EPA and Mold Certification

The EPA Mold Course

• In March of 2001, the EPA issued a guidance document entitled "Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings." The information contained in this document forms the basis of the EPA Mold Course. This instructional series, according to their disclaimer, does not certify anyone who takes the course. Those who complete the course are eligible for continuing education units (CEUs) by certain organizations not affiliated or accredited by the EPA.

Mold Course Contents

• The instructional material contained in the EPA Mold Course covers a wide range of mold-related topics. The course is comprised of nine chapters dealing with all aspects of mold growth, including identifying mold and its effects, understanding growth causes, inspection tips, remediation techniques, special circumstances causing growth, containment procedures, post-remediation evaluation, communication with occupants of infested buildings and prevention.

Certification Organizations

• The EPA provides the names of two organizations that certify mold remediation professionals based on the EPA Mold Course. These organizations are the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) and the American Indoor Air Quality Association, now known as the American Council for Accredited Certification (ACAC). As of 2010, the NEHA approved 4.5 continuing education hours for completing the Mold Course, and the (former) American Indoor Air Quality Association approved 4 re-certification credits for completion of the course.

NEHA Certification

• NEHA was founded in 1937 by a group of health professionals who wanted to establish standards for excellence in the practice of health care. Since that time, this organization has included credentialing and certification courses for other fields related to health in any environment in the public and private sector. NEHA offers mold certification courses based on the EPA standards that provide accreditation for mold remediation professionals, including continuing education classes and the opportunity to gain other related credentials, such as a Healthy Homes Specialist and a Certified Environmental Health Technician.

ACAC Certification

• This organization provides mold certification through their Microbial course series (microbial being inclusive of mold-related curricula). One example of the study and implementation of gained knowledge from these courses is their Council-certified Microbial Remediator (CMR). Requirements for being accepted as an applicant for the certification exam include 15 credit hours in microbiology, engineering, architecture or industrial hygiene combined with at least 1 year of experience in microbial remediation. This combination of a scientific background and structural design knowledge reflects the standards that many certification programs adhere to, derived from those same EPA guidelines that inform so many of these programs.