SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Prepare surfaces and apply tiles 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
261665  Prepare surfaces and apply tiles 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Building Construction 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 12 - Physical Planning and Construction Building Construction 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 3  NQF Level 03  20 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard replaces: 
US ID Unit Standard Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Credits Replacement Status
10000  Plan and prepare to tile  Level 3  NQF Level 03  10   
10001  Apply tiles to plastered surfaces  Level 3  NQF Level 03  15   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
The skills, values and knowledge reflected in this unit standard are required by people in the field of building and civil construction. Learners should be able to perform duties in applying tiles to surfaces.

A person credited with this unit standard is able to:
  • Select materials, tools and equipment for specified tiling work.
  • Prepare materials, tools and equipment in accordance with Health and Safety Regulations and industry best practice.
  • Prepare surfaces for tiling.
  • Cut tiles according to specification.
  • Mix adhesive and grout.
  • Tile various surfaces. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners are already competent in the following:
  • Communication at NQF Level 2.
  • Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 2. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    Stated with Specific Outcomes/Assessment Criteria to which they apply. The typical scope of the unit standard includes the following:
  • Surfaces include but are not limited to plastered walls and circular columns, attached piers, apron walls around baths, screeded floors and concrete steps.
  • Tiles include but are not limited to ceramic, glazed and unglazed, concrete, "terrazzo" and porcelain.
  • Tiles are of different sizes, thicknesses, bevelled and unbevelled.
  • Types of tiling include but are not limited to mosaics, natural stone tiling, façade tiling, etc.
  • Special tiling systems may be required.
  • Tile adhesives and grouts include cement-based or non-cement-based types. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Select materials, tools and equipment for specified tiling work. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Materials include, but are not limited to tiles and adhesives, additives, keying agents, grouts, sealers and cleaning agents. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Properties, purposes and applications of materials, tools, equipment selected are described accurately. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Materials, tools and equipment selected are checked to be appropriate for specified tasks (fit-for-purpose). 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Materials, tools and equipment are checked against manufacturers' specifications and criteria contained in work plans. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Materials, tools and equipment are used and maintained according to manufacturers' specifications/requirements and industry best practice. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Cut tiles according to specification. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Objects include but are not limited to baths, plugs, basins, etc. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The specific materials, tools and equipment are identified and selected for the cleaning and preparing activity. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Tiles are cut in accordance with specifications and specific work plans. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Cuts around objects are neat; sizes and shapes of cuts are ensured to be correct. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Materials, tools and equipment are used and maintained according to manufacturers' specifications/manufacturers' requirements and industry best practice. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Prepare surfaces for tiling. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The sequence for tiling and their individual components are determined in accordance with the work plan. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The surface condition is assessed to determine the task requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Surfaces are cleaned and prepared for the application of tiles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The correct sequence is followed in the preparation of surfaces. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Mix adhesive and grout. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Implications include but are not limited to increased resources such as time, costs and quality, etc. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Adhesive and grout mixes are identified and the consequences of incorrect mixing are described in terms of their effect on quality, costs etc. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Adhesives and grouts are mixed according to specifications and specific work requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Quantities of batched mixes are estimated, and the consequences of over-batching are described correctly. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Adhesive and grout mixes are checked to meet specified requirements and are appropriate for specific types of structures and tiles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Correct adhesive materials are used for specific surfaces. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Tile surfaces. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
  • On screeded floors, tiles are spaced equally along the perimeter of the floor; tread tiles on concrete steps overlap riser tiles by a specified measurement; joints between treads and risers are tightly butted.
  • Provision must be made for expansion and contraction at expansion joints.
  • Relevant legal requirements include SABS Code of Practice for Ceramic Tiles. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Tiles are applied according to accepted tiling procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Gaps between tiles are checked to be uniform and that grouting is even. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Tiles surfaces are made to be straight, flat and even. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Tiles are spaced to meet specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Materials, tools and equipment are used and maintained in accordance with industry best practice and manufacturers' specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Tiled surfaces are cleaned immediately. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this Unit Standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this Unit Standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Assessment and moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA or by an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA, according to the ETQA's policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation.
  • Moderation must include both internal and external moderation of assessments at exit points of the Qualification, unless ETQA policies specify otherwise. Moderation should also encompass achievement of the competence described both in individual Unit Standards as well as the integrated competence described in the Qualification.
  • Anyone wishing to be assessed against this Unit Standard may apply to be assessed by any assessment agency, assessor or provider institution that is accredited by the relevant ETQA. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • Properties, purposes and applications of different materials, tools and equipment, including adhesives, additives, keying agents, grouts, sealers and cleaning agents.
  • Mix-proportions for adhesives, grout, plaster, skim coats, screeds and granolithic paving, and the importance of cement/water ratios and their effects on strengths of plaster, adhesives and grouts.
  • Line and level.
  • Tile spacing.
  • Components of steps and stairs, including, stringers, risers, treads, landings, and bull nosed edges.
  • Relevant sections of the National Building Regulations and SABS Codes (e.g. 0400).
  • Procedures for applying emergency safety measures, incident reporting and recording.
  • All relevant legal requirements, Health and Safety Regulations and manufacturers' specifications. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identifying and solving problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made when:
  • Making responsible decisions within prescribed procedures for correct identification/prompt action related to:
    > Emergencies.
    > Potential hazards.
    > Selecting and using protective equipment/clothing requirements.
    > Complying with all Health and Safety Regulations/legal requirements. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Working effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation, and community during:
  • Performing tasks related to the tiling of surfaces. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organising and managing oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively when:
  • When taking corrective action to remedy defective or faulty materials, tools and equipment and ensuring adherence with all legal requirements, Health and Safety Regulations and manufacturers' specifications. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collecting, analysing, organising and critically evaluating information to better understand and explain:
  • When assessing/checking materials, tools and equipment against specifications and criteria contained in work plans. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicating effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written persuasion when:
  • Prescribed procedures for prompt reporting to all persons concerned and recording details of injuries writing and delivering incident reports to relevant authorities. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Using science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others when:
  • Selecting (fit-for-purpose) materials, tools and equipment for use in specified tasks and ensuring that correct adhesive materials are used for specific surfaces, all in accordance with industry best practice standards and Health and Safety Regulations. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrating an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation when:
  • Problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation.
  • Correct materials, tools and equipment must be selected and used for each specified task.
  • Health and Safety Regulations apply to every on- and off-site situation.
  • Incident reports are delivered to relevant authorities according to specified procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    This unit standard replaces the following unit standards:
  • ID 10000, "Plan and prepare to tile", Level 3, 10 credits.
  • ID 10001, "Apply tiles to plastered surfaces", Level 3, 15 credits. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  65409   National Certificate: Building and Civil Construction  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  CETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
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    3. Aveng Grinaker -LTA Civil Engineering 
    4. Big Tree Group 
    5. Certified Training Solutions (Pty) Ltd 
    6. CLEAN HEAT ENERGY SAVING SOLUTIONS (PTY) LTD 
    7. Eastcape Training Centre 
    8. EDUCATORY ELECTRO SERVICES 
    9. Ekurhuleni Artisans and Skills Training Pty Ltd 
    10. Elangeni College for FET - Central Office 
    11. Goitsebasadi Construction Project 
    12. Ikemeleng Training and Development Services 
    13. In Touch Community Development & Project Managers 
    14. Leps Training Consultants 
    15. LNT Trading Enterprise 
    16. Mahumani Empowerment Servives Centre 
    17. Majuba TVET College 
    18. Masana Social Consultants cc 
    19. Mavco Engineering 
    20. Microzone Training CC 
    21. Mnambithi TVET College 
    22. MOLOKO SMALL ENTERPRISE 
    23. MPUMALANGA REGIONAL TRAINING TRUST 
    24. MTL Training and Projects 
    25. Northlink TVET College 
    26. Novi General Services 
    27. PIONEER BUSINESS CONSULTING (PTY) LTD 
    28. Primeserv Corporate Solutions (Pty) Ltd 
    29. Protech Training (Pty) Ltd 
    30. Raubex Construction Pty (Ltd) 
    31. Reflections Development Institute 
    32. RESISA LOGISTICS (Ltd) Pty 
    33. Sakhisizwe Development Training 
    34. Sheq and Environmental Projects 
    35. Sonani Training and Communications 
    36. Tjeka Training Matters Pty Ltd 
    37. Tovani Traiding 299 
    38. Tshwane North College for FET - Central Office 
    39. TSK Projects(PTY)LTD 
    40. Umfolozi FET College 
    41. West Coast TVET College 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.