Becoming a tiler is an excellent career option for anyone who enjoys getting their hands dirty with practical work, who has strong attention to detail and enjoys experiencing a variety of people and places from day to day. 

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While some theory knowledge is required to become a tiler in the UK, this shouldn’t be enough to put you off pursuing a career in tiling, a skill which has been in demand since ancient times and that is showing no signs of ever slowing down.

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If you’re trying to figure out how to become a tiler in the UK - you’ve landed on the right page. 

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Here we’re going to break down everything you need, and by the end you’ll not only know if you’re a good fit for becoming a tiler, but the exact steps you would need to take to do so.

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But first, for those who are new to the idea, let’s start with the basics:

What Does a Tiler Do?

It’s easy to imagine tiling as just the task of laying tiles itself - but that couldn’t be further from the truth. In reality, the work day of a tiler is quite varied. Whether you focus on domestic tiling jobs, commercial ones, or both, you can expect your responsibilities to include the below:

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• Marketing and gaining work
• Speaking to clients to understand their specific requirements
• Repairing old tile work and removing damaged or worn tiling surfaces
• Preparing and levelling surfaces 
• Measuring areas to estimate the amount of tiles and other equipment required
• Cutting and shaping tiles using tools such as hand cutters and bench mounted versions
• Fixing tiles in place
• Applying adhesives and finishes

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Of course if you go into tiling on a self employed basis, this list will also include all the responsibilities that entails, including accounting, bookkeeping, dealing with customer service enquiries and more.

Why Choose a Career in Tiling?

A career in tiling offers a rewarding blend of creativity, stability, and opportunity. As you embark on your tiling career path, you’ll transform spaces with your practical tiling skills, working on diverse projects from sleek bathrooms to stunning commercial interiors. The tiling trade provides excellent earning potential, with skilled tilers in high demand across the UK and beyond. 

With tile installation training you can quickly become a professional tiler, enjoying the flexibility of being a self-employed tiler or securing steady work with a company. Our courses equip you with the expertise needed to thrive in this fulfilling, hands-on industry, delivering tangible results daily.

Do You Need Qualifications to Become a Tiler?

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This is a question we get asked a lot. And the answer is a relatively simple one - In the UK there is no requirement for any formal tiler qualifications.

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Unlike gas-safe plumbers or electricians there are no inherent safety concerns surrounding tiling and as such there are no set qualifications required. Tiling is more similar to plastering or floor laying in the fact that it is your competency and the end results you can produce that determines if you are able to trade as a professional tradesperson. 

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There are an enormous number of self-taught tilers trading in the UK, however the market very quickly weeds out those who are not sufficiently knowledgeable or skilled to complete tiling jobs correctly and to a good standard.

Do I Need a CSCS Card to Become a Tiler?

No, CSCS cards for tilers are only required to work on a construction site. While even on construction sites they are not a legal requirement, they are often required by site managers since they provide evidence of competency and health and safety awareness.

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For tilers who plan to focus on domestic customers and only work in homes, CSCS cards are not required or even particularly helpful.

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Do I need an NVQ in tiling to Become a Tiler in the UK?

There are a small number of qualifications available in tiling, however most of them have limited value and are difficult to recommend. The only qualification that would be worth working towards would be an NVQ. As touched on above, there is no requirement for an NVQ for tiling and the reality is that the vast majority of professional tilers operating in the UK domestic market do not have one.

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There are a number of tiling training UK centres that claim to offer NVQ qualifications however they are being deliberately misleading. An NVQ is a work-based assessment and not something you can achieve while learning to tile in a training centre.

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For most potential tilers, it would be much more helpful to take up an intensive course, focused around picking up skills to carry out jobs more confidently, rather than chasing a specific certification.

How do I get an NVQ in tiling?

If you do decide to pursue an NVQ in tiling, it can be done in one of two ways. The most common way for tilers who have completed a tiling course is known as OSAT (on-site assessment training). This is where an independent NVQ assessor visits you in your place of work, observes your tiling work and helps you to build your understanding of tiling and a portfolio of tiling work to complete your NVQ qualification.

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The second option is for experienced tilers and is known as EWPA (experienced worker practical assessment). This is an option only for experienced tilers who can prove they have been tiling for a minimum of 5 years. This is an assessment of your skills and knowledge in a training centre, rather than training. At the end of the assessment, if you have passed then you will be awarded with your NVQ.

Should I get an NVQ?

As mentioned above, there is absolutely no requirement for an NVQ in the UK domestic market. That said, some tilers decide to go down this route as they feel the qualification gives proof of their skills and ability to meet tiling industry standards. If you also intend to go and work for a construction company rather than working for yourself in the domestic market, then an NVQ can sometimes be required by the company. Our tiling courses are aimed towards people looking to become self-employed tilers who own and run their own wall & floor tiling business in the UK and in this particular instance, the NVQ has limited value.

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Simply put, if you know what you’re doing and your work is good enough, then you are a tiler. That said, there is a lot more to tiling correctly and accurately than a lot of people think and indeed that is probably the most common sentence we hear from our students!

With a solid understanding of the technical theory of tiling and background preparation, along with good key practical skills, then becoming a professional tiler is something that can be achieved by anybody. 

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Our five-star rated intensive tiling courses have an exceptional record of producing skilled and successful professional tilers.

How to Train to Become a Tiler in the UK

The first step in training to become a tiler in the UK is taking up a well regarded tiling course. This is by far the quickest and easiest way to pick up the knowledge and skills required, as you will be taught by an experienced tiler and have a chance for them to provide feedback on your work and make improvements.

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Once you have completed the course, you have all of the skills required to become a tiler immediately.

How Long Does it Take to Become a Tiler in the UK?

There is no specific time frame it takes, and this will vary dramatically depending on the route you take. The quickest and most reliable way is to take an intensive tiling course, but some tilers also choose to learn via a tiling apprenticeship instead, which can take a year or even longer.

How long does a tiling course take?

We have a range of different duration courses available, to suit all different experience levels and personal goals. Our shortest tiling course is completed in one week and runs across 4 consecutive days. On this course we cram in as much information as possible and teach you all of the key core skills needed to begin your career in tiling. 

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We also offer a more in-depth two week tiling course that is 9 days in duration (find out more here). This course builds on the knowledge and skills learnt in the first week and you will be exposed to more complex situations and scenarios along with gaining additional experience with some of the more challenging skills in tiling. 

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Our longest and most comprehensive tiling course is our 13 Day Expert course and this runs across three weeks. Much like our 9 day course, this three week course can be completed in three consecutive weeks, or can be split across different times of the year if needed. We believe this to be the most comprehensive fast-tracked intensive tiling course in the UK and the only one which teaches the trickiest skills such as accurately wrapping 45 degree herringbone around corners.

If you’re not sure which course would be most suitable or beneficial to you, we’d be happy to speak with you to try and understand your previous experience levels and your goals. We could then advise you on the decision. Get in contact and we would be happy to help

How to Find Tiling Work in the UK

Finding tiling work in the UK often starts with getting some hands-on experience—many tilers begin by helping out on small domestic jobs, working with a local tradesperson, or picking up work through friends and family. 

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Once you’ve got some experience under your belt, sites like Checkatrade, MyBuilder, and Rated People can help you reach more customers. Social media and local Facebook groups can also be surprisingly effective for finding jobs in your area. 

Starting a Tiling Business

Starting a tiling business in the UK isn’t as complicated as it might seem, especially if you’ve already built up some skills and confidence. You’ll need to register as self-employed with HMRC, get public liability insurance, and make sure you’ve got the right tools and transport.

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As touched on above, most new tilers begin by taking on small private jobs—bathrooms, kitchens, splashbacks—and build from there through word of mouth, online directories, and local advertising. 

How Much Can Tilers Earn?

A tiler salary in the UK typically can be anywhere from £18,000 to over £60,000 a year, depending on experience, location, and whether they’re employed or self-employed.

• Trainee tilers or apprentices usually start on around £18,000–£22,000 per year.
  
  
• Tilers with a few years of experience typically earn £25,000–£35,000.
  
  
• Self-employed tilers often earn more, up to and over £60,000, especially if they run their own business or take on private jobs.
  
  

Rates also vary by region — tilers in London and the South East usually earn more than those in other parts of the UK, mainly due to higher living costs and demand. 

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How To Progress a Tiling Career

After completing a tiling course, starting your tiling career and building up some experience, you might be wondering how to make further progress.

Tiling career progression in the UK, like most other industries, involves building experience and credibility. Start by taking on small projects through local job boards, social media, or word-of-mouth referrals to hone your skills and create a portfolio. 

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Register with trade directories or platforms to connect with clients and boost visibility. Consider apprenticing with an experienced tiler to gain hands-on expertise and learn advanced techniques. To increase earnings further, consider training to specialise in more niche areas like mosaic or large-format tiling. 

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Networking with builders, designers, and suppliers can open doors to larger contracts, while consistently delivering quality work ensures repeat business and glowing reviews.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What tools do I need to start working as a tiler?

Answer: You’ll need a basic set of tiling tools to get started, including a tile cutter (manual and electric), trowels (notched and margin), a spirit level, tile spacers, a tape measure, a grout float, and a sponge for cleaning. A good-quality wet tile saw is handy for precision cuts, especially for complex jobs. Expect to spend £500-1,000 on a decent starter kit. As you gain experience, you might invest in advanced tools like laser levels. Always prioritise safety gear like knee pads, gloves, and safety glasses.

2. Is tiling physically demanding, and do I need to be fit?

Answer: Tiling can be tough on the body. You’ll spend a lot of time kneeling, bending, and lifting heavy tiles or bags of adhesive and grout. Good core strength and stamina help, especially for long days on big projects. That said, you don’t need to be a gym buff—regular movement and decent fitness are enough. If you have knee or back issues, invest in quality knee pads and take breaks to avoid strain. Building up your endurance over time makes it easier. Manual handling training is also recommended to help prevent injury.

3. Can I specialise in a particular type of tiling?

Answer: Absolutely! Many tilers choose to specialise in order to stand out. You could focus on mosaic tiling for intricate designs, natural stone tiling (like marble or slate), or large-format tiles for modern spaces. 

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Some tilers niche down to bathroom or kitchen installations or even heritage tiling for restoration projects. Specialising often requires extra practice and sometimes specific courses, but it can lead to higher pay and more interesting work.

4. What’s the difference between working for a company and being self-employed as a tiler?

Answer: Working for a company means a steady paycheck, set hours, and usually no need to find your own clients—potentially the way to go if you want stability. However, you are likely to earn less and have less control over projects which may become more and more of an issue with time.

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Being self-employed offers significantly more flexibility and has potential for much higher earnings, but you’ll also need to handle your own taxes, find clients, and manage business admin. Many tilers start employed to gain experience before going solo. It’s about what suits your lifestyle and goals. If you are hoping to be a self employed tiler, a tiling course is a great way to pick up that experience.

5. Are there any risks or downsides to a tiling career?

Answer: Tiling is rewarding, but it has challenges. Physically, it can wear on your knees and back if you don’t take care of yourself. Work can be inconsistent, especially if you’re self-employed and starting out. You might face tricky clients or jobs where measurements are off, requiring problem-solving skills on the spot. Weather can delay outdoor jobs, and you’ll need to stay updated on new materials and trends. Good time management and a positive attitude goes a long way to help you navigate these hurdles.

6. Can I start tiling as a career later in life?

Answer: Definitely! Tiling is a great career for people of all ages, including those switching careers in their 30s, 40s, or beyond. While it’s physical, your maturity and work ethic can be a big advantage. Our courses are suitable for career changers, and you can start with smaller jobs to build skills. It might take a little time to match the speed of younger tilers, but attention to detail and reliability will make you stand out.

Your Next Steps to Becoming a Tiler in the UK

In this post we’ve covered all of the basic things you need to know regarding becoming a tiler in the UK. The first, and most important step for every potential tiler to take is to enroll on a tiling course from a well regarded provider.

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As the leading provider of tiling courses in the UK, with some of the most experienced instructors around, we can help you take these first steps and teach you what it takes to be a great tiler. 

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Consider reading our Why Choose Us page to learn more about our results, facilities, past success stories, and more. Take a look below to learn more about our tiling courses, and get in touch if you have any questions.

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