Year 2 Exam Study Guide — master what the exam actually tests, concept by concept.
Building codes, fire codes, and workplace regulations define the minimum standards that protect occupants and workers. These aren't guidelines — they're legal requirements. Knowing your applicable codes means fewer failed inspections, less rework, and a professional reputation that lasts.
Joint types: isolation (building/substrate movement), control (tile grout crack control); space per ANSI. Material selection directly affects performance, code compliance, and longevity. Using the wrong type can fail an inspection or create a hazard down the line.
Joint width: 1/16" (precision), 1/8" (standard), 1/4" (feature); wider = more grout, easier install. Understanding and applying code requirements correctly ensures your installations pass inspection and meet legal obligations in your jurisdiction.
wider = more grout, easier install
Structural calculations, material quantities, load calculations, and slope determinations are all part of journeyperson knowledge. These questions test your ability to move between units, apply geometric principles, and size materials correctly for the application.
Cement board: substrate base, moisture-resistant; membrane: applied over to prevent water penetration. On the job, a solid grasp of this concept means faster decisions, fewer errors, and work that passes inspection the first time.
Construction materials have specific strengths, limitations, and proper applications. Choosing the wrong adhesive, fastener, or structural member isn't just a quality issue — it can be a structural failure waiting to happen. Know your materials.
Substrate: flat (±1/4" in 10'), firm, clean; excessive deflection causes grout cracks. Troubleshooting is a systematic process: identify symptoms, narrow down causes logically, and verify your diagnosis before replacing parts. This logical approach is what examiners want to see.
Grout selection: joint size determines sanded vs. unsanded; epoxy for pools/kitchens. On the job, a solid grasp of this concept means faster decisions, fewer errors, and work that passes inspection the first time.
Mud-set: traditional, thicker, for heavy materials; thin-set: modern, efficient, bonded. Material selection directly affects performance, code compliance, and longevity. Using the wrong type can fail an inspection or create a hazard down the line.
Exterior: freeze-safe tile, drainage system, sealant, proper slope prevent water damage. Safety regulations exist because the consequences of ignoring them are severe — injury, death, or legal liability. Know these requirements the way you know your own name.
Wet rooms: epoxy grout (water-resistant), sloped floor (1/4" per foot minimum). On the job, a solid grasp of this concept means faster decisions, fewer errors, and work that passes inspection the first time.
Sealer: penetrating type allows grout to breathe; reapply every 1-3 years in wet areas. Material selection directly affects performance, code compliance, and longevity. Using the wrong type can fail an inspection or create a hazard down the line.
Quality construction depends on proper sequence, technique, and workmanship standards. Whether it's concrete curing, wood framing, or tile installation — how you do it determines how long it lasts. These questions test the procedural knowledge that defines trade-level competency.
Large tile: needs modified mortar, full coverage (95%+ no voids) to prevent breakage. On the job, a solid grasp of this concept means faster decisions, fewer errors, and work that passes inspection the first time.
All 10 exam concepts from this guide — test your recall before you sit the exam.