How to Become a Certified Mold Inspector

Mold spores can be found almost everywhere, such as outdoors and inside your house or workplace. You can prevent most mold issues, but mold inspectors can help identify and eliminate large-scale mold growths when that's not possible.

Mold inspection and remediation are increasingly common when buying or selling a home. Many home inspectors are looking to expand their skill set by becoming certified in mold inspection. In this article, we’ll discuss how to break into the lucrative mold market.

What Does a Mold Inspector Do?

Mold inspectors are experts who look for mold growth and moisture damage, which, if left unchecked, could lead to structural and health issues in a property. A mold inspector can work either independently with an inspection company or with a construction company.

Mold inspections are performed in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. Inspectors must have a good understanding of where mold grows in a building. This means applying problem-solving skills to identify mold causes. Then inspectors must sit down with the employer or homeowner to develop a mold-eradication plan.

Mold inspectors have to be field experts. That includes knowing and understanding the impact of various types of mold and advising property owners on how to treat mold growth. Mold inspectors do not often work alone. Their duties require collecting samples and sending them to a lab for analysis.

If you currently hold a license as a home inspector and want to expand your offerings, this is an excellent field to consider. You may boost your income per inspection and provide your clients more value by adding mold inspection to your list of services.

How to Become a Mold Inspector

If you're interested in becoming a mold inspector, you will need prior experience in building, or another field related to construction. Previous experience as a home inspector is ideal. You must also have a high school diploma and a valid driver's license.

Mold inspection certification is a necessity in addition to experience. There are many online sources, such as the Association of Home Inspectors or OSHA, where you can earn your credentials. 360Training offers an online certification program for those looking to become mold inspectors. Below is a general guideline to becoming a qualified residential or commercial mold inspector:

Step 1: Find out the mold inspection laws in your state.

To become a certified mold inspector, you should be familiar with your state's mold inspection and remediation laws. Although most states do not require a license, several are enacting new laws or have proposed legislation changes, so it's best to do your research constantly.

The insurance industry, realtors, and homeowners are all looking for certified mold specialists. Getting a mold inspection certification is a great way to assure competence and provide clients peace of mind, even if your state does not require licensure.

Step 2: Complete a certification program in mold inspection

To be a mold inspector, you need to be highly skilled at spotting mold, testing mold using air and surface samples, and spotting moisture problems. Additionally, you should provide dependable mold removal advice, either by suggesting a licensed remediation professional or by offering prevention protection. One significant way to become an expert in the field is by completing a mold certification course.

Step 3: Decide whether or not to become certified in mold remediation

We have established that mold inspectors visually inspect and test homes for mold concerns. But what is mold remediation? Mold remediation specialists remove mold health problems from a home. The process includes testing, sanitizing, containing, cleaning, and removing the mold. Because this is different from a simple inspection, there is a separate certification for remediation that most states require. You can set yourself apart from other inspectors by earning certification in mold remediation and offering the service in addition to mold inspection.

Step 4: Invest in PPE and mold inspection tools

When inspecting for mold, it's critical that you wear protective clothing because mold growth presents a serious risk to respiratory health. Inspectors and remediators know they should dress protectively and wear N-95 respirators, waterproof boots, gloves, and eye protection. Simple PPE and common mold inspection equipment are investments, but they will pay off after just a few inspections.

Step 5: Find a Reputable Testing Facility to Examine Mold Testing Samples

Mold inspectors often collaborate with recognized testing laboratories to study air and surface mold samples. Make sure to do your research into accreditation and reputable testing labs. The price of sample analysis, the turnaround time, and the testing procedure are all things to consider. In some instances, the costs associated with lab testing are included in mold inspections.

Step 6: Launch Your Mold Inspection Company

Now that you have completed all the necessary training and certifications, your last hurdle is establishing your mold inspection company. Work on promoting yourself in your local community. Building a solid customer base is essential for launching a successful business.

What Happens During a Mold Inspection?

During a typical mold inspection, the inspector will speak with the property owner about any spots where they have noticed mold, as well as anywhere there have previously been leaks or water damage. An inspector will investigate the home, paying particular attention to areas where mold is known to thrive.

The majority of a mold inspection is a visual examination of a home. Some mold inspectors may use cameras to determine whether a particular region is wet. Especially after cleanup, a moisture meter may also be helpful.

An inspector might need to cut into a piece of drywall or take down paneling to get a better look if there's a potential that mold is developing in an inaccessible area. If mold is found, the inspector will work with the homeowner to create a remediation plan while also identifying the source of the moisture.

Why You Need NAMP Mold Inspector Certification Training

The majority of homeowners, buyers, realtors, and insurance companies want to know that the mold inspector they're working with is certified, even though not all states need licensure. To get a leg up in the competitive market, take our mold inspector certification course to become NAMP-certified. By completing our online certification course, you'll be equipped with the skills to spot possible mold infestations in homes or other structures. You'll also learn about fungus and the potential health hazards of toxic mold.

Our course also covers topics such as: 

• NAMP Certified Mold Inspector Services
• Characteristics of Fungi
• Mold Control
• Tools and Personal Protective Equipment
• Interior and Exterior Inspection Methods
• Testing Procedures
• Legal Requirements 
• Interpreting Lab Results

Check out our course and get started on your certification today!