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100+ Free MS Tile and Marble Practice Questions

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: MS Tile and Marble Exam

70%

Passing Score

PSI MS Contractor Bulletin 4/23/2026

40 Q

Official Exam Questions

PSI MS Contractor Bulletin 4/23/2026

1.5 hours

Time Allowed

PSI MS Contractor Bulletin 4/23/2026

$120

PSI Exam Fee

PSI MS Contractor Bulletin 4/23/2026

Open book

Exam Format

PSI MS Contractor Bulletin 4/23/2026

MS Tile and Marble PSI trade exam: 40 questions, 70% pass, 1.5 hours, fee $120. Open-book MSBOC classification (bulletin 4/23/2026).

Sample MS Tile and Marble Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your MS Tile and Marble exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Which ANSI specification covers general requirements for structures, substrates, and preparation before ceramic tile is installed?
A.ANSI A108.01
B.ANSI A118.1
C.ANSI A136.1
D.ANSI A108.10
Explanation: ANSI A108.01 is the general-requirements standard for structures, substrates, and preparation for tile. A118.1 is a mortar material specification, A136.1 is the organic-adhesive material specification, and A108.10 is the installation standard for grout in tilework. On an open-book exam, start in A108.01 when the question is about whether the backing is ready to receive tile.
2A concrete slab to receive bonded thin-set tile still has a film of curing compound. What does ANSI A108.01 require before setting tile?
A.Leave the curing compound in place to keep the slab from drying too fast under the mortar
B.Remove the curing compound so the surface is clean and free of coatings that act as bond breakers
C.Prime the curing compound with ordinary PVA drywall primer and set tile the same day
D.Cover the film with a gypsum-based floor patch and set tile immediately
Explanation: ANSI A108.01 requires surfaces to be clean and free of wax, curing compound, and other coatings. Those films are bond breakers between portland-cement mortar and concrete. Mechanical removal or another method approved for the contaminant is required; drywall primer and gypsum patch are not substitutes for a clean, cement-compatible surface.
3For ceramic tile with all edges shorter than 15 inches, what is the commonly cited ANSI A108.02 maximum variation of the substrate from the required plane when checked with a 10-foot straightedge?
A.1/2 inch in 10 feet
B.1/8 inch in 10 feet and 1/16 inch in 2 feet
C.1/4 inch in 10 feet
D.3/4 inch in 10 feet
Explanation: For standard-format tile (no edge 15 inches or longer), ANSI workmanship/substrate rules allow a maximum variation of 1/4 inch in 10 feet from the required plane. The tighter 1/8 inch in 10 feet plus 1/16 inch in 2 feet rule is for large-format tile. Thin-set mortar is a bond coat, not a floor-leveling compound, so out-of-tolerance slabs must be corrected before setting.
4A floor will receive 18-by-18-inch porcelain tile. What substrate flatness does ANSI A108.02 require for tile with at least one edge 15 inches or longer?
A.No more than 1/4 inch in 10 feet, with no short-span limit
B.No more than 3/8 inch in 10 feet if a medium-bed mortar is used
C.No more than 1/2 inch in 10 feet if the tile is rectified
D.No more than 1/8 inch in 10 feet and no more than 1/16 inch in 2 feet, measured from the high points
Explanation: Large-format tile (any edge 15 inches or longer) requires a flatter plane: maximum 1/8 inch in 10 feet and 1/16 inch in 2 feet, measured from the high points. Medium-bed or large-and-heavy-tile mortar can help collapse ridges and support the tile, but it is not a license to ignore the flatness numbers. Rectified edges improve joint uniformity; they do not flatten a wavy slab.
5A setter finds a 3/8-inch depression in a 10-foot run on a slab that will receive thin-set floor tile. What is the correct preparation?
A.Correct the plane with a suitable portland-cement patch, self-leveling underlayment, or mortar bed before setting tile
B.Fill the low area by stacking extra thin-set mortar under those tiles
C.Ignore the depression if the tile is large enough to bridge it
D.Cover the depression with unsanded grout and then thin-set
Explanation: Thin-set mortar is a bond coat, not a leveling compound. Low spots outside the allowed plane must be corrected with a compatible patch, self-leveling underlayment, or a floated mortar bed. Stacking thin-set creates uneven shrinkage, hollow spots, and lippage. Large tile makes flatness more critical, not less.
6What is laitance on a concrete slab, and why must it be removed before bonded tile work?
A.A beneficial hard skin that should be left intact to waterproof the slab
B.A weak surface layer of cement paste and fines that will fail in shear under the tile bond coat
C.A factory-applied curing membrane required by ANSI A118.10
D.The reinforcing wire used in an unbonded mortar bed
Explanation: Laitance is a weak layer of cement paste and fines that bleeds to the surface of concrete. Bonded thin-set or a bonded mortar bed will only be as strong as that skin, so the weak layer is removed by grinding, shot-blasting, or another mechanical method until sound concrete is exposed. It is not a waterproofing membrane and is not reinforcement.
7Which pair correctly matches the cementitious backer unit (CBU) material specification with the interior CBU installation specification?
A.ANSI A118.1 for the board; ANSI A108.5 for installation
B.ANSI A118.10 for the board; ANSI A108.13 for installation
C.ANSI A118.9 for the board; ANSI A108.11 for installation
D.ANSI A136.1 for the board; ANSI A108.4 for installation
Explanation: ANSI A118.9 is the material/test specification for cementitious backer units. ANSI A108.11 is the installation specification for interior CBU. A118.1/A108.5 are dry-set mortar and thin-set setting, A118.10/A108.13 are bonded waterproof membranes, and A136.1/A108.4 are organic or epoxy adhesives. Keep the board spec separate from the mortar and membrane specs.
8Which ANSI material specification covers load-bearing, bonded waterproof membranes used under thin-set ceramic tile and dimension stone?
A.ANSI A118.1
B.ANSI A118.6
C.ANSI A136.1
D.ANSI A118.10
Explanation: ANSI A118.10 is the material specification for load-bearing, bonded waterproof membranes for thin-set ceramic tile and dimension stone. Installation of those membranes is A108.13. A118.1 is dry-set mortar, A118.6 is standard cement grout, and A136.1 is organic adhesive. Tile and grout are not waterproof by themselves; wet assemblies rely on a rated membrane and a sloped receptor.
9Which ANSI material specification covers crack-isolation membranes for thin-set ceramic tile and dimension stone?
A.ANSI A118.12
B.ANSI A118.3
C.ANSI A118.7
D.ANSI A118.9
Explanation: ANSI A118.12 is the material specification for crack-isolation membranes used under thin-set tile and stone. Those membranes are intended to reduce telegraphing of in-plane substrate cracks within the product's rated movement. They are not automatically waterproof unless the product is also listed to A118.10, and they do not replace movement joints at restraining surfaces.
10What traditional live-load deflection limit does the TCNA Handbook use for framed floors that will receive ceramic or porcelain tile?
A.L/120
B.L/360
C.L/180
D.L/960
Explanation: For ceramic and porcelain tile, the traditional TCNA framed-floor limit is L/360, where L is the clear span of the supporting member. A 12-foot span may deflect no more than 12 x 12 / 360 = 0.40 inch under the design live load. That is a structural check made before underlayment and tile are installed. Natural stone is commonly held to a stiffer L/720.

About the MS Tile and Marble Exam

Mississippi Tile and Marble is an MSBOC specialty classification trade examination administered by PSI. Official scope is surface preparation and application of stone, ceramic, or similar materials, including floor tile, countertops, wall splash, thin pavers, grouting, and finishing. The official open-book exam has 40 questions, a 70% passing standard, and 1 hour 30 minutes allowed. PSI fee is $120 per portion (Candidate Information Bulletin updated 4/23/2026). This English-language MCQ bank is a study aid for the official content outline; it is not an official PSI form, does not replace the required Law and Business Management exam, and is not a substitute for MSBOC application review or the official open-book examination.

Questions

40 scored questions

Time Limit

1 hour 30 minutes

Passing Score

70%

Exam Fee

$120 (PSI Services LLC (for Mississippi State Board of Contractors))

MS Tile and Marble Exam Content Outline

30%

Surface Preparation

Substrate inspection, flatness, membranes, backer boards, and mortar-bed prep

55%

Installation and Adhesives

Thin-set, thick-bed, organic adhesives, layout, and tile/marble setting

15%

Grout and Finishing

Grout types, joint finishing, sealing, and cleanup

How to Pass the MS Tile and Marble Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 70%
  • Exam length: 40 questions
  • Time limit: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Exam fee: $120

Keys to Passing

  • Work through all 100 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

MS Tile and Marble Study Tips from Top Performers

1Study only the approved references listed for Tile and Marble in the current PSI Mississippi Contractor bulletin (updated 4/23/2026): Setting Tile (Byrne), Builders Guide to Floors, ANSI A108/A118/A136.1:2017, NTCA tub-surround craft training, and the Tilesetting Workbook
2Practice open-book navigation with permanent tabs and indexes before test day
3Drill ANSI installation methods (A108) versus material specs (A118/A136.1) so you can find the right section quickly
4Confirm MSBOC classification scope and eligibility at msboc.us before scheduling with PSI
5All applicants must also pass Law and Business Management unless it is waived

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the MS Tile and Marble exam?

The official PSI examination has 40 scored questions (plus possible unscored experimental items). Passing is 70% within 1 hour 30 minutes.

How much does the MS Tile and Marble exam cost?

PSI lists $120 per examination portion (Candidate Information Bulletin updated 4/23/2026). MSBOC application fees are separate: $400 commercial or $50 residential. Additional classifications are $100 each.

Is the Mississippi contractor exam open book?

Yes. PSI administers MSBOC classification exams as open book. Only bulletin-listed approved references are allowed; temporary tabs such as Post-it notes are prohibited.

Do I still need the Law and Business Management exam?

Yes. MSBOC requires the Mississippi Law and Business Management exam (50 questions, 70%, 2 hours) of all applicants. Reciprocity may waive a trade exam in some cases but does not waive Law and Business.