What is a CIAQM?
A Council-certified Indoor Air Quality Manager (CIAQM) establishes and maintains good air quality in the built environment. A CIAQM can monitor a wide range of building parameters and make sure they are optimized for healthy, comfortable indoor air. A CIAQM keeps detailed records of building performance and organizes personnel for the purpose of maintaining good environmental quality. A CIAQM handles occupant complaints related to indoor air quality in a proactive and professional manner. A CIAQM can also help prepare a building for LEED certification and maintain LEED status for certified buildings.
A CIAQM can handle many indoor air quality problems with existing building staff, based on his or her knowledge and experience. A CIAQM also knows when to bring in specialized help to solve or prevent indoor air quality problems.
A CIAQM has verified knowledge in a range of disciplines related to indoor air quality. The CIAQM examination covers the most respected texts in the field. Those who pass the exam must understand the scientific principles governing building air quality. They must be familiar with current practices and standards affecting IAQ managers. They must understand the administrative strategies necessary for effective building air quality management.
Each CIAQM has demonstrated at least two (2) years experience in property management, facilities management or corporate policy-making related to indoor air quality. A CIAQM is often employed as one of the following:
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Building engineer
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Project manager
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Physical plant administrator
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Maintenance supervisor
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Hospital administrator
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School administrator
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HVAC consultant
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Human resource manager
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Property manager
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Facilities manager
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Risk manager
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Asset manager
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LEED AP
To earn the Council-certified Indoor Air Quality Manager designation, a candidate must:
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Demonstrate at least two (2) years of verifiable field experience in property, asset or risk management
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Pass a rigorous examination based on broad industry knowledge rather than a course curriculum
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Earn the unanimous approval of the CIAQM certification board
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Re-certify every two years
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Participate in 20 hours of professional development activities each year
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Maintain the highest ethical standards
The CIAQM certification is pending accreditation by the Council for Engineering and Scientific Specialty Boards (CESB), a nationally recognized independent accreditation body. ACAC certifications are the ONLY designations in the indoor air quality field to earn CESB accreditation.
