• Mold inspection certification requirements ensure consistency in standards for the profession.mold on petrified wood image by MAXFX from Fotolia.com
  
  Mold inspection certification requirements vary by state, though the standards for most state statutes concerning interior air quality come from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Mold inspection certification identifies an individual as having met the minimum standards for performing mold inspections. It also indicates that the inspector is committed to upholding industry-wide standards of ethics and integrity. Individuals must learn about mold, mold health effects, sampling strategies and protocols, report interpretation and mold remediation and removal.
  
  

State Requirements

• Each state determines its own mold inspection certification guidelines. With multiple certifying associations, inspectors must ensure they choose a certification entity recognized by their state's environmental protection agency. For example, the State of Oregon requires inspectors to train and receive certification from the International Indoor Air Quality Commission (IIAQC).
  
  

Certification Training

• Generally, certification training courses cover various tools and personal protective equipment inspectors need to conduct a safe and proper inspection. Students learn how to inspect each area of a property and what components to inspect, such as foundations, basements, crawlspaces, attics, interior rooms and roofs. In addition, individuals gain a thorough understanding of the sampling methodologies to employ when he suspects mold. Some training organizations offer classes onsite and online.
  
  The National Association of Mold Professionals (NAMP) is a nonprofit organization with the mission of developing and encouraging the mold inspection and remediation sector. It has the oldest and largest association in the world for mold training and certification. The National Organization of Remediators and Mold Inspectors, or NORMI certifies the training program operated by third party firms. NORMI offers the course necessary for three types of certification: Certified Mold Inspector, Certified Mold Assessor and Certified Mold Remediator.
  
  

Certification Exam

• Each certifying organization requires candidates to pass their certification exam. For instance, the IIAQC mold certification exam consist of true-false and multiple choice questions. The exams, which are "open book," have anywhere from 75 to 100 questions. Applicants must receive a passing score of 80 percent. Students may take the exam a second time if they fail. NORMI has a proctored exam.