Are you looking for a mold professional to perform an inspection or remediation? MoldProfessionals.com is an online resource of Indoor Sciences, Inc. to get you linked with the professionals you need.
Licensing and Certification
Some states have licensing programs that are a requirement for mold inspectors and/or mold remediators. These states include Texas, Louisiana, Florida, Maryland and Arkansas. In states without licensing requirements, certifications are used to demonstrate expertise by mold professionals.
Unfortunately, there are many certifying organizations, many of which lack credibility. Here are a few criteria when it comes to selecting a certifying organization for mold professionals:
- Select a non-profit organization that is classified by the IRS as a non-profit with a 501(c) registration. Ask if the certificate holders democratically elect the Board of Directors. This creates a check and balance that is healthy for a non-profit.
- Select an organization that has rigorous requirements for certification. Some organizations require field experience whereas others will certify anyone who can pass their test. Only chose mold professionals that can demonstrate they have ample experience in the field.
- Select an accredited organization that meets the strict requirements of the Council of Engineering and Scientific Specialty Boards (CESB).
- Select a certifying body that is independent of training providers offering preparatory courses.
When all is said and done, two organizations stand heads and shoulders above the rest for certifying mold professionals:
The American IAQ Council has several certifications related to both mold inspection and mold remediation. The following list describes their certifications and the associated experience requirements which are dependent on university level of education:
Mold Inspection
- Certified Microbial Investigator (CMI), requires minimum 1-2 years of field experience
- Certified Microbial Consultant (CMC), requires minimum 4-8 years of field experience
Mold Remediation
- Certified Microbial Remediator (CMR), requires minimum 1-2 years of field experience
- Certified Microbial Remediation Supervisor (CMRS) , requires minimum of 1-5 years of field experience
The other recognized certifying organization, the American Board of Industrial Hygiene (ABIH) has a more general certification, Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH). The prerequisites to becoming a CIH are extremely rigorous as evidenced by the this list of eligibility requirements. Not all CIH's have experience related to mold, so be sure to ask about their expertise. Many CIH's perform excellent assessments because of their background in toxicology, measurements and controls. CIH's are typically prepared to perform inspections but have no expertise in performing mold remediation.
To find a list of mold professionals certified through the American IAQ Council, visit this link: Certified Professionals.
To find a list of mold professionals certified through the American Board of Industrial Hygiene, visit this link: Certified Industrial Hygienist listing.
Another organization that deserves mention is the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). Although not accredited by CESB, the organization has established an ANSI approved Standard regarding remediation. IICRC offers the Applied Microbial Remediation Technician Certification.
Training
If you are looking to hire a mold professional, it is advised to find a company that has been trained by an industry association. The two largest membership and educational organizations are:
Both of these organizations provide training programs to prepare students for top quality field work. Our company, Indoor Sciences, Inc., is a certified training provider of the IAQA. We offer the following IAQ training courses:
- Certified Microbial Consultant
- Certified Indoor Environmentalist
- Certified Indoor Air Quality Manager
Standards
It is important that your mold professional follow the established ANSI standards when performing mold inspections or remediation. Unfortunately, there aren't any ANSI standards related to mold inspection. Currently, the Indoor Environmental Standards Organization is working on ANSI standards, but none have been published to date.
There are several excellent books and reference documents related to mold assessments including the following two resources:
- Bioaerosols: Assessment and Control, ACGIH, 1999
- Recognition, Evaluation, and Control of Indoor Mold, AIHA, 2008
Regarding mold remediation, there are several guidelines and one ANSI standard:
- ANSI-IICRC S520, Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Mold Remediation, 2008
- Guidelines on Assessment and Remediation of Fungi in Indoor Environments, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, 2008
- Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings, EPA, 2001
Conflict of Interest
A final word about selecting a mold professional: watch out for conflicts of interest. It is prudent to have separate companies performing mold inspections and remediation. The reason for this is best illustrated by an investigative reporting team in Southern California. They use make-up (eye shadow) to create dark circles on a bathroom wall that looked like mold. They set up hidden cameras and called in mold remediation contractors. The three contractors all recommended ripping out walls and cabinets, rejecting suggestions that it should be tested first.
Remediation contractors have a financial incentive to find mold, whereas a mold inspector's compensation is not tied to the discovery of mold. It is recommended to have a mold inspector independently confirm the growth, establish its cause and extent before hiring a remediation contractor. The mold inspector and remediation contractor should have no financial ties so that their loyalty and duty is to you, their client.
Learn More
If you would like to learn more about mold training or mold certification, please contact Indoor Sciences by email or at (312) 920-9393. We are only located in downtown Chicago and offer mold consulting services nationwide for commercial clients. Residential mold consulting services are limited to the Chicagoland area. For a list of upcoming course dates, visit our Online Store. For a list of practical forms such as checklists and sample contracts, visit IAQforms.com. To keep current on indoor air quality topics, visit our new blog: IndoorAirNerd.com.
Indoor Sciences, Inc. | 105 West Madison St, Suite 802, Chicago IL 60602 | (312) 920-9393