Tilesetter

Tilesetters are precise and tactile tradespeople who prepare and install a wide range of tiles—from ceramic to terrazzo and marble. 

As a Tilesetter, your work will require intense precision, as you measure and cut a range of special materials to an exact fit. You’ll move through the motions of preparing and installing materials. This will include working in many settings—from swimming pools to commercial buildings, and more. 

And you’ll align your math skills with a unique creativity that shines through in an artistic and practical creation. 

What You'll Learn

  • How to prepare, measure and mark surfaces to be covered 
  • How to build underbeds and install anchor bolts, wires and brackets 
  • How to mix, apply and spread mortar, cement, mastic, glue or other adhesives 
  • How to set, align, cut and fix tiles 
  • How to install tile strips 

Key Job Skills

  • Coordination  
  • Communication  
  • Material selection and recommendation  
  • Saw and cutter operations  
  • Trowelling and mortar preparation  

Technical Training

To get certified, you will need to sign up for technical training at an approved training provider in addition to on-the-job training. 

Visit Trades Training BC and EducationPlannerBC for a comprehensive list of what programs are available in your trade at public and non-public schools. 

For a list of all approved non-public training providers, visit this page.

Technical Training 12 weeks over 3 years
Work-Based Training
4500 HOURS
General Skills
Athletic Collaborative Mathematical Precise Tactile

Program Updates

Program Information and Resources

Program Profile

Occupational Description

Tilesetters prepare bases, including waterproof membranes, metal lath and fasteners, and back-up materials pertaining to tile, mixing and use of cement mortars. They also apply a variety of tile—vitreous, quarry, ceramic, terrazzo, quartzite, glass, ceramic veneer, granite, slate, brick pavers, thin bricks and marble—to walls, floors and ceilings, fire places, steam rooms, arches, swimming pools, circular walls and stairways, and other areas.

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Exam Information and Resources

Find exam-related information and resources under each menu item below.

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Challenge the Trade

If you have significant work experience in a trade but have never been certified in Canada, you may apply to challenge the certification. Learn more about How to Challenge a Skilled Trade.

OR

If you sponsor apprentices but have never been certified in Canada, you may request to supervise and sign-off apprentices when they are ready to be certified. Please contact customer service for more information.