The short version
- Main routeNVQ Diploma in Wall & Floor Tiling, Level 3
- Leads toGold Advanced Craft card
- HowAssessed on your own jobs. No classroom.
- You needCurrent work in the trade to show
- TimeOften a few months, depending on your evidence
Experienced tilers can go straight for an advanced-level NVQ assessed on their own jobs.
Who it's for
- Experienced wall and floor tilers
- Bathroom and kitchen fitters who tile most of their work
- Self-employed tilers wanting a Gold card
New to the trade? On-site NVQs need real jobs to assess, so they're not for complete beginners. Start with an apprenticeship or college course. See routes for new starters.
Which qualification?
| Qualification | Level | Card it leads to |
|---|---|---|
| NVQ Diploma in Wall & Floor Tiling | 3 | Gold Advanced Craft |
On-site routes for tiling are most often offered at Level 3. If you're newer to it, ask providers about a Level 2 or an apprenticeship.
What the assessor wants to see
- Prep and substrate work
- Setting out and cutting, including awkward details
- Wall and floor jobs, start to finish
- Product data and COSHH sheets for adhesives and grouts
Tip: Show your setting out. Assessors want to see how you planned the job, not just the final grout lines.
How it works
Quick skills check
A short check of your tiling experience works out the right level and pathway.
Register
You're registered with the awarding body and given a portfolio to fill.
Build your evidence
Photos, job sheets and witness statements from work you're already doing.
Site visit
An assessor watches you set out and tile on a real job, checking substrate prep, levels, cuts around obstacles and grouting.
Discussion
Expect questions on adhesives and grouts for different tiles and areas, movement joints and wet room details.
Certificate
After a quality check, you're qualified.
How long it takes
Busy tilers doing bathrooms and kitchens can often show the full range of work in a few months.
Cost
Expect to pay roughly £800–£1,000 + VAT for a Level 2 or 3 with a private assessment centre. Supervisory and management levels cost more. These are ballpark figures. The price usually covers registration, assessment and the certificate. Some providers offer instalments, and employers may be able to claim a CITB grant.
Getting your card
The Level 3 tiling NVQ leads to the Gold Advanced Craft card, with the CITB HS&E test needed as well.
Quick answers
Why Level 3 rather than Level 2?
On-site tiling routes are often offered at Level 3 for experienced tilers. Ask providers if you're newer to it.
Do large-format tiles count?
They can, and they show advanced skills. Photograph your setting out and levelling systems.
Do floors and walls both need covering?
Usually yes. Make sure you have jobs that cover both.
Is there a written exam?
Not for the NVQ itself. It's assessed through evidence, observation and discussion. The CITB HS&E test for your card is separate.