Ohio Master Tile Setter Exam Practice Questions & Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A |

This comprehensive practice exam is designed for experienced tile installers and contractors preparing for the Ohio Master Tile Setter Examination, which is regulated by the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB) . The exam is required to obtain a Master Tile Setter license in Ohio. The content is updated for the 2025/2026 testing cycle and features expertly designed, exam-style multiple-choice questions that closely mirror the format and rigor of the actual certification exam. The Ohio Master Tile Setter license authorizes contractors to install and set tile in residential and commercial buildings . Licensed tile setters may use a separate mechanical tile setter license to install tile over heated surfaces and may tile in residential and commercial buildings as a specialty contractor . Key topics covered include: Substrate Preparation and Standards: The subfloor must be clean, flat, and structurally sound . The industry standard for concrete floors before tile installation is 1/8 inch over 10 feet . Wood-framed floors require L/360 deflection standard to ensure tile integrity . Mud Bed Installation: The mud bed is used to correct irregularities in a substrate . When installing mud bed, the correct order is scratch coat, brown coat, and finish coat . Grout and Adhesive Selection: Epoxy grout is used for its chemical resistance . For tile installation over drywall in dry areas, mastic is the appropriate adhesive . Grout should be applied 24 to 72 hours after setting tile to allow sufficient curing . Tile Materials and Cutting: Porcelain is a dense ceramic tile fired at high temperatures with low water absorption (less than 0.5%) . Glazed floor tile is designed to be non-slip for safety . A wet tile saw is the recommended method for cutting ceramic tile to prevent chipping . Tile should be cut from the back side to prevent chipping the glazed surface . Exterior and Specialty Installations: Exterior tile installations require drainage systems and anti-fracture membranes to manage moisture and protect against movement . Licensing Requirements: The Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB) governs tile setter licensing in Ohio. Licensees must renew annually. In some cases, a mechanical tile setter license may be required to install tile over heated surfaces. Sample Questions (from the exam): What is the maximum allowable variation in floor flatness for tile installation over concrete? A. 1/16 inch over 10 feet B. 1/8 inch over 10 feet C. 1/4 inch over 5 feet D. 1/2 inch over 5 feet Correct Answer: B Rationale: The industry standard for concrete floors before tile installation is 1/8 inch over 10 feet. Surfaces exceeding this variation require corrective measures such as grinding or using a leveling compound.