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  

Start Your Apprenticeship

Interested in this trade? Learn how to start your apprenticeship.

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

Technical Training

The classroom is where you learn the technical knowledge to complement your work-based training. Make sure to register as early as possible to secure a seat for technical training with a SkilledTradesBC-designated training provider. 

Visit Trades Training BC and EducationPlannerBC to find where this program is being offered across the province. 

Program Information and Resources

Exam Information and Resources

Find exam-related information and resources under each menu item below. Looking for more exam tips? Visit the Exam and Study Support page. 

 

 

Active as of January 19, 2026

Program and Exam Updates

  • January 2026: OPSN 2025 025 (IP Exams aligned to the 2023 Red Seal Occupational Standards (RSOS)). A Comparative Analysis detailing changes between 2010 NOA and the 2023 RSOS can be found here.

Challenge the Certification Exam

If you have work experience in the trade but have never been certified in Canada, you may be eligible to challenge the certification exam as a Trade Qualifier to become certified without going through an apprenticeship program. 

If you have some practical experience but do not yet qualify for the certification exam, you may be eligible to challenge a level exam to enter the program at the appropriate level. 

Check the Program Profile on this page for the available pathway options and eligibility details.