Nevada Tiling Contractor (C-20) Exam Book Package

Prepare for the Nevada Tiling Contractor (C-20) examination with a trade-focused exam book package designed to support tile installation knowledge, substrate preparation, adhesives, setting methods, grout, finishing, and industry installation standards. This package includes Setting Tile, 1995 (USED), Builders Guide to Floors, 1997, and ANSI A108/A118/A136.1:2017, American National Standard Specifications for the Installation of Ceramic Tile, 2017.

The Nevada C-20 Tiling Contractor examination is a closed-book test. The references in this package are intended for study before exam day and are not allowed into the trade examination room. Candidates should use these books to develop retained knowledge of tile installation techniques, surface preparation, setting materials, adhesives, grout, finishing procedures, flooring systems, and recognized ceramic tile installation standards.

The Nevada C-20 trade examination contains 40 questions, allows 1.5 hours for completion, and requires 28 correct answers to pass. The examination outline includes 12 Surface Preparation questions, 22 Installation and Adhesives questions, and 6 Grout and Finishing questions.

Nevada's C-20 Tiling classification authorizes qualified contractors to install ceramic tile, encaustic tile, vitreous tile, and other tile-like products by means of suction and adhesives, except hollow or structural partitioning tile. Candidates should understand both the practical installation methods used in the trade and the limitations of the classification.

Because Installation and Adhesives represents more than half of the examination, candidates should place significant emphasis on setting materials, bonding methods, substrate conditions, layout, installation procedures, mortar and adhesive selection, and proper placement of tile. Surface preparation and finishing should also receive dedicated study because the finished installation depends heavily on the quality of the substrate and the final grout and finishing work.

This Nevada C-20 exam book package gives candidates a structured set of study references for building the technical knowledge needed for a closed-book tile contractor examination.

What You Get

• Setting Tile, 1995 (USED) — a used study reference supporting tile layout, cutting, setting methods, substrates, adhesives, mortar, grouting, finishing, and practical installation techniques.
• Builders Guide to Floors, 1997 — a study reference supporting floor construction, subfloor conditions, surface preparation, leveling, moisture considerations, underlayments, and flooring-system fundamentals.
• ANSI A108/A118/A136.1:2017, American National Standard Specifications for the Installation of Ceramic Tile, 2017 — a technical study reference covering recognized installation methods, material specifications, setting products, adhesives, and ceramic tile installation standards.

Exam Details

The Nevada C-20 Tiling Contractor trade examination contains 40 questions. Candidates are allowed 1.5 hours to complete the test and must answer 28 questions correctly to pass.

The examination content is divided into three primary subject areas:

• Surface Preparation: 12 questions
• Installation and Adhesives: 22 questions
• Grout and Finishing: 6 questions

Installation and Adhesives is the largest portion of the examination, accounting for 22 of the 40 questions. Candidates should therefore devote the greatest share of study time to proper tile-setting methods, adhesive and mortar selection, installation procedures, tile placement, layout, bonding, and material compatibility.

Surface Preparation accounts for 12 questions. Proper tile installation begins with a suitable surface, so candidates should understand how to evaluate substrates, address irregularities, prepare floors and walls, manage moisture-related concerns, and provide appropriate surfaces for tile installation.

Grout and Finishing accounts for 6 questions. Candidates should understand grout selection, application, joint treatment, cleanup, finishing procedures, and other steps that contribute to a complete tile installation.

With 40 questions in 1.5 hours, candidates have an average of approximately two minutes and fifteen seconds per question. Because the examination is closed book, strong recall and practical understanding are important for maintaining an efficient test pace.

Closed Book Test

The Nevada C-20 Tiling Contractor examination is a closed-book test.

The books included in this package are intended for preparation before test day and are not allowed into the trade examination room:

• Setting Tile, 1995 (USED)
• Builders Guide to Floors, 1997
• ANSI A108/A118/A136.1:2017, American National Standard Specifications for the Installation of Ceramic Tile, 2017

Closed-book preparation should focus on understanding concepts well enough to recall and apply them without access to the references. Candidates should avoid relying only on memorized page locations or highlighted passages.

After studying a topic such as substrate preparation, mortar selection, tile layout, adhesive use, grout installation, or finishing, close the book and explain the procedure from memory. Active recall helps strengthen the knowledge that must be available during the examination.

Practice questions are also useful for closed-book preparation. When an answer is missed, return to the appropriate reference, review the concept, and then attempt a similar problem without looking at the book.

Licensing Steps

1. Confirm the C-20 classification. Make sure the Nevada Tiling classification matches the type of contracting work the business intends to perform.
2. Identify the qualifying individual. The Nevada contractor application must identify the person responsible for satisfying the applicable qualification requirements.
3. Prepare qualifying experience information. Organize the applicable work-history documentation related to tile installation and the requested classification.
4. Submit the Nevada contractor license application. Complete the applicable application and supporting documentation.
5. Receive examination eligibility. After applicable application and qualification requirements are addressed, proceed with required testing.
6. Prepare for the C-20 trade examination. Study Surface Preparation, Installation and Adhesives, and Grout and Finishing.
7. Use the study references actively. Work through practical installation concepts, industry standards, floor systems, and tile-setting methods.
8. Prepare for applicable Nevada contractor business requirements. Complete the required business and law preparation associated with contractor licensing.
9. Complete the required examinations. Take the applicable trade and contractor business examinations.
10. Complete remaining licensing requirements. Finish the other applicable requirements associated with contractor license issuance.

State Requirements

Nevada designates C-20 as the specialty classification for Tiling.

A Nevada C-20 contractor may install, by means of suction and adhesives, ceramic tile, encaustic tile, vitreous tile, and other tile-like products, except for hollow or structural partitioning tile.

The C-20 classification therefore focuses on surface preparation and tile installation rather than structural partition tile work. Candidates should understand how tile products are installed over suitable surfaces and how substrate conditions, bonding materials, and finishing procedures affect the completed installation.

The C-20 classification also includes designated subclassifications covering plastic tile and wallboard and swimming pool tile and coping. Candidates seeking the full C-20 classification should prepare for the scope applicable to the broader tiling specialty.

Tile contractors must understand the relationship among the substrate, setting material, tile product, grout, movement considerations, and finished surface. A problem with one part of that system can affect the entire installation.

The C-20 trade examination is one part of Nevada contractor licensing. Applicants must also satisfy applicable qualification, application, business, financial, and administrative requirements before a contractor license is issued.

Reference Books

• Setting Tile, 1995 (USED)
  This used study reference supports preparation involving tile layout, cutting, setting techniques, substrate conditions, mortars, adhesives, joints, grouting, finishing, and practical field procedures used in tile installation.
• Builders Guide to Floors, 1997
  This study reference supports preparation involving floor systems, subfloors, surface preparation, leveling, underlayments, moisture considerations, support conditions, and other flooring fundamentals important before tile is installed.
• ANSI A108/A118/A136.1:2017, American National Standard Specifications for the Installation of Ceramic Tile, 2017
  This technical study reference supports preparation involving recognized ceramic tile installation procedures, setting-material specifications, mortars, adhesives, material performance, and standardized installation practices.

Test Information and Study Materials

A strong Nevada C-20 study plan should begin with Surface Preparation. Tile installations depend on the quality and suitability of the surface receiving the tile, so candidates should understand how to inspect, prepare, clean, level, and evaluate substrates before setting work begins.

Study common floor and wall conditions that can affect tile installation. Candidates should understand why flatness, cleanliness, stability, and surface condition matter to proper bonding.

The Builders Guide to Floors, 1997 can help reinforce knowledge of floor construction, subfloor systems, underlayments, leveling, and support conditions. Understanding the floor beneath the tile can help candidates recognize installation problems before tile is placed.

Moisture should be considered during surface preparation because inappropriate moisture conditions can affect setting materials, substrates, and completed installations.

Surface cleaning is another basic but important topic. Dust, debris, coatings, contaminants, and other conditions can interfere with bonding between the tile-setting material and the substrate.

Installation and Adhesives deserves the greatest study emphasis because it represents 22 questions, more than half of the examination.

Candidates should understand the differences among common setting methods and the role of mortars, adhesives, and related bonding products. Focus on matching the setting material to the tile, substrate, and installation environment.

Setting Tile, 1995 (USED) can help candidates study practical tile installation techniques, including layout, cutting, fitting, mortar application, adhesive use, setting, and finishing.

Layout is a core tiling skill. Candidates should understand how tile placement affects appearance, cuts, joints, transitions, and the overall balance of the finished installation.

Practice working through layout decisions mentally. Consider how a room, wall, opening, corner, or obstruction can affect starting points and cut-tile placement.

Cutting and fitting should also receive attention. Tile frequently must be fitted around edges, corners, penetrations, fixtures, and other building components.

Mortar application is important because proper contact between the tile, setting material, and substrate contributes to a reliable installation. Candidates should understand appropriate application practices and why consistent coverage matters.

Adhesive selection should be studied in relation to the tile product, substrate, and installation condition. Different materials and environments may require different setting products.

The ANSI A108/A118/A136.1:2017 reference can help candidates understand recognized standards governing installation methods and setting materials. Use it to connect practical field techniques with formal industry requirements.

Rather than trying to memorize every standard number, focus on the practical purpose of the requirements. Understand why certain materials, preparation methods, or installation practices are used and what problem each requirement is designed to prevent.

Tile spacing and joints should also be studied. Candidates should understand how consistent joints contribute to appearance and how joint planning relates to tile dimensions and the finished surface.

Movement within the substrate or tile assembly can affect installations. Candidates should understand why tile systems must accommodate expected building and material movement.

Grout and Finishing represents 6 questions and should not be neglected. Review grout preparation, placement, joint filling, cleanup, final surface treatment, and finishing procedures.

Candidates should understand why the grout must be properly worked into the joints and why timing can affect cleanup and the finished appearance.

Grout joints should be studied as part of the complete installation rather than as a final cosmetic step. Joint condition, depth, cleanliness, and material selection can affect performance.

Finishing should include attention to the completed surface, joint appearance, cleanup, transitions, edges, and other details that affect professional workmanship.

Because the examination is closed book, candidates should convert the information in the references into retained knowledge. Active recall is particularly useful for procedures that follow a sequence.

For example, study a floor tile installation and then explain the entire process from memory: inspect the substrate, prepare the surface, establish the layout, select the setting material, spread the mortar or adhesive, place and align the tile, allow the installation to develop appropriately, grout the joints, and complete the finishing work.

Another useful exercise is to compare installation conditions. Ask how the approach might change based on the substrate, tile type, setting material, or location.

Create separate study sessions for Surface Preparation, Installation and Adhesives, and Grout and Finishing. Because the exam weighting is not equal, allocate the most time to Installation and Adhesives.

A practical study schedule might spend more than half of trade-preparation time on installation and bonding concepts, followed by concentrated surface-preparation review and regular grout and finishing practice.

Once individual topics are familiar, move into mixed practice. The actual examination may move from a substrate question to an adhesive question and then to grout or finishing without warning.

When a practice question is missed, determine whether the issue came from unfamiliar terminology, weak knowledge of setting materials, confusion about substrate preparation, or misunderstanding of installation standards.

Return to the relevant reference and study the concept rather than memorizing only the correct answer. Closed-book examinations reward candidates who understand why an installation method is appropriate.

Timed practice is also useful. With 40 questions in 1.5 hours, candidates should learn to answer familiar trade questions efficiently and avoid spending too much time on a single difficult item.

As the examination approaches, focus on active recall, mixed-topic practice, terminology review, and installation sequences. The goal is to recognize common trade situations and apply the appropriate tile-setting principles without depending on the books during the test.

How 1 Exam Prep Helps You Reach Your Goal

1 Exam Prep supports Nevada C-20 Tiling Contractor candidates through organized study guidance, trade-focused review, practice-oriented preparation, and confidence-building study structure.

This exam book package combines Setting Tile, 1995 (USED), Builders Guide to Floors, 1997, and ANSI A108/A118/A136.1:2017 to support preparation across surface preparation, tile installation, adhesives, grout, and finishing.

Because the Nevada C-20 trade examination is closed book, study should focus on retaining practical knowledge and understanding installation principles rather than relying on reference navigation during the test.

Trade-focused review can help candidates connect floor and substrate conditions with setting materials, tile placement, industry installation standards, grout, and final finishing procedures.

Practice-oriented preparation can help candidates identify whether missed questions result from weak surface-preparation knowledge, confusion about adhesives, unfamiliar installation procedures, or limited understanding of grout and finishing.

The goal is to help candidates approach the Nevada C-20 Tiling Contractor examination with stronger technical knowledge, better recall, improved understanding of tile installation procedures, and a structured study routine without guaranteeing a passing score or licensing approval.

How many questions are on the Nevada C-20 Tiling Contractor exam?

The Nevada C-20 trade examination contains 40 questions.

How much time is allowed for the Nevada C-20 exam?

Candidates are allowed 1.5 hours to complete the examination.

How many correct answers are required to pass?

Candidates must answer 28 questions correctly to pass the Nevada C-20 examination.

Is the Nevada C-20 Tiling Contractor exam open book?

No. The Nevada C-20 Tiling Contractor examination is a closed-book test.

Can I take these books into the C-20 exam?

No. The references included in this package are study materials and are not allowed into the closed-book trade examination.

What subjects are covered on the Nevada C-20 exam?

The examination covers Surface Preparation, Installation and Adhesives, and Grout and Finishing.

How many Surface Preparation questions are on the exam?

Surface Preparation accounts for 12 questions.

How many Installation and Adhesives questions are on the exam?

Installation and Adhesives accounts for 22 questions, making it the largest examination category.

How many Grout and Finishing questions are on the exam?

Grout and Finishing accounts for 6 questions.

What work does the Nevada C-20 classification cover?

The C-20 classification allows qualified contractors to install ceramic tile, encaustic tile, vitreous tile, and other tile-like products by means of suction and adhesives, except hollow or structural partitioning tile.

Is Setting Tile included as a new book?

No. The Setting Tile, 1995 book included in this package is identified as a USED copy.

Why is Builders Guide to Floors useful for C-20 preparation?

It supports study of floor systems, subfloors, surface preparation, leveling, underlayments, moisture considerations, and support conditions that can affect tile installation.

Why study ANSI A108/A118/A136.1 for the C-20 exam?

The ANSI reference supports understanding of recognized ceramic tile installation procedures, setting-material requirements, adhesives, mortars, and standardized industry practices.

What subject should receive the most study time?

Installation and Adhesives should receive the greatest emphasis because it accounts for 22 of the 40 examination questions.

How should I prepare for a closed-book tiling examination?

Use active recall, practical installation review, mixed-topic practice questions, terminology study, and repeated review of procedures until you can explain the concepts without referring to the books.

Does this package guarantee that I will pass the Nevada C-20 exam?

No. This package provides technical references designed to support organized preparation. Exam results depend on each candidate's experience, study, tile installation knowledge, retained understanding, and performance on test day.