Are you already working as a tiler or it’s something you want to get into as a career change? There are lots of tiling courses out there to choose from, that lead to various certificates and qualifications. But how do you know which one is for you, for your learning needs and career goals? This guide is for you if you’re looking for professional tiling courses with qualifications.

We’ll look at the tiling courses that actually lead to a recognised tiling qualification and who they are suitable for and why.

Tiling training courses

Tiling training courses range in duration, depth and resulting qualifications. You might choose a  DIY tiling course with a certificate or a professional tiler course with pathways to NVQ. Which one’s right for you will depend on what you want to do professionally.

There are many tiling courses that might offer qualifications, from certificates to diplomas, so it’s quite confusing. A practical tiling course could mean getting a certificate in tiling. A diploma shows professional competence at that level. An NVQ demonstrates work-based competence.

In the UK construction industry, City & Guilds and NOCN are among the awarding bodies that offer recognised tiling qualifications, including diplomas and NVQs. A diploma demonstrates the knowledge and skills gained through structured training, while an NVQ assesses occupational competence in the workplace.

What qualifications do you need to be a tiler

Like many trades, there’s no requirement to hold a qualification to work as a tiler. There will be many tilers out there doing a fantastic job who are self-taught or have learnt the trade by starting as a tiler’s mate or labourer and learning on-the-job.

Qualifications become necessary for some work opportunities or for gaining the relevant level of a CSCS card for tilers for working on construction sites. Holding qualifications can be beneficial for other reasons, because it demonstrates a professional level of competence in the trade, which in turn can inspire confidence from clients. It may also be required on insurance in some cases. On a personal level, holding a qualification gives your skills the seal of approval, again, demonstrating that professional level of competence, but giving you confidence in your own ability.

In terms of the best tiling qualification, that depends entirely on the end goal. If you want to learn the skills to enter industry or to work for yourself as a tiler or to offer tiling as part of your wider services, then a Level 1 course could be a good foundation.

If you want to work on a construction site as a tiler and therefore need to consider getting a Skilled Worker CSCS Card for tiling, that’s the Blue Card. To be eligible for that, you’ll need to have completed an NVQ in tiling.

The CSCS cards that a tiler needs will depend. To get started, a Green/Labourer card will give you site access. The Blue/Skilled Worker card, that needs the NVQ in wall and floor tiling, recognises you on-site as a trade professional tiler. In both cases, you’ll need to pass a CITB Health, Safety and Environment test.

City & Guilds tiling qualifications

City & Guilds tiling courses are recognised tiling courses. Their qualifications are recognised and highly regarded in the construction industry. As well as formal qualifications, they also approve training, so you often see “City & Guilds Approved Centre” as a mark of quality on courses that offer a certificate of learning.  

A simple explanation of tiling qualifications in the UK

Assured City & Guilds Certificate – shows you’ve completed that specific course in tiling. Example course: Able Skills Introduction to Tiling

City & Guilds diploma in Tiling –awarded by City & Guilds on successful completion of the tiling course. It shows you’ve gained professional competence in wall and floor tiling to either Level 1 or Level 2 in a classroom setting. Example course: Able Skills City & Guilds Tiling or Tiling Course with Training for NVQ Level 2.

NVQ Level 2 in Tiling - a work-based competence assessment to demonstrate that you can do the job to that level of proficiency and safety in the real world. This isn’t a course; it’s a process of assessment.

As for the difference between a diploma in tiling and an NVQ in tiling: A diploma shows that you have the underpinning knowledge at that level. An NVQ demonstrates that you can do the work in the job to that level of industry standard.

The NVQ process

Once you have a suitable qualification and/or significant experience working as a tiler, you can pursue your Level 2 wall and floor tiling NVQ. As NVQs are declarations of competence, they need to be done in the real world of work by collecting evidence, and there’s knowledge-based questions and a professional discussion with an assessor.

How to become a qualified tiler

New to tiling

If you’re wondering how to become a tiler in the UK, like many trades, there are a few routes: college course, apprenticeships, learning on the job. There’s also the option of courses through a private construction training provider.

If you’re new to the industry, consider the Able Skills Tiling Course with Training for NVQ Level 2. This is a tiling course with a qualification, and they’re ideal tiling courses for career changers as it will fully prepare you for the process and provide you with the skills and reality of what it’s like working full time as a tiler.

The training course covers a wall and floor tiling qualification (City & Guilds 6219-08), as well as an assured plastering certificate + NVQ registration. From there, we can put you in touch with an NVQ provider who will guide you through the process to complete your tiling assessment and NVQ.

Already tiling

If you already have significant experience in tiling and have been working as a tiler for a number of years, there are experienced worker routes to gaining an NVQ in tiling. This is often referred to as the experienced tiler NVQ. Of course, depending on your knowledge and work habits, a suitable training course could also be beneficial to bring you up to date with current working practices, safety and techniques.

Working as a tiler

You can become a self-employed tiler after doing a tiling course. A tiling course for adults will give you the skills you need to build proficiency and confidence in your skills. This is the perfect foundation for setting up as a self-employed tiler. It will take hard work and determination to get work and gain clients, but by doing a good job and gaining referrals and reviews, it’s possible to build up a business.

The average salary of tiler setter in the UK is currently £ 30,630, according to Indeed, but this will vary based on geographical location and experience. A self-employed tiler, on the other hand, can typically command day rates up to £350, according to Checkatrade.

FAQs about tiling courses with qualifications

Do I need qualifications to work as a tiler?

Strictly speaking no, you don’t need qualifications to work as a tiler. But not having them may limit your work opportunities. To work as a professional tiler, consider a City & Guilds tiling qualification with route to NVQ in tiling.

Can I change careers to become a tiler?

Yes, it’s absolutely possible to retrain to become a tiler at any age. There are tiling courses for career changers that result in a recognised qualification. You can even do a part time tiling course around other work or commitments, or a weekend tiling course.

Do I need an NVQ if I want to work as a tiler?

Whether you need an NVQ to work as a tiler will depend on whether you want to work on a construction site, the type of site work and the card or access requirements involved. If you want to have a Blue Skilled Worker card, then the NVQ in tiling is appropriate.

What’s the difference between a City & Guilds tiling course and an NVQ?

A City & Guilds tiling course is done in a classroom/workshop setting. It’s where you learn the skills and knowledge of the trade in an environment that mirrors reality of working but is still a simulated setting and under instruction. The NVQ, as it’s a work-based competence assessment, is done when you’re out at work, so you can prove that competence in the real world of on-the-job tiling.

Getting started: tiling courses at Able Skills

“Going the extra tile…

Had a great experience on the tiling course. A lot is packed into the 7 weeks, including a valuable week plastering which I enjoyed a lot more than anticipated. The change in my skill level is much greater than I thought possible…” – Review via Trustpilot.

At Able Skills we offer a range of tiling courses full time and part time at weekends. From our City & Guilds-approved Introduction to Tiling through to professional tiling courses with a route to NVQ Level 2. Contact us to find out more.