A Council-certified Residential Mold Inspector (CRMI) A Council-certified Residential Mold Inspector (CRMI) locates and identifies mold as part of a home inspection. A CRMI conducts a mold inspection using industry standard sampling techniques and verifies the presence or absence of mold contamination. A CRMI provides an efficient screening to clear a property of microbial issues. A CRMI's report is therefore an important part of a real estate transaction. A CRMI does not perform mold remediation. When mold contamination is present, a CRMI can recommend a certified professional to develop and execute a mold remediation protocol.
A CRMI has verified knowledge of standards and sampling techniques used in real estate transactions. The CRMI examination covers standards published by the Indoor Environmental Standards Organization (IESO), an ANSI-accredited standards body. All candidates for the CRMI must demonstrate intensive knowledge of IESO standards governing mold inspection and home inspection.
The Indoor Air Quality Council launched the credential in 1999. In 2006, the Council discontinued membership services and focused exclusively on credential program. In 2008, the Council broadened its focus to other industries and changed its name to the American Council for Accredited Certification (ACAC).
For healthy homes-related credentials, ACAC offers credentials in two broad categories: indoor environment and microbes. Microbes primarily consist of mold and bacteria. In the microbes category, ACAC offers six credentials:
- Three credentials for individuals who investigate microbe and mold issues and takes samples: a Consultant, an Investigator, and Residential Mold Inspector. A Consultant has eight years of experience while an Investigator only has two years of experience. A Residential Mold Inspector locates and identifies mold as part of a home inspection usually during a real estate transaction.
- Two credentials for individuals who conduct mold remediation and mold removal projects in the indoor environment: a Supervisor and a Remediator. A Supervisor has five years of experience while a Remediator has only two years of experience.
- Claims Adjustor credential for the individuals who establishes and maintains good air quality in the built environment. The CIAQM requires two years of property management experience.
- Three cautions:
- Individuals and not firms are credentialed. Therefore, make sure the individual who is credentialed directly supervises the radon mitigation work.
- Several states require additional certification or licensing for individuals conducting mold remediation. Check with your state.
If you have a complicated problem, make sure you have the more experienced Council-certified Microbe Consultant conducting the investigation.
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