Tiling needs no statutory licence in South Africa, so you can trade as soon as you have the skill, the kit and a registered business. The recognised qualification is the Occupational Certificate in Plastering and Tiling (CETA and QCTO accredited, NQF Level 4), with a trade test available at accredited centres such as the ETC Trade Test Centre. Build a cutting and setting kit, learn the wet-area waterproofing rules, and price per square metre as a market estimate.
How to register and get qualified
Tiling is unlicensed, but a formal qualification and a clean setup open up builder and commercial work.
- Qualification. The Occupational Certificate in Plastering and Tiling (NQF Level 4) is the recognised route, accredited by CETA (Construction Education and Training Authority) and the QCTO (Quality Council for Trades and Occupations). A trade test is available at the ETC Trade Test Centre and other accredited centres.
- Shorter routes. CETA learnerships and shorter skills programmes through various providers are a faster way in if you already have some site experience.
- Business registration. Register a sole proprietor or a Pty Ltd (private company) with the CIPC (Companies and Intellectual Property Commission), get a SARS (South African Revenue Service) tax number, and register for COIDA (Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases) once you employ anyone. VAT (Value-Added Tax) registration is compulsory only once turnover passes R2.3 million in a 12-month period, the threshold from 1 April 2026; it is voluntary below that.
Kit and start-up costs
Tiling is a mid-range trade to set up. Figures are approximate retail prices, so confirm before buying.
- Angle grinder, diamond blade and tile cutter (manual plus electric): about R6,000 to R10,000.
- Notched trowels in various sizes and grout floats: about R1,500.
- Rubber mallets, tile spacers and spirit levels: about R1,500.
- Bucket mixer and a mixing paddle for adhesive and grout: about R2,500.
- Knee pads, safety glasses and a dust mask: about R1,200.
- Tile sucker or lifter for large-format tiles (about R2,000, or hire a heavy vacuum lifter).
- A bakkie or van, because tiles are heavy and bulky (finance or buy used).
A realistic launch kit runs roughly R15,000 to R25,000, excluding the vehicle. The vacuum lifter is the one item worth hiring at first if large-format tiles are not yet your bread and butter.
What you can charge (estimates)
Labour rates below are 2025 market guidance from comparison services, not a published tariff. They vary by tile type, format, room and province, so use them as a starting point and quote each job.
- Ceramic tile, labour only: roughly R150 to R250 per square metre.
- Porcelain tile, labour only: roughly R180 to R300 per square metre.
- Natural stone: roughly R200 to R350 per square metre.
- Large-format tiles over 600 mm: roughly R250 to R400 per square metre.
A premium service worth pricing higher is a combined wet-area waterproofing and tiling package, where you control the whole job from substrate to grout.
Standards
SANS 10400-L and SANS 10400-W (the South African National Standards for roofs and for wet areas, within the National Building Regulations) cover waterproofing under tiles in wet areas such as showers and bathrooms; the substrate must be waterproofed before you tile. SANS 10107 covers ceramic floor and wall tiles, including bond strength and substrate preparation. Adhesive and grout choices follow the manufacturer specification. The exact wet-area membrane requirements move between editions, so confirm the current SANS 10400-W edition with the SABS (South African Bureau of Standards) before you rely on a detail.
Common mistakes
- Tiling a wet area without waterproofing the substrate first. This is the most common and most expensive callback in the trade.
- Quoting a single rate for every tile. Porcelain, natural stone and large format each take more time and skill; price them apart.
- Under-quoting large-format work. It needs more hands, better lifting gear and a flatter substrate; build that into the price.
- Skipping the dust mask. Cutting tile releases silica; the OHS Act (Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993) duty of care applies to you and your crew.
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