with this section
Follows other processes and procedures as required
Floors: Mortar Bed - Preparation-Bonded
Gathers necessary tools and materials
Identifies tolerances necessary for the material of the specs
Corrects and defects in substrate
Verifies corrections by other trades
Dampens substrate
Applies cementitious bond coat
Applies dry pack mortar to wet bond coat
Follows supervisor’s directions
Follows safety rules and requirements appropriate with this section
Follows other processes and procedures as required
Floors: Mortar Bed - Preparation-Unbonded
Gathers necessary tools and materials
Identifies tolerances necessary for the material of the specs
Corrects and defects in substrate
Verifies corrections by other trades
Applies appropriate cleavage membrane
Installs wire reinforcing as required
Applies dry pack mortar per specs
Follows supervisor’s directions
Follows safety rules and requirements appropriate with this section
Follows other processes and procedures as required
Float, Screed and Scratch Walls: Inspection
Scrapes, sweeps, and cleans surfaces to be tiled
Check for sound substrate:
Properly fastened and sound framing conditions per specs
Checks for tolerance per specs Straight, Plumb and Flat
Verifies corrections by other trades
Verifies finish heights and opening widths
Verifies placement, size and shape of accessories and fixtures
Documents and reports any discrepancies to supervisor
Identifies any lighting related placement issues
Follows supervisor’s directions
Follows safety rules and requirements appropriate with this section
Follows other processes and procedures as required
Float, Screed and Scratch Walls: Wood or Steel Framed Wall Preparation
Gathers necessary tools and materials
Identifies tolerances necessary for the material per the specs
Corrects any defects in framing
Verifies corrections by other trades
Applies vapor/moisture barrier
Applies lath reinforcing
Applies scratch coat per specs
Applies mortar bed (float coat) per specs
Follows supervisor’s directions
Follows safety rules and requirements appropriate with this section
Follows other processes and procedures as required
Float, Screed and Scratch Walls: Solid Backing Wall Preparation
Gathers necessary tools and materials
Identifies tolerances necessary for the material per the specs
Corrects any defects in framing
Verifies corrections by other trades
Apply vapor/moisture barrier if or as necessary
Apply lath reinforcing if or as necessary
Apply scratch/bond coat as necessary per specs
Apply mortar bed (float coat) per specs
Follows supervisor’s directions
Follows safety rules and requirements appropriate with this section
Follows other processes and procedures as required
Prepare and Install Mortar Ceilings: Inspection
Scrapes, cleans ceilings
Checks for sound substrate
Checks for within tolerance per specs: Straight, Flat, and Level or Pitched
Checks for painters’ overspray and that correct substrate material was used
Verifies finish heights
Verify placement, size and shape of accessories and fixtures
Identifies any lighting related placement issues
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
Prepare and Install Mortar Ceilings: Wood or Steel Framed Ceiling Preparation
Gathers necessary tools and materials
Protect other finishes
Identifies tolerances necessary for the material per the specs such as flat or pitch
Corrects any defects in the framing
Verify corrections by other trades
Apply vapor/moisture barrier
Apply lath reinforcing
Apply scratch coat per specs
Apply mortar bed (float coat) per specs
Follows supervisor’s directions
Follows safety rules and requirements appropriate with this section
Follows other processes and procedures as required
Prepare and Install Mortar Ceilings: Solid Backing Ceiling Preparation
Gathers necessary tools and materials
Protect other finishes
Identifies tolerances necessary for the material per the specs such as flat or pitch
Corrects any defects in the framing
Verify corrections by other trades
Apply vapor/moisture barrier
Apply lath reinforcing
Apply scratch coat per specs
Apply mortar bed (float coat) per specs
Follows supervisor’s directions
Follows safety rules and requirements appropriate with this section
Follows other processes and procedures as required
Preparation of Countertops for Mortar Installation: Countertop (Mortar Method Preparation)
Gathers necessary tools and materials
Protect other finishes
Identifies tolerances necessary for the material per the specs
Installs vapor/moisture barrier to counter and backsplash per specs
Installs wire reinforcing to counter and backsplash per specs
Installs punched metal strip or suitable substrate per specs
Sets sink in mortar
Applies wall mortar to backsplash and counter perimeter per specs
Applies dry pack mortar to remainder of countertops
Follows supervisor’s directions
Follows safety rules and requirements appropriate with this section
Follows other processes and procedures as required
Prepare and Install Shower Walls and Floors: Inspection
Scrapes, sweeps, cleans area as required
Checks for sound substrate
Properly fastened and sound framing conditions per specs
Checks for tolerances per specs: Straight/Flat/Plumb and Level
Checks for painters’ overspray and confirms correct substrate material was used
Verifies finish heights
Verifies placement, size, shape of accessories/fixtures
Identifies any lighting related placement issues
Verifies slope to drain requirement
Follows safety rules and requirements appropriate with this section
Follows other processes and procedures as required
Prepare and Install Shower Walls and Floors: Wood or Steel Framed Wall Preparation
Gather necessary tools and equipment
Identify tolerances necessary for the materials per specs
Correct any defects in framing
Check for proper placement of plumbing
Apply vapor/moisture barrier
Verifies corrections by other trades
Applies waterproofing per code
Apply lath reinforcing as required
Apply scratch coat as required
Apply mortar bed (float coat) as required
Follows safety rules and requirements appropriate with this section
Follows other processes and procedures as required
Prepare and Install Shower Walls and Floors: Solid Backing Wall Preparation
Gather necessary tools and equipment
Identify tolerances necessary for the materials per specs
Correct any defects in framing
Check for proper placement of plumbing
Apply vapor/moisture barrier
Verifies corrections by other trades
Applies waterproofing per code
Apply lath reinforcing as necessary
Apply scratch coat as required
Apply mortar bed (float coat) as required
Follows safety rules and requirements appropriate with this section
Follows other processes and procedures as required
Prepare and Install Shower Walls and Floors: Bonded Shower Floor Preparation
Gather necessary tools and equipment
Identify tolerances necessary for the materials per specs
Correct any defects in framing
Check for proper placement of plumbing
Verifies corrections by other trades
Inspects drain system, adjusts as necessary
Dampens substrate
Applies cementitious bond coat
Applies dry pack mortar to pre sloped specs
Allows to cure as necessary
Applies waterproofing per specs
Protects weep holes
Applies wire reinforced mortar bed and slope per specs
Follows safety rules and requirements appropriate with this section
Follows other processes and procedures as required
Prepare and Install Countertops, Pullman, and Sinks: Inspection
Scrapes, sweeps, cleans areas to be tiled
Checks for sound substrate
Properly fastened cabinetry and substrate per specs
Checks for tolerances per specs: Straight/Flat/Plumb and Level
Verify corrections by other trades
Verifies finish heights and opening widths
Verifies placement, size, shape of accessories/fixtures
Documents and reports any discrepancies to supervisor
Follows safety rules and requirements appropriate with this section
Follows other processes and procedures as required
Prepare and Install Countertops, Pullman, and Sinks: Thin Set Method
Gather necessary tools and materials
Protect other finishes
Identify tolerances necessary for the material per the specs
Install and/or correct substrate as necessary
Follows safety rules and requirements appropriate with this section
Follows other processes and procedures as required
Prepare and Install Countertops, Pullman, and Sinks: Mortar Method
Gather necessary tools and materials
Protect other finishes
Identify tolerances necessary for the material per the specs
Installs vapor/moisture barrier to counter/backsplash per specs
Installs wire reinforcing to counter/backsplash per specs
Installs punched metal strip or suitable substrates per specs
Sets sink with mortar
Applies wall mortar to backsplash and counter perimeters per specs
Applies dry pack mortar to remainder of countertops
Follows safety rules and requirements appropriate with this section
Follows other processes and procedures as required
Install Other Types of Substrates: Backer Board Walls Inspection
Checks for sound substrate
Properly fastened and sound framing conditions per specs
Checks for tolerances per specs: Straight/Flat/Plumb and Level
Verifies finish heights
Verifies placement, size, shape of accessories and fixture openings
Identifies lighting related placement issues
Documents and reports any discrepancies to supervisor
Follows safety rules and requirements appropriate with this section
Follows other processes and procedures as required
Install Other Types of Substrates: Backer Board Walls Preparation
Gathers necessary tools and materials
Protects other finishes
Identify tolerances necessary for the material per the specs
Trues framing as necessary to meet installation tolerances
Installs and/or corrects substrate/framing as necessary
Follows safety rules and requirements appropriate with this section
Follows other processes and procedures as required
Install Other Types of Substrates: Backer Board Walls Installation
Installs vapor barrier as required
Installs backer board with fasteners per manufacturer’s specs and local codes
Uses fastening spacing required by manufacturer
Applies joint treatment per manufacturer’s specs
Follows safety rules and requirements appropriate with this section
Follows other processes and procedures as required
Install Other Types of Substrates: Backer Board Floors Inspection
Checks for sound substrate
Properly fastened and sound framing conditions per specs
Checks for tolerances per specs: Straight/Flat/Plumb and Level
Verifies finish heights
Verifies placement, size, shape of accessories and fixture openings
Documents and reports any discrepancies to supervisor
Follows safety rules and requirements appropriate with this section
Follows other processes and procedures as required
Install Other Types of Substrates: Backer Board Floors Preparation
Gathers necessary tools and materials
Scrapes, sweeps, cleans
Identify tolerances necessary for the material per the specs
Trues existing substrate as necessary to meet installation tolerances
Protects other finishes
Follows safety rules and requirements appropriate with this section
Follows other processes and procedures as required
Install Other Types of Substrates: Backer Board Floors Installation
Installs vapor barrier as required
Trowels thin set to embed backer board per manufacturer
Installs backer board with pattern and gap requirements as stated by manufacturer specs
Installs backer board with fasteners and adhesives per manufacturer’s specs and local codes
Uses fastening spacing required by manufacturer
Applies joint treatment per manufacturer’s specs
Follows safety rules and requirements appropriate with this section
Follows other processes and procedures as required
Install Other Types of Substrates: Uncoupling Membranes Floors Inspection
Checks for sound substrate
Properly fastened and sound framing conditions per specs
Checks for tolerances per specs: Straight/Flat/Plumb and Level
Verifies finish heights
Verifies placement, size, shape of accessories and fixture openings
Documents and reports any discrepancies to supervisor
Follows safety rules and requirements appropriate with this section
Follows other processes and procedures as required
Install Other Types of Substrates: Uncoupling Membranes Floors Preparation
Gathers necessary tools and materials
Scrapes, sweeps, cleans
Identify tolerances necessary for the material per the specs
Trues existing substrate as necessary to meet installation tolerances
Protects other finishes
Follows safety rules and requirements appropriate with this section
Follows other processes and procedures as required
Install Other Types of Substrates: Uncoupling Membranes Floors Installation
Trowels primer and/or thin set to embed uncoupling membranes per manufacturer
Rolls out uncoupling membrane and presses into place per manufacturer
Installs uncoupling membrane with pattern requirements as stated by manufacturer specs
Installs seam tape as required by manufacturer
Follows safety rules and requirements appropriate with this section
Follows other processes and procedures as required
Self-Leveling and Other Cementitious Underlayments: Inspection
Scrapes, sweeps, and cleans
Checks for sound substrate
Properly fastened and sound framing conditions per specs for wood sub-floors
Clean, dry, and free of contaminants for concrete floors per specs
Checks for tolerances per specs: Straight/Flat/Plumb and Level
Verifies finish heights
Verifies placement, size, shape of accessories and fixture openings
Documents and reports any discrepancies to supervisor
Follows safety rules and requirements appropriate with this section
Follows other processes and procedures as required
Self-Leveling and Other Cementitious Underlayments: Preparation
Gathers necessary tools and materials
Scrapes, sweeps, cleans
Identify tolerances necessary for the material per the specs
Seals all porous areas that may cause material to escape
Protects other finishes
Follows supervisor’s directions
Follows safety rules and requirements appropriate with this section
Follows other processes and procedures as required
Self-Leveling and Other Cementitious Underlayments: Installation
Applies primer per manufacturer’s specs
Mixes and applies underlayment per manufacturer’s specs
True existing substrate as necessary to meet installation tolerances
Cleans work area and tools
Follows supervisor’s directions
Follows safety rules and requirements appropriate with this section
Follows other processes and procedures as required
Tile Product Knowledge
Knows the difference between natural, calibrated, rectified
Knows the ANSI standards for the various types of tile
Reads tile boxes for standards and tile specific instructions
References ANSI and TCNA Handbook as needed prior to installation
Knows where to find lippage, grout joint width, and substrate requirements in ANSI
Understands the type of adhesive required based on the usage and type of tile being installed
Understands reason for straight trowel method vs swirling
Understands coverage requirements
Follows other processes and procedures as required
Layout
Able to center and balance a room
Per ANSI, ensures that not less than ½ tile is used when possible
Able to keep pattern running between rooms
Utilizes 3,4,5 method or square to check work prior to installation
Continues pattern around corners
Uses chalk lines or lasers to mark lines for tile layout
If creating pattern, gets mock up approved by owner/architect/GC
Follows other processes and procedures as required
Tile Installation
Follows proper layout according to plans and specs
Establishes plumb and level controls
Dampens substrate as necessary (dependent on substrate)
Spreads bonding material correctly using correct trowel
Installs tile
Checks for coverage of thinset/adhesive
Adjusts and aligns as necessary
Cleans work surface
Leaves correct joint spacing
Follows safety rules and requirements appropriate with this section
Follows other processes and procedures as required
Ceramic Tile Project Repairs
Understand circumstances that cause damage to tile work
Know what to look for and how to repair tile installation
Properly remove damaged or loose tile
Repair and prepare backings and substrates tile installation
Replace tile as required
Properly grout and reseal tile as required
Follows safety rules and requirements appropriate with this section
Follows other processes and procedures as required
Natural Stone Products: Identify
Identify and describe natural stone products
Describe types, characteristics and uses for marble
Describe types, characteristics and uses for granite
Describe types, characteristics and uses for slate
Describe types, characteristics and uses for agglomerate tile and slabs
Follows safety rules and requirements appropriate with this section
Follows other processes and procedures as required
Natural Stone Products: Installation
Inspection and preparation of substrates for stone products
Install stone, marble and state on horizontal surfaces
Install stone, marble and slate on vertical surfaces
Polish stone and marble edges and cuts
Grout, clean and seat stone projects
Install marble, granite and slate for stairs and special projects
Follows TCNA Handbook / manufacturer recommendations
Follows safety rules and requirements appropriate with this section
Follows other processes and procedures as required
Natural Stone Products: Repair
Describe the conditions that cause stone and marble to deteriorate, crack and spall
Inspect and note stone/marble requiring replacement
Remove cracked and spalled stone and marble slabs
Repair and prepare backings and substrates for stone and marble
Replace stone and marble slabs
Follows safety rules and requirements appropriate with this section
Follows other processes and procedures as required
Grouting: Inspection
Checks for any residual setting material or foreign matter in the joints or on the surface
Checks for any loose, damaged or improperly installed tiles
Identifies areas to be grouted
Identifies areas to be caulked or left ungrouted
Follows safety rules and requirements appropriate with this section
Follows other processes and procedures as required
Gathers necessary tools and materials
Verifies correct color and type of grout
Protects adjacent finished surfaces
Cleans any residual setting material or foreign matter
Replaces any loose, damaged or improperly installed tiles
Identifies and protects proper mixing area
Locates potable water source and disposal area
Follows safety rules and requirements appropriate with this section
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
Allows proper set up time per manufacturer’s recommendations
Washes excess grout from surface of tile and joints
Maintains uniform joint width and height
Performs final clean as necessary per manufacturer’s specs
Polishes haze from tile surface
Cleans tools and work area
Properly dispose of grout water
Protects grouted work area as required
Follows safety rules and requirements appropriate with this section
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’s recommendations
Identifies areas to be cleaned, caulked, and sealed
Determines and identifies any contaminants from other trades
Verifies that proper ventilation exists
Follows safety rules and requirements appropriate with this section
Follows other processes and procedures as required
Clean, Caulk, and Seal Surfaces: Preparation
Gathers necessary tools and materials
Verifies correct cleaner, caulk, and sealer
Protects adjacent finished surfaces
Assures areas to be caulked are free of debris and containments
Locates potable water source and disposal area
Follows safety rules and requirements appropriate with this section
Follows other processes and procedures as required
Clean, Caulk, and Seal Surfaces: Cleaning
Mixes proper quantity of cleaning materials per manufacturer’s recommendations
Uses proper applicator per manufacturer’s recommendations
Allows contact time per manufacturer’s recommendations
Performs a final clean as necessary per manufacturer’s recommendations
Protects finished surfaces as needed
Follows safety rules and requirements appropriate with this section
Follows other processes and procedures as required
Clean, Caulk, and Seal Surfaces: Caulking
Verifies correct color and material
Prime areas to be caulked as required
Uses proper applicator per manufacturer’s recommendations
Applies caulk using proper tools as needed
Allows proper contact time per manufacturer’s recommendations
Removes excess caulk from surface of tile
Protects finished surfaces as needed
Follows safety rules and requirements appropriate with this section
Follows other processes and procedures as required
Time-Based Skills
7 skill sets | 7 total skills
Repair/Patchwork - 300 req. hrs
Use and Maintenance of Tools and Equipment - 375 req. hrs
Preparation of Substrates for Tile - 675 req. hrs
Mathematics/Layout Techniques - 450 req. hrs
Wall/Ceiling Tile Installations per Industry Standards - 900 req. hrs
Floor/Stair/Countertop Tile Installations per Industry Standards - 1,050 req. hrs
Grout, Clean, and Seal Tile Work - 375 req. hrs
Technical Instruction
Orientation - 6 req. hrs
Orientation to the Job
Safety Requirements
What is Takes to be a Tile Setter
Job Description and Physical Skills
Safety - 8 req. hrs
CPR/First Aid
Scaffolding
Forklift/Elevation Equipment
Dust and Silica
SDS
PPE
Tools and Equipment - 20 req. hrs
Lasers and Levels
Making Jigs
Lippage Tuning Systems
Trowels
Material Handling & Identification - 8 req. hrs
Types of Tile
Communication
Cutting, Finishing, Fitting
Assessing Tile
Lifting Techniques
Proper Staging
Substrate Prep - 38 req. hrs
Assessing Work of Others
Backer Boards
Water Tests
Coordination with Other Trades
Underlayments
Crack Isolation Membranes
Waterproof Membranes
ANSI A108.01 Requirements
Substrate Suitability
Utilizing Tools to Prepare Substrate
Bondable Surfaces
Surface Profile
Mortars/Adhesives/Thin-Sets - 34 req. hrs
Intro to Adhesives and Thin-Sets
ANSI Standards
Intro to Tile Standards
Differences in Thin-Sets
Layout and Mathematics - 40 req. hrs
Center and Balance Room
Determining Trim Requirements
Radius Layout
Patterns
Estimating Tile Needed
Layouts
Mock Ups
Reading Plans and Specs - 34 req. hrs
Plans
Patterns
Specifications
Pre-Install
Adapting to Change
Managing Change
Reading Plans and Specs Together
Costs Related to Decisions
TCNA Handbook Installation Methods - 60 req. hrs
Reading Handbook Details
Interior Floor Methods
Bathtub Methods
Shower Benches
Interior Wall Methods
Bathtub/Shower Methods
Shower Methods
Shower Benches
Jambs, Curbs, Knee Walls
Stone Installations
Shower Receptors - 20 req. hrs
Water Theory
Curbs
Mold and Demolition/Repair
Drains
Wet Area Repairs
Tile/Stone Water Management
ADA Requirements
Mud Bed Floors and Walls - 15 req. hrs
Wall Mud
In Floor Heating
Mud Setting Stone
Stringing & Elevation Changes
Grouting and Finishing - 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
Sealants and Expansion Joints - 19 req. hrs
Movement Joints in Showers
Communication of Movement Joints
Advanced Topics - 40 req. hrs
Gauged Porcelain Tile
Stone/Stone Slab Installation
Water Jets
Rainscreens
Site Management
Communication: GC/Owner/Architect
Glass/Mosaic Installation
Elevator Cabs
Steam Rooms
Exteriors
Balconies/Patios/Roof Decks
Sealants
Production/Goal Setting
