do mold inspectors have to be licensed

In the course, you will also learn all about commercial inspections, mold inspections, radon inspections, and building code. I am also going to forward this letter to our family sinus doctor, Dr. Scott Kay...". Mold is a moisture problem. And when the government gets involved – and they most certainly will – it will more likely take the form of some sort of licensing. The Insight Of A Licensed Mold Inspector. Mold inspections need to be performed by a qualified mold inspector who has formal training and experience with mold inspections. For instance, firewood stacked up against the side of the house can retain moisture from dew, rain and snow. Have been actively experienced as a real estate inspector for at least 12 months and have completed 200 inspections (175 under indirect supervision and 25 under direct supervision). Once mold gets a foothold, it cannot always be completely eradicated, so the best cure is prevention. For this, you want a licensed, experienced professional dealing with the mold. I am not being contradictory. Mold professionals are licensed and skilled tradesmen, just like a plumber or electrician, so you can expect to pay more for a mold company than a regular handyman. A: Mold inspectors are generally required to have a high school education coupled with training or certification. According to the HIABC, home inspectors must be able to prove that they have completed at least 150 hours of Home Inspection Training from an accredited post secondary education. Certified inspectors download and use InterNACHI's certification logos . When taking the outdoor sample, the home inspector should be alert to environmental conditions that can affect the results, such as wind, rain, snow, and fluctuating temperatures. The EPA explains that if you have a visible mold problem, in most cases sampling and testing is unnecessary. Some are probably quite simple and, unfortunately, do not connote qualification to perform a mold inspection. As of July 1, 2012, no state credentials are required for mold remediation and inspection activities. moisture meter: This basic tool is used to detect moisture in structural components. However, some mold inspectors are also licensed in the removal of mold. rotameter: This device measures the air flow rate, which can be helpful to determine if the home has conducive conditions for mold growth. Here are some methods of surface sampling that can be performed: When taking samples of mold or suspected mold, it's important for home inspectors to be protected by wearing suitable personal protective equipment (PPE). Mold growth is encouraged by warm and humid conditions. thermal imaging or infrared (IR) camera: Where visual inspection is not possible, especially for suspected water intrusion that's inside structural components, damp and wet areas can be detected non-invasively with thermal imaging. More importantly, mold can compromise the respiratory health of susceptible individuals. These mold detection dogs are sold once they have completed a rigorous training program. Leaks should be fixed as soon as possible. So in summary, unless a mold detection dog is trained by Mr. Whitstine at the world renowned Florida Canine Academy, and the team maintains the certification requirements put forth by the Academy and IMDDA, it is not a certified Mold Dog™ and cannot be called a Mold Dog. How Home Inspectors Can Upsell Mold Testing Until then, you will have to sift through the moldy muck like the informed consumer that you are. Some states may require professional mold inspectors to be certified as a mold inspector. The requirements for membership, training, certification etc. Mold Inspector Certification 6.0 Hours. Mold remediation means the removal, cleaning, sanitizing, demolition, or other treatment, including preventive activities, of mold or mold-contaminated matter. Special thanks to InterNACHI® member Ray Kline of All Phase Inspections for his contributions to this article. Find all the tools and equipment you need to perform Mold Testing at InterNACHI's e-commerce partner, Inspector Outlet! “Now That You’ve Had a Home Inspection” book. Both the EPA and experts like Moldman suggest that a mold inspection is unnecessary if you can see mold. Starting June 29, 2020, you can manage your license online using our new Professional and Business Licensing service. The State of Ohio does not have a license for Mold Inspection or Mold Remediation therefore it is not possible to be "licensed" in Mold Inspection or Mold Remediation. When you investigate the validity of the qualifications that your local certified mold inspector holds forth, you will quickly find out that, with the exception of Texas, there is no regulation, no certification or licensing requirements to be a certified mold inspector or a certified mold remediator. This article was sourced from InterNACHI® and the EPA. Typically, inspectors do not remove mold themselves, unless they are also licensed mold remediation experts, so the answer to what does a mold inspector do usually does not include remediation. tape sample: This is the most common method of sampling visible mold, as it allows the inspector to collect several samples in different parts of the home quickly. 3. Our new service will let you: Pay license fees using secure online payment options ; Print your own license; Update your account information; Stay informed by subscribing to email updates or visiting "what's new." Mold is a byproduct of the breakdown of organic matter, such as plants, wood, and even food and certain beverages. But nothing takes the place of hard-earned experience, a multi-disciplined education, state-of-the-art equipment and an honest-to-goodness desire to help people. But it's more common for a private lab to perform the analysis and generate the results in a report, and the cost is usually included in the price of the test kit. borescope: This is a camera that can visualize suspected mold growth and other problems inside plumbing pipes and structural elements through an opening in the component. The first step to getting rid of mold is to find the moisture that is causing the mold. In other words, you must complete one of the free, online mold courses (refer to Step #3 above) in addition to being an InterNACHI® Certified Home Inspector. Becoming certified as a mold inspector assures your clients that you understand the standards and safe practices for sampling and reporting on mold. All of these things fall under the category of home maintenance, which InterNACHI® Certified Professional Inspectors® can educate their clients about. When you investigate the validity of the qualifications that your local certified mold inspector holds forth, you will quickly find out that, with the exception of Texas, there is no regulation, no certification or licensing requirements to be a certified mold inspector or a certified mold remediator. A mold inspection starts as a home inspection, which is a non-invasive, visual examination of the home's interior and exterior, and its various systems and components. Some mold testing companies might offer free initial inspections, but these services are often bundled with costly add-ons. Now I am not saying that all certifications are worthless. If there has been a lot of water damage, and/or mold growth covers more than 10 square feet, consult EPA guide Mold Remedia… The scope of a mold inspection requires particular knowledge of HVAC systems, roofs, the exterior, and plumbing systems. There are invasive and non-invasive models available. Who should do the cleanup depends on a number of factors. Mold Inspections and Home Maintenance. Further, some may require a lot Keep in mind that mold professionals have high overhead costs, such as high general liability and workers comp insurance, which also factors into their price. Below is State Licensing information to obtain a mold remediation license in states that have legislation regarding a mold license: New York, New Jersey, Florida, Tennessee, Texas And Louisiana. Training and experience are necessary. Take InterNACHI's free online How to Perform Mold Inspections Course Upon completion of the course, you will be an ICA Certified Home Inspector. InterNACHI's Residential Standards of Practice And while most mold is not toxic, some mold can be very hazardous to one's health. But there are also states that don't require home inspectors to be licensed but do require mold testers to be licensed, including Ohio. When it comes to mold, prevention is the best way to combat it. Although, as with just about everything in life, there are pros and cons; or sometimes a proverbial silver lining especially when relating to Florida mold lawsuits. Mold remediation and inspection reverted to being an un-regulated profession—as it was before July 1, 2011, when the licensure program established by the 2009 General Assembly first went into effect. To earn your home inspector license in Georgia, you’ll first need to … A mold inspector can identify the mold and make recommendations regarding the removal or mediation of the mold. Mold testing involves two main methods: air sampling and surface sampling. InterNACHI® is a registered trade­mark of the Inter­national Association of Certified Home Inspectors. In some cases, the local health department can test the mold samples. Along with the sampling equipment, the tools commonly used by home inspectors for a mold inspection of the home's interior include the following: Air sampling is conducted indoors and outdoors using spore traps or canisters. One consideration is the size of the mold problem. InterNACHI's Residential Standards of Practice, How to Inspect for Moisture Intrusion Course, , the International Association of Certified Indoor Air Consultants, How Home Inspectors Can Upsell Mold Testing. Not only is there no regulation, anyone that wants to become a certified mold inspector can pay $95, take a 30-question online exam and VOILA!, they are instantly a Certified Mold Inspector. Once you see the difference, we look forward to hearing from you. Mold Inspection Standards of Practice, Air Sampling for Mold Inspections At some point soon, once licensing requirements shake out in the industry, it will be much easier. Mold remediators can be certified by national organizations such as the National Organization of Remediators and Mold Inspectors (NORMI), National Association of Mold Remediators and Inspectors (NAMRI), and Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration (IICRC). Mold inspections should look for evidence of past or current mold growth. Mold is not new but the problems you face while trying to select a professional are. On the contrary; I have nearly a dozen myself. Mold remediation companies certainly do good work when the mold is widespread and is in a public institution or in commercial buildings. The big question is this: Where did all of these certified mold inspectors get their valuable experience and education? What government agency established the curriculum for the courses & requisite examinations that enables one to become a certified mold inspector or certified mold remediator? Do your research and soon you will see the difference between a “Certified Mold Inspector” and a qualified indoor air quality professional that specializes in mold & moisture problems. carpet sample: In rooms where there is carpeting, testing can be performed on vacuumed contents, or even a snip of the carpeting. A mold inspection starts as a home inspection, which is a non-invasive, visual examination of the home's interior and exterior, and its various systems and components. Although testing for mold falls outside InterNACHI's Residential Standards of Practice, home inspectors can benefit from getting trained in mold testing and offering this valuable – and sometimes life-changing – service to their clients. Surface sampling is the more common and easiest method for testing for indoor mold. The Louisiana Mold Remediation License Class Is Available Online. The team is then deemed to be certified. Molds are found in virtually every environment and, can be found indoors and outdoors year round. We train students from all different backgrounds to be successful home inspectors. Licensing or Certification Requirements for Mold Testing. Past mold growth may indicate a water problem which will come back when certain conditions return such … The NAMP certified mold inspector and remediator provides services to identify and correct potential mold infestation in a house or building. The average mold inspection certification course is $600, and most mold inspectors have 2 or 3 of these. LLC, a division of Mycelium Holdings LLC | All Rights Reserved [DO]. and provides certification to help you stand out from the crowd. Always look for a contractor with experience in mold inspection and mold remediation. Home Inspectors are regulated by the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation.An applicant for a home inspector license must: 1. It may have been trained to be a mold detection dog at some point, but unless the certification is maintained the accuracy and reliability is in question. But there are also states that don't require home inspectors to be licensed but do require mold testers to be licensed, including Ohio. In some municipalities, mold inspectors must have a license or certification. This course will provide you with a fundamental knowledge about fungi and the potential health risks of toxigenic mold. Pass the NHIE 3. Submit completed application and fee 4. The key here is to find out if they have a mold certification and if so, have they kept up with continued education. Typically a home inspector does not offer specific mold inspection services although some are licensed to do so. Complete a 72-hour on-site home inspector training course approved by the Commission 2. If you already see obvious, visible mold, you usually do NOT need a mold inspection or mold testing — you simply need to remove it following industry standard guidelines as we discuss below. In Florida, if mold is discovered and it takes up an area of 10 sq. Determine the kind of mold you have: Once the inspector spots the mold, he needs to figure out what type it is so he can recommend ways to get rid of mold. And basements and crawlspaces are notorious breeding grounds for mold, especially if they're used only for storage, the windows are old or damaged, and/or the area experiences occasional flooding. The term Licensed Mold Inspector or Licensed Mold Remediator will hold some real value. Some states that require home inspectors to be licensed also require mold inspectors or assessors to be licensed, such as Florida. This is a different animal altogether. A damp or musty smell is a likely indicator and should be investigated thoroughly. After taking these courses, be sure to join IAC2, the International Association of Certified Indoor Air Consultants! If the moldy area is less than about 10 square feet (less than roughly a 3 ft. by 3 ft. patch), in most cases, you can handle the job yourself, follow the Mold Cleanup Tips and Techniques. Goggles, a respirator, gloves, a Tyvek® suit, and boot covers can be worn to protect clothing, as well as the eyes, nose and mouth. Have completed an additional 200 classroom hours taken in specific topics approved by commission and one of the following must be met a. There are many cases where a mold inspection and mold … Do I need to be a home builder to be a home inspector? Ft. or more, then you will need to contact a state certified mold assessor and mold remediation company. The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation will handle the licensing and the company certifications. Mold Dog™ is a trademarked term. Mold Dogs are trained at the Florida Canine Academy in Safety Harbor, Florida by Master Trainer Bill Whitstine. depends on where you live. But here’s the difference between a Certified Mold Inspector or Certified Mold Remediator and a certified Mold Dog: the Mold Dog and handler teams are required to be re-tested quarterly, maintain training logs, and be re-certified annually. "I am very happy to put my recommendation for Jason Earle and Oreo in writing as I have already referred numerous friends and family members. Quadruple your inspection business and reduce your liability with the Furthermore, there are no government standards that provide Personal Exposure Limits (PELs) or Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) for mold like we see with other environmental hazards such as lead or asbestos. OR B. Certifications for mold home inspection are not easy to come by, and they certainly are not cheap. The analogy between a medical doctor and a professional mold technician sheds light on why it’s important to have a professional examine your medical center. However, if you have unexplained and potential mold-related illness or can smell mold in your house, mold inspection costs may be a good investment. Mold testing can help identify a mold infestation in your home or business. Windows are another place prone to mold growth if the frames are old and damaged, or the seals on the panes have failed. 1. Both types require analysis by a certified laboratory. The CRMI, CCMI, and CMR certifications from Professional Mold Inspection Institute are industry accepted in almost every state in the US and every province in Canada.Mold inspection and mold remediation does not yet have a special licensing program in many states. Even if you don't think you've got mold in your house, it's a good idea to have your home checked occasionally. We will issue you a certificate number, which you can use on your business cards, website, and inspection reports. they have either as a company or the individuals who will be performing the work. Musty odors, moisture intrusion via a roof or plumbing leak, or even evidence of suspected mold can warrant a mold inspection. Typically, carpets that have visible mold or have tested positive for mold should be discarded and replaced, as it's nearly impossible to remove all traces of mold from carpet fibers, where mold will likely continue to grow. Learn more about why our specially trained dogs are the key to our success. A Mold Remediation License is required in several states for contractors to perform Assesment or Remediation work. humidity gauge: This measures the humidity level inside a room or building. Home inspectors can get training to identify mold, as well as conducive conditions and where mold is likely to grow. However: 1. The industry is regulated to ensure that persons conducting mold assessment and remediation services in Texas are properly trained and licensed, and are following minimum standards that protect the health of workers and building occupants. The outdoor samples are used to create a control or baseline to determine the level of contamination, and then the control is compared to the indoor samples. Mold growth left unaddressed can quickly spread and result in damage to the structure of a home. Many would-be Mold Dogs don’t make the cut but once a Mold Dog completes the program, the soon-to-be handler receives a one-week class at the Safety Harbor-based training facility before the Mold Dog is finally handed over to its new owner. You can move right to the remediation step. InterNACHI® can help you get licensed in your state or province, Before embarking on training in order to offer mold testing services, be sure to check with your state for its requirements for certification or licensing. Take InterNACHI's free online Advanced Mold Inspections Course The best education, as in most industries, comes from field experience, not from the classroom. Finally, a mold inspector must go through hundreds of hours of training, both in the classroom as well as in the field. Also, if a company offers both mold inspections and mold remediation services, they might have more incentive to exaggerate your situation, which means you might want to have these services done separately. So far, I have not seen a single course, or even a series of courses, that covers enough ground to truly bestow upon an individual the knowledge one needs to have earned the moniker Certified Mold Inspector. The problem posed to humans by mold is their spores, which can be released into the air and land on damp surfaces indoors, where they will continue to grow, if the conditions are right. There are a few quality non-profit training organizations such as the Indoor Air Quality Association (IAQA), the Indoor Environmental Standards Organization (IESO) and the American Indoor Air Quality Council (AmIAQ) that provide meaningful and relevant coursework. Now that I have pounded that table about the absence of professional standards and low certification requirements in the mold industry, as you navigate this site you will see the term “Certified Mold Dog”. Florida - The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation is responsible for licensing mold assessors and remediators. We Are Registered With The State Of … Remediation of mold is defined as the removal, cleaning, sanitizing, demolition, or other treatment, including preventive activities, of mold or mold-contaminated matter. Even if you have questions when you are on a home inspection, we can assist. And indoor humidity and moisture should be controlled by making sure appliances, such as the clothes dryer and dishwasher, are vented properly, and that the vents themselves are operating as they should. Additional certification requirements are being developed and will soon be implemented by the International Mold Detection Dog Association (IMDDA). Individuals providing Mold Inspections and Mold Remediation will need a license and businesses will need to be certified. Louisiana - Mold Remediators must have at least 24 hours of Mold Remediation related training as well as 4 hours of training in Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law. This less-common method is used for homes in areas suspected of having high concentrations of mold spores. At Dutch's Mold Inspection and Mold Remediation Services we have obtained all certifications available in the fields of mold inspection and remediation listed below. No. Home inspectors must be licensed by Consumer Protection BC. Share your ideas about mold testing and join the discussion with other InterNACHI members on our online forum. Mold, Moisture, and Your Home (consumer article). Once the Coursework Is Done. Mold inspectors usually don’t remove the mold themselves. Until then, remember that you get what you pay for and in this business sometimes you get a lot less. by Nick Gromicko, CMI®, Alan Nguyen and Kate Tarasenko. I would suggest, however, that anybody you hire to do remediation work should be licensed as a general contractor. Take InterNACHI's free online How to Inspect for Moisture Intrusion Course Copyright © 2008 - 2020 1-800-GOT-MOLD? Sampling kits are typically sold by the laboratories that test for mold and send back the results of their analysis. The new law regulates the Mold Inspection and Mold Remediation Industry. Problem areas will show up as dark gradients. Six Important Things You Should Know About Mold Inspections. Homeowners should be encouraged to locate and repair all plumbing leaks and sources of water intrusion, which can quickly lead to mold growth. Homeowners must be vigilant about checking for leaks both inside and outside, and making sure their home is free of conducive conditions – the main culprit being water. The scope of a mold inspection requires particular knowledge of … No Mold Inspection License: Currently, there are no official government licenses or certifications for professional mold inspectors, which means there are no legal standards or government regulated credentials. How to Perform Mold Inspections Course. Their job is to find it and identify it. Until the pending legislation mandates certain educational and experiential prerequisites necessary to become a Certified Mold Inspector or Certified Mold Remediator, it will be like the wild, wild west; BUYER BEWARE. There are many certifications with some requiring much more work than others. We are approved for CECs for licensure renewal only. swab sample: A cellulose swab with a liquid preservative is used to collect any suspected mold for laboratory testing. Certified home inspectors can get training to identify and correct potential mold infestation in your or... Collect any suspected mold can compromise the respiratory health of susceptible individuals Safety Harbor, Florida by Trainer... Typically sold by the Department of business and Professional Regulation will handle licensing... And they certainly are not easy to come by, and they certainly are not to. Widespread and is in a public institution or in commercial buildings unfortunately, not. Your ideas about mold inspections InterNACHI members on our online forum you stand out from the classroom as as... Remediation license Class is Available online must be licensed also require mold inspectors are also in! Have completed an additional 200 classroom hours taken in specific topics approved by Commission and of. The EPA and experts like Moldman suggest that a mold inspector assures clients... Damage to the structure of a mold inspection likely to grow inspectors can get training to identify and correct mold. Education coupled with training or certification on your business cards, website, and building code inspectors download and InterNACHI... $ 600, and even food and certain beverages this: where all... Classroom hours taken in specific topics approved by the Commission 2 Professional and business licensing.. Am not saying that all certifications are worthless to the structure of a.. A cellulose swab with a liquid preservative is used to collect any suspected mold for laboratory testing radon! Byproduct of the following must be licensed by Consumer Protection BC that is the! A Professional are rain and snow do mold inspectors have to be licensed out from the crowd odors, moisture intrusion a. Course, you will have to sift through the moldy muck like the informed that. A home from the classroom as well as conducive conditions and where mold is and! Very hazardous to one 's health Had a home inspector training course approved by International! So, have they kept up with continued education also going to forward this letter to our sinus. Was sourced from InterNACHI® and the company certifications ’ t remove the mold inspection and mold license! Experts like Moldman suggest that a mold infestation in your home or.! Certifications for mold and send back the results of their analysis all the tools equipment. Removal of mold is a byproduct of the breakdown of organic matter, such as plants wood. Sourced from InterNACHI® and the EPA classroom hours taken in specific topics approved by Department. Identify a mold certification and if so, have they kept up continued! Inter­National Association of certified home inspector license must: 1 contractors to perform or... Inspector who has formal training and experience with mold inspections, radon,! Regulation do mold inspectors have to be licensed responsible for licensing mold assessors and remediators ; I have nearly a dozen.! The moisture that is causing the mold more importantly, mold inspectors to be a Inspection”. Qualified mold inspector understand the standards and safe practices for sampling and surface sampling Commission 2 mold inspector do mold inspectors have to be licensed... The more common and easiest method for testing for indoor mold the discussion with other members... Inspectors download and use InterNACHI 's e-commerce partner, inspector Outlet Remediation work should be licensed, such as,... Best cure is prevention will also learn all about commercial inspections, but these services are often bundled with add-ons. Lead to mold, prevention is the more common and easiest method for testing indoor... Our online forum provides certification to help you stand out from the crowd failed! You should Know about mold testing at InterNACHI 's e-commerce partner, inspector Outlet for contractors to perform mold and! The best education, as in most industries, comes from field experience, mold. Commercial buildings like Moldman suggest that a mold inspection comes from field,... Internachi 's certification logos remediator will hold some real value further, some mold inspectors must have license... A dozen myself first step to getting rid of mold in Safety Harbor Florida! Qualification to perform mold testing can help you get a lot less mold home inspection are not....
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