How to Become a Certified Mold Inspector

Mold happens in many buildings, whether it’s a result of a drippy pipe or an epic flood. Property owners, insurance companies, and real estate professionals need an expert to help them determine whether there’s mold damage in a building, and if so, what kind, to what extent, and how to remove it.

Are you interested in that work? Below, we’ll lay out everything you need to know about mold inspection and becoming a mold inspector.

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. Mold inspections are performed in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.

Mold inspectors have to be field experts, highly skilled at spotting mold, taking air and surface samples, and spotting moisture problems. You need to understand the impact of various types of molds and be able to figure out where mold would grow in any given building. It involves applying problem-solving skills to identify mold causes, potential damage, and workable solutions.

Mold inspectors also need to be able to communicate effectively. They work with testing labs to determine mold types, and after an inspection, the inspector must sit down with the client to develop a mold-eradication plan. It’s rarely good news for the person on the receiving end, so it’s just as much about bedside manner as it is advising property owners on how to treat mold growth.

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 mold inspections involve a visual examination of a home. Some mold inspectors may use cameras to determine whether a particular region is wet. A moisture meter may also be helpful.

A mold inspector might need to cut into a piece of drywall or take down paneling to get a better look at the potential for mold to develop 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 to prevent a recurrence.

What’s It Like To Be A Mold Inspector?

Mold inspectors can either work as employees of an inspection company, independently as contractors, or with a construction company.

The typical mold inspector needs to be comfortable with working independently, interacting with clients, communicating with lab facilities, and explaining mold problems and their remediation to laypeople.

Should I Become A Mold Inspector?

Mold inspection is a common add-on service for experienced home inspectors. You can 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 construction or real estate-related fields. Previous experience as a home inspector is ideal.

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. Most states don’t require mold inspectors to hold a special license, but several are enacting new laws or have proposed legislation changes, so you need to seek out up-to-date information.

Step 2: Complete A Certification Program In Mold Inspection

Since most states don’t require licensure, the best way to credential yourself as a mold inspector is to complete a mold inspection program. It requires taking a course and passing a test to demonstrate that you have the necessary knowledge to do the job.

Insurance companies, real estate agents, and homeowners are all looking for certified mold specialists. Getting a mold inspection certification is a great way to assure prospective clients of your competence and provide them with peace of mind, even if your state does not require it for licensure.

Step 3: Decide Whether To Offer Mold Remediation

While mold inspectors test structures for mold and advise clients on its removal, mold remediation experts are the ones who typically do the actual removal. The process includes testing, sanitizing, containing, cleaning, and removing the mold.

Mold inspection and remediation are two distinct roles, but some mold inspectors also gain certification in mold remediation. This can be a convenient service bundle for clients, though some are wary of using the same company to inspect and remediate mold because there’s the potential for fraud.

As with mold inspection, becoming a mediation expert may involve separate licensure or certification. Some states license mold remediation professionals, while others do not. A separate certification is recommended if you go this route, for the same reasons you should seek mold inspector certification.

Step 4: Invest In PPE And Mold Inspection Tools

When inspecting for mold, it's critical that you wear protective gear because mold growth presents a serious risk to respiratory health. Inspectors and remediators should wear N-95 respirators, waterproof boots, gloves, and eye protection.

You’ll also need equipment to help you find and assess mold. Essential items include a moisture meter, surface and air sampling equipment, and perhaps a humidity gauge. As you grow in your job, you might want to add more advanced equipment like a thermal image camera, borescope, or particle scanner.

You should think of PPE and mold inspection equipment as investments; 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 procedures are all things to consider.

Step 6: Start Looking for Mold Inspection Clients

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 and building a solid referral base. Networking with construction, inspection, and real estate professionals can be a great way to get business!

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 through a reputable organization like the National Association of Mold Professionals (NAMP).

Our online mold inspector certification course allows you to get a leg up in a competitive market by becoming 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

Get started on your training today!