The American Council for Accredited Certification offers the Council-certified Microbial Consultant (CMC) to individuals whose training and field experience in applied building sciences and microbial issues warrant professional recognition. Additionally, ACAC offers the CMC examination to certain license applicants in states where it is required by law.

1. To raise the standards of those engaged in indoor air quality testing, sampling, monitoring and consulting.

2. To identify persons with acceptable knowledge of indoor air quality and the standards and regulations affecting Council-certified Microbial Consultants.

3. To award special recognition to those microbial remediators who have demonstrated verifiable field experience.

4. To qualify applicants for certain state licenses

Applicants must possess one of the following combinations of eight (8) years education and relevant field experience:

1. A 4-year post-secondary degree or its equivalent (30 credit hours) in microbiology, engineering, science, architecture, industrial hygiene or related field of science with a minimum of four (4) years of documented field experience in microbial sampling.

2. A 2-year post-secondary degree or its equivalent (15 credit hours) in microbiology, engineering, science, architecture, industrial hygiene or related field of science with at least six (6) years documented experience in microbial sampling.

3. No degree with at least eight (8) years of consulting experience in microbial sampling. (high school diploma or GED required.)

Applicants must demonstrate experience in designing and conducting microbial sampling regimens. Experience should come from the following three areas:

• Building Sciences

• Microbiology

• Microbial Risk Analysis

ACAC certification candidates document education by submitting transcripts with the application form. Candidates document field experience by submitting four project sheets (included in the application packet).

Applicants for state licenses where the CMC examination is required must meet the eligibility requirements published by each state.

(Click here to purchase reference texts)

The effective practice of microbial consulting requires detailed knowledge of a variety of subjects, from microbiology and microbial risk analysis to the various disciplines of the building sciences. For certification purposes, the candidate for the CMC designation must demonstrate familiarity with the basic reference materials relating to microbial sampling, such as those summarized in the following list.

1. ACGIH, Bioaerosols: Assessment and Control (Cincinnati: ACGIH, 1999)

2. AIHA, Field Guide for the Determination of Biological Contaminants, 2nd ed. (Fairfax, VA: AIHA, 2005)

3. ANSI/IICRC S500-2021: Standard for Professional Water Damage Restoration, 5th edition (Vancouver, WA: IICRC, 2021).

4. ANSI/IICRC S520-2015, Standard for Professional Mold Remediation, 3rd edition (Las Vegas: IICRC, 2015) and IICRC R520-2015, Reference Guide for Professional Mold Remediation, 3rd edition (Las Vegas: IICRC, 2015).

5. NIOSH Respirator Selection Logic (2004)

The Council-certified Microbial Consultant (CMC) examination addresses the following domains of knowledge:

Morphology and ecology of specific biological agents

• Bacteria

• Fungi

• Amebae

• Viruses

• Dust Mites

• Endotoxins and other Bacterial cell-wall components

• Fungal Toxins

• ß-(1-3)-D-Glucans

• Antigens

• mVOCs

Health effects and risks associated with bioaerosol exposure

Principles of microbial investigations

• Guidelines, regulations and standards touching microbial investigations

• Pathways and driving forces for microbial contaminants in the built environment

• The role of HVAC systems in perpetuating or controlling microbial issues

• Construction techniques, building materials and furnishings relevant to microbial investigation

• Techniques for visual investigation of the indoor environment

• Proper use and limitations of monitoring equipment in microbial investigations

Principles of microbial sampling, including the design and execution of microbial sampling regimens

• The ability to design appropriate sampling strategies

• An understanding of current sampling technologies and their proper use, including instrument calibration and limitations

• The ability to follow effective protocols during the execution of a sampling regimen

• The ability to analyze sampling data accurately

• The ability to evaluate and interpret sampling data responsibly

Principles of mitigation and remediation of microbial issues

• Project documentation

• Personal protective equipment

• Containment engineering and construction

• Remediation techniques

• Proper use and limitations of chemicals in microbial remediation

• Post remediation verification

(Click here to purchase reference texts)

Recommended Study Procedures:

To prepare for the CMC exam, first read the reference books listed above. Then review the following sections from each text in more detail:

WARNING: Limiting your study to only the following pages will put you in danger of failing the exam. The exam assumes a comprehensive knowledge of each reference text. Each of the following references provides ONE example of a place where exam topics may be discussed.

AIHA, Field Guide

sections 2.2.4; 3.3; 3.4; 3.4.1; 6.1.5.2; 6.2.1; 6.2.3; 7.1.1; 7.4.1; 7.5.1.1; 9.1.6 and page 59.

ACGIH, Bioaerosols: Assessment and Control

sections 1.2; 2.4.2.2; 2.6.2; 3.2.1; 3.2.2; 3.4.2; 3.7; 5.3; 6.6.1; 7.3.2; 9.2.1; 9.2.2; 9.3.1; 9.3.4; 10.1; 10.2; 10.4.1; 10.4.3; 10.4.3.1; 10.4.3.2; 11.4.2; 14.1.2; 15.2.3.2; 15.5; 16.1; 16.1.2; 18.1.1; 18.1.4.1; 18.1.4.2; 18.2.4; 18.3.2; 18.3.4; 19.1.1; 19.1.4; 19.4.1.1; 21.1; 23.1.1; 24.1.3; 24.2.4.1; 25.5.1; 26.1.1; 26.4 and Tables 4.1; 5.4; 5.8; 11.1; 18.1 and 19.3.

IICRC, S500-2021

Sections A, B, and 1 through 8

Pages 99 - 118 (Glossary)

IICRC, S520-2015

R520-2015

Pages 6, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 14, 20, 22, 23, 27, 51, 53, 54, 66, 71, 72, 72, 74, 74, 75, 93, 93, 94, 97, 110, 121, 157 and 171

S520-2015

Standards 3, 10.2.1, 12.1, 12.1.2, 12.1.3, 12.1.5, 12.2.4 and 13.0.

NIOSH, Respirator Selection Logic (2004)

Pages 1, 4, 5, 8, 13, 17, 19, 20 and 22.

1. ACAC certification should not be confused with state licensing. State license candidates should read the following section, The State Licensing Process.

2. ACAC certification candidates complete and forward the notarized application form, employer affidavits, project sheets and a copy of diploma or transcripts.

3. ACAC certification candidates pass the closed-book examination. If the examination is not successfully passed, a re-examination fee is required before retaking the examination.

4. ACAC certification candidates have up to 90 days from the date of application to complete the application process. Applications left incomplete after 90 days will be considered null and void.

5. ACAC certification candidates wait for the awarding of the certification. The Certification Board meets approximately every four (4) weeks to review the examination results and supporting materials before voting to award the certification.

1. State licensing should not be confused with ACAC certification. ACAC certification candidates should read the previous section, The ACAC Certification Process.

2. State license applicants complete and forward the notarized application form to the ACAC office.

3. ACAC does not require state license applicants to provide documentation of education or field experience in order to sit for the CMC examination. State licensing agencies may require such documentation as part of the license application process.

4. State license applicants pass the closed book examination. ACAC reports exam scores directly to the appropriate state licensing agencies.

5. State license applicants follow individual state guidelines for completion of the license application.

1. The applicant must complete a 3-hour, closed-book, written examination. The examination questions are based on the listed core skills and required body of knowledge.

2. The examination is closed-book! It is strongly recommended that candidates read the reference materials listed above before taking the examination.

3. There are 120 questions on the examination. Each question is multiple-choice with at least four (4) possible answers. Exam items are drawn from the required body of knowledge according to a blueprint prescribed by the certification board.

4. Passing Score: The passing score for the CMC examination is set by the CMC certification board using the Modified Angoff Method. A score of 75% must be achieved to pass this examination.

5. The examination is delivered electronically at an authorized testing center operated by Kryterion, Inc. There are no paper exams. Once a complete application packet is on file in the Council office, the candidate may register for the examination by calling the office at (888) 808-8381.

6. Candidates should arrive 30 minutes before the testing appointment.

7. Candidates must present two forms of government-issued identification at the testing center, one of which must be picture ID.

8. Candidates must follow proctor instructions with regard to conduct, behavior, and the use of personal belongings and test materials, including submitting eyeglasses for inspection and turning out exterior pockets.

9. Candidates failing to abide by these rules will not be permitted to sit for the exam, and a re-examination fee will be required.

10. All examinations contain the same questions; however, the examination questions are presented to each candidate in random order and the examination answers are presented to the candidate in random order.

11. Examinations are graded electronically at the testing facility, and scores are available to candidates immediately. An email is sent to the candidate’s email address confirming test results. In the case of state license applicants, exam scores are also reported directly to the appropriate state licensing agency.

Fees are posed on the ACAC website.

Certification fees are for a two-year certification, and include a non-refundable processing fee.

Examination fees are required prior to taking examinations.

Recertification fees are for a two-year period and require documentation of continuing education. Recertification fees include a non-refundable processing fee.

Re-examination fees apply to those retaking a failed exam.

Penalties for late recertification may be waived in case of documented active military duty or medical issues.

1. The American Council for Accredited Certification is the certifying body for this certification program.

2. All decisions regarding application materials, examinations and the awarding of certifications are made by the CMC Certification Board, which functions as part of the ACAC.

3. The certifying body’s responsibility to applicants is to provide a credible certification. Operation of the certification program is closely monitored to ensure that reference materials remain current with the industry guidelines and standards and the eligibility requirements for certification are at appropriate levels. Examination questions are developed by certified CMCs who are currently active in the field of microbial consulting. Pass/fail scores are set by the CMC Certification Board using the modified Angoff method. The Board authorizes a periodic statistical review of examination item performance and test reliability and updates the examination to reflect the latest changes in our rapidly evolving field.

4. Certification Board members are required to abstain from voting on any applicant’s completed file that may present a conflict of interest, either personally or professionally.

ACAC certifications are current for two years from the date of issue. The certificate holder must accumulate forty (40) Re-certification Credits (RCs) prior to the certificate’s expiration date. Each RC represents one (1) hour of continuing education or professional development. The certificate holder may accumulate the required hours at any time during the two-year certification period. An updated list of typical recertification activities is available on the Council website.

Council-certified Microbial Consultants who do not acquire sufficient CMC Re-certification Credits by their recertification date will be notified in writing to cease using the CMC designation. They will be listed as expired on the Council website and will no longer be listed as a CMC in any ACAC publication until such time as they resubmit to the certification process and successfully meet the current criteria for certification. Appropriate fees will apply.

1. The CMC Certification Board is responsible for all facets of the certification program, including the review and evaluation of applications, the development and administration of examinations, the granting and reissuing of certificates and the adjudication of complaints against certificants.

2. Suspensions: If a Council-certified Microbial Consultant does not accumulate the required re-certification credits, certification shall terminate unless, in the judgment of the Certification Board, extenuating circumstances exist and the deficiency can be readily overcome. Examples of extenuating circumstances include documentation of active military service or documentation of a serious medical condition.

3. Complaints: If a Council-certified Microbial Consultant fails to abide by the ACAC Code of Conduct or is formally accused of gross negligence in the performance of his or her professional duties, the Certification Board may vote to refuse re-certification.

4. Appeals: Any holder of a valid Council certification or applicant for such a certification may appeal the decisions of the Certification Board.

5. Complaints or appeals shall be made in writing via certified mail to the Certification Administrator.

6. In the case of complaints, the Certification Administrator shall forward the complaint to the accused certificant and allow him or her ample time to respond.

7. The Certification Administrator, at the direction of the Executive Committee, may forward complaints or appeals to the appropriate Certification Board.

8. The Certification Board shall rule on all complaints or appeals by unanimous vote.

9. Complaints or appeals may be continued in writing via certified mail to the National Advisory Board.

10. The National Advisory Board shall be the final court of appeal and will rule on complaints or appeals by unanimous vote.

11. In resolving complaints or appeals, ACAC may rule only on its own decisions to grant or deny certification and recertification.

1. Retired Council-certified Microbial Consultants may be granted emeritus status in their designation as long as they are retired from professional practice as a CMC. Such persons will be granted the title “Emeritus.”

2. Re-certification Fees for Emeritus (Retired) Status: $100 USD for each two-year certification.

3. Continuing education is not required,

4. To return to active status, emeritus certificants must notify the Council in writing and pay a fee for a two-year active certification. At the end of the two-year period, all normal re-certification policies will apply.

1. A CMC may use the designation name on organization letterheads, business cards and all forms of address. When using the CMC designation, we encourage the spelling out of the designation fully in smaller print immediately below the signature block, as in the following example:

   John Doe, CMC
   Council-certified Microbial Consultant
   Board-awarded by the American Council for Accredited Certification

2. Certification is for individuals only. The CMC designation may not be used to imply that an organization or firm is certified.

3. The CMC designation may NOT be used by individuals who pass the CMC examination in order to obtain a state license, unless those individuals also complete the ACAC certification process as described in this handbook.

The ACAC code of conduct applies to all certificants, staff and volunteers of the organization.

The American Council for Accredited Certification offers the Council-certified Microbial Investigator (CMI) to individuals whose training and field experience in applied building sciences and microbial issues warrant professional recognition.

1. To raise the standards of those engaged in indoor air quality testing, sampling, monitoring and consulting.

2. To identify persons with acceptable knowledge of indoor air quality and the standards and regulations affecting Council-certified Microbial Investigators.

3. To award special recognition to those microbial consultants who have demonstrated verifiable field experience.

Applicants must possess one of the following combinations of education and relevant field experience:

1. A 2-year post-secondary degree or its equivalent (15 credit hours) in microbiology, engineering, science, architecture, industrial hygiene or related field of science with at least one (1) year documented experience in microbial sampling.

2. No degree with at least two (2) years of consulting experience in microbial sampling. (high school diploma or GED required.)

(Click here to purchase reference texts)

The effective practice of microbial consulting requires detailed knowledge of a variety of subjects, from microbiology and microbial risk analysis to the various disciplines of the building sciences. For certification purposes, the candidate for the CMC designation must demonstrate familiarity with the basic reference materials relating to microbial sampling, such as those summarized in the following list.

1. ACGIH, Bioaerosols: Assessment and Control (Cincinnati: ACGIH, 1999)

2. AIHA, Field Guide for the Determination of Biological Contaminants, 2nd ed. (Fairfax, VA: AIHA, 2005)

3. ANSI/IICRC S500-2021: Standard for Professional Water Damage Restoration, 5th edition (Vancouver, WA: IICRC, 2021).

4. ANSI/IICRC S520-2015, Standard for Professional Mold Remediation, 3rd edition (Las Vegas: IICRC, 2015) and IICRC R520-2015, Reference Guide for Professional Mold Remediation, 3rd edition (Las Vegas: IICRC, 2015).

5. NIOSH Respirator Selection Logic (2004)

The Council-certified Microbial Consultant (CMC) examination addresses the following domains of knowledge:

Morphology and ecology of specific biological agents

• Bacteria

• Fungi

• Amebae

• Viruses

• Dust Mites

• Endotoxins and other Bacterial cell-wall components

• Fungal Toxins

• ß-(1-3)-D-Glucans

• Antigens

• mVOCs

Health effects and risks associated with bioaerosol exposure

Principles of microbial investigations

• Guidelines, regulations and standards touching microbial investigations

• Pathways and driving forces for microbial contaminants in the built environment

• The role of HVAC systems in perpetuating or controlling microbial issues

• Construction techniques, building materials and furnishings relevant to microbial investigation

• Techniques for visual investigation of the indoor environment

• Proper use and limitations of monitoring equipment in microbial investigations

Principles of microbial sampling, including the design and execution of microbial sampling regimens

• The ability to design appropriate sampling strategies

• An understanding of current sampling technologies and their proper use, including instrument calibration and limitations

• The ability to follow effective protocols during the execution of a sampling regimen

• The ability to analyze sampling data accurately

• The ability to evaluate and interpret sampling data responsibly

Principles of mitigation and remediation of microbial issues

• Project documentation

• Personal protective equipment

• Containment engineering and construction

• Remediation techniques

• Proper use and limitations of chemicals in microbial remediation

• Post remediation verification

(Click here to purchase reference texts)

To prepare for the CMI exam, first read the reference books listed above. Then review the following sections from each text in more detail:

WARNING: Limiting your study to only the following pages will put you in danger of failing the exam. The exam assumes a comprehensive knowledge of each reference text. Each of the following references provides ONE example of a place where exam topics may be discussed.

AIHA, Field Guide

sections 2.2.4; 3.3; 3.4; 3.4.1; 6.1.5.2; 6.2.1; 6.2.3; 7.1.1; 7.4.1; 7.5.1.1; 9.1.6 and page 59.

ACGIH, Bioaerosols: Assessment and Control

sections 1.2; 2.4.2.2; 2.6.2; 3.2.1; 3.2.2; 3.7; 6.6.1; 7.3.2; 9.2.2; 9.3.1; 9.3.4; 10.1; 10.2; 10.4.3; 10.4.3.1; 10.4.3.2; 11.4.2; 15.2.3.2; 15.5; 16.1; 16.1.2; 18.1.1; 18.1.3; 18.1.4.1; 18.1.4.2; 18.2.4; 18.3.2; 18.3.4; 19.1.1; 19.1.4; 19.4.1.1; 23.1.1; 24.1.3; 26.1.1; 26.4 and Tables 5.4; 5.8; 11.1; 18.1 and 19.3.

IICRC, S500-2021

Sections A, B, and 1 through 8

Pages 99 - 118 (Glossary)

IICRC, S520-2015

R520-2015

Pages 6, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 14, 20, 22, 23, 27, 51, 53, 54, 66, 71, 72, 72, 74, 74, 75, 93, 93, 94, 97, 110, 121, 157 and 171

S520-2015

Standards 3, 10.2.1, 12.1, 12.1.2, 12.1.3, 12.1.5, 12.2.4 and 13.0.

NIOSH, Respirator Selection Logic (2004)

Pages 1, 4, 5, 8, 13, 17, 19, 20 and 22.

1. ACAC certification should not be confused with state licensing. State license candidates should read the following section, The State Licensing Process.

2. ACAC certification candidates complete and forward the notarized application form, employer affidavits, project sheets and a copy of diploma or transcripts.

3. ACAC certification candidates pass the closed-book examination. If the examination is not successfully passed, a re-examination fee is required before retaking the examination.

4. ACAC certification candidates have up to 90 days from the date of application to complete the application process. Applications left incomplete after 90 days will be considered null and void.

5. ACAC certification candidates wait for the awarding of the certification. The Certification Board meets approximately every four (4) weeks to review the examination results and supporting materials before voting to award the certification.

1. State licensing should not be confused with ACAC certification. ACAC certification candidates should read the previous section, “The ACAC Certification Process.”

2. State license applicants complete and forward the notarized application form to the ACAC office.

3. ACAC does not require state license applicants to provide documentation of education or field experience in order to sit for the CMI examination. State licensing agencies may require such documentation as part of the license application process.

4. State license applicants pass the closed book examination. ACAC reports exam scores directly to the appropriate state licensing agencies.

5. State license applicants follow individual state guidelines for completion of the license application.

1. The applicant must complete a 3-hour, closed-book, written examination. The examination questions are based on the listed core skills and required body of knowledge.

2. The examination is closed-book! It is strongly recommended that candidates read the reference materials listed above before taking the examination.

3. There are 100 questions on the examination. Each question is multiple-choice with at least four (4) possible answers. Exam items are drawn from the required body of knowledge according to a blueprint prescribed by the certification board.

4. Passing Score: The passing score for the CMI examination is set by the CMI certification board using the Modified Angoff Method. A score of 75% must be achieved to pass this examination.

5. The examination is delivered electronically at an authorized testing center operated by Kryterion, Inc. There are no paper exams. Once a complete application packet is on file in the Council office, the candidate may register for the examination by calling the office at (888) 808-8381.

6. Candidates should arrive 30 minutes before the testing appointment.

7. Candidates must present two forms of government-issued identification at the testing center, one of which must be picture ID.

8. Candidates must follow proctor instructions with regard to conduct, behavior, and the use of personal belongings and test materials, including submitting eyeglasses for inspection and turning out exterior pockets.

9. Candidates failing to abide by these rules will not be permitted to sit for the exam, and a re-examination fee will be required.

10. All examinations contain the same questions; however, the examination questions are presented to each candidate in random order and the examination answers are presented to the candidate in random order.

11. Examinations are graded electronically at the testing facility, and scores are available to candidates immediately. An email is sent to the candidate’s email address confirming test results. In the case of state license applicants, exam scores are also reported directly to the appropriate state licensing agency.

Click here to see a complete list of certification-related fees.

Certification fees are for a two-year certification, and include a non-refundable processing fee.

Examination fees are required prior to taking examinations.

Recertification fees are for a two-year period and require documentation of continuing education. Recertification fees include a non-refundable processing fee.

Re-examination fees apply to those retaking a failed exam.

Penalties for late recertification may be waived in case of documented active military duty or medical issues.

1. The American Council for Accredited Certification is the certifying body for this certification program.

2. All decisions regarding application materials, examinations and the awarding of certifications are made by the CMI Certification Board, which functions as part of the ACAC.

3. The certifying body’s responsibility to applicants is to provide a credible certification. Operation of the certification program is closely monitored to ensure that reference materials remain current with the industry guidelines and standards and the eligibility requirements for certification are at appropriate levels. Examination questions are developed by certified personnel who are currently active in the field of microbial consulting. Pass/fail scores are set by the CMI Certification Board using the modified Angoff method. The Board authorizes a periodic statistical review of examination item performance and test reliability and updates the examination to reflect the latest changes in the field.

4. Certification Board members are required to abstain from voting on any applicant’s completed file that may present a conflict of interest, either personally or professionally.

ACAC certifications are current for two years from the date of issue. The certificate holder must accumulate forty (40) Re-certification Credits (RCs) prior to the certificate’s expiration date. Each RC represents one (1) hour of continuing education or professional development. The certificate holder may accumulate the required hours at any time during the two-year certification period. An updated list of typical recertification activities is available here.

Council-certified Microbial Investigators who do not acquire sufficient CMI Re-certification Credits by their recertification date will be notified in writing to cease using the CMI designation. They will be listed as expired on the Council website and will no longer be listed as a CMI in any ACAC publication until such time as they resubmit to the certification process and successfully meet the current criteria for certification. Appropriate fees will apply.

1. The CMI Certification Board is responsible for all facets of the certification program, including the review and evaluation of applications, the development and administration of examinations, the granting and reissuing of certificates and the adjudication of complaints against certificants.

2. Suspensions: If a Council-certified Microbial Investigator does not accumulate the required re-certification credits, certification shall terminate unless, in the judgment of the Certification Board, extenuating circumstances exist and the deficiency can be readily overcome. Examples of extenuating circumstances include documentation of active military service or documentation of a serious medical condition.

3. Complaints: If a Council-certified Microbial Investigator fails to abide by the ACAC Code of Conduct or is formally accused of gross negligence in the performance of his or her professional duties, the Certification Board may vote to refuse re-certification.

4. Appeals: Any holder of a valid Council certification or applicant for such a certification may appeal the decisions of the Certification Board.

5. Complaints or appeals shall be made in writing via certified mail to the Certification Administrator.

6. In the case of complaints, the Certification Administrator shall forward the complaint to the accused certificant and allow him or her ample time to respond.

7. The Certification Administrator, at the direction of the Executive Committee, may forward complaints or appeals to the appropriate Certification Board.

8. The Certification Board shall rule on all complaints or appeals by unanimous vote.

9. Complaints or appeals may be continued in writing via certified mail to the National Advisory Board.

10. The National Advisory Board shall be the final court of appeal and will rule on complaints or appeals by unanimous vote.

11. In resolving complaints or appeals, ACAC may rule only on its own decisions to grant or deny certification and recertification.

1. Retired Council-certified Microbial Investigators may be granted emeritus status in their designation as long as they are retired from professional practice as a CMI. Such persons will be granted the title “Emeritus.”

2. Re-certification Fees for Emeritus (Retired) Status: $100 USD for each two-year certification.

3. Continuing education is not required.

4. To return to active status, emeritus certificants must notify the Council in writing and pay a fee for a two-year active certification. At the end of the two-year period, all normal re-certification policies will apply.

1. A CMI may use the designation name on organization letterheads, business cards and all forms of address. When using the CMI designation, we encourage the spelling out of the designation fully in smaller print immediately below the signature block, as in the following example:

   John Doe, CMI
   Council-certified Microbial Investigator
   Board-awarded by the American Council for Accredited Certification

2. Certification is for individuals only. The CMI designation may not be used to imply that an organization or firm is certified.

3. The CMI designation may NOT be used by individuals who pass the CMI examination in order to obtain a state license, unless those individuals also complete the ACAC certification process as described in this handbook.

The ACAC code of conduct applies to all certificants, staff and volunteers of the organization.

The American Council for Accredited Certification offers the Council-certified Structural Mold Investigator (CSMI) to individuals whose knowledge of structural mold investigation warrants professional recognition.

1. To raise the standards of those engaged in structural mold investigation.

2. To identify persons with acceptable knowledge of indoor air quality and the standards and regulations affecting Council-certified Structural Mold Investigators.

3. To qualify applicants for certain state licenses.

Individuals are eligible for the CSMI certification who can attest to their employment in the field of structural mold investigation.

Applicants for licenses where the CSMI is required must meet the eligibility requirements published by each state

(Click here to purchase reference texts)

A CSMI must demonstrate basic knowledge of the sources and potential health effects of structural mold and the measures typically taken to locate and identify microbial contamination. For certification purposes, candidates for the CSMI designation must demonstrate familiarity with the following publications:

1. ACGIH, Bioaerosols: Assessment and Control (Cincinnati: ACGIH, 1999)

2. AIHA, Field Guide for the Determination of Biological Contaminants, 2nd ed. (Fairfax, VA: AIHA, 2005)

3. ANSI/IICRC S500-2021: Standard for Professional Water Damage Restoration, 5th edition (Vancouver, WA: IICRC, 2021).

4. ANSI/IICRC S520-2015, Standard for Professional Mold Remediation, 3rd edition (Las Vegas: IICRC, 2015) and IICRC R520-2015, Reference Guide for Professional Mold Remediation, 3rd edition (Las Vegas: IICRC, 2015).

(Click here to purchase reference texts)

To prepare for the CSMI exam, first read the reference texts listed above in their entirety. Then review in more detail the sections from each text listed on the following page.

WARNING: Limiting your study to only the following pages will put you in danger of failing the exam. The exam assumes a comprehensive knowledge of each reference text.

AIHA, Field Guide

Sections 3.3, 7.1.1, 7.4.1, 9.1.6 and page 59.

ACGIH, Bioaerosols: Assessment and Control

Sections 1.2; 2.4.2.2; 2.6.2; 3.2.2; 7.3.2; 9.2.2; 10.1; 10.2; 10.4.3; 15.2.3.2; 15.5; 16.1; 18.1.4.2; 18.2.4; 18.3.2; 18.3.4; 26.4 ; Tables 5.4; 11.1 and 18.1.

IICRC, S500-2021

Sections A, B, and 1 through 8

Pages 99 - 118 (Glossary)

IICRC, S520-2015

R520-2015

Pages 9, 128, and 180

S520-2015

Standards 3, 5.2, 5.5, 5.8.1, 5.8.2, 8.12, 8.3, 10.4, 12.1.1.3, 12.2.4, 8.1.1, and 8.3.1

1. ACAC certification candidates complete and forward the notarized application form. Incomplete applications will not be forwarded to the certification board for review.

2. ACAC certification candidates pass the closed-book examination. If the examination is not successfully passed, a re-examination fee is required before retaking the examination.

3. ACAC certification candidates have up to 90 days from the date of application to complete the application process. Applications left incomplete after 90 days will be considered null and void.

4. ACAC certification candidates wait for the awarding of the certification. The Certification Board meets approximately every four (4) weeks to review the examination results and supporting materials before voting to award the certification.

1. The applicant must complete a 2-hour, closed-book, written examination. The examination questions are based on the listed core skills and required body of knowledge.

2. The examination is closed-book! It is strongly recommended that candidates read the reference materials listed above before taking the examination.

3. There are 50 questions on the examination. Each question is multiple-choice with at least four (4) possible answers. A score of 70% must be achieved to pass this examination.

4. The examination is delivered electronically at an authorized testing center operated by Kryterion, Inc. There are no paper exams. Once a complete application packet is on file in the Council office, the candidate may register for the examination by calling the office at (888) 808-8381.

5. Candidates should arrive 30 minutes before the testing appointment.

6. Candidates must present two forms of government-issued identification at the testing center, one of which must be picture ID.

7. Candidates must follow proctor instructions with regard to conduct, behavior, and the use of personal belongings and test materials, including submitting eyeglasses for inspection and turning out exterior pockets.

8. Candidates failing to abide by these rules will not be permitted to sit for the exam, and a re-examination fee will be required.

9. All examinations contain the same questions; however, the examination questions are presented to each candidate in random order and the examination answers are presented to the candidate in random order.

10. Examinations are graded electronically at the testing facility, and scores are available to candidates immediately. An email is sent to the candidate’s email address confirming test results.

Fees are posed on the ACAC website.

Certification fees are for a two-year certification, and include a non-refundable processing fee.

Examination fees are required prior to taking examinations.

Recertification fees are for a two-year period and require documentation of continuing education. Recertification fees include a non-refundable processing fee.

Re-examination fees apply to those retaking a failed exam.

Penalties for late recertification may be waived in case of documented active military duty or medical issues.

1. The American Council for Accredited Certification is the certifying body for this certification program.

2. All decisions regarding application materials, examinations and the awarding of certifications are made by the CSMI Certification Board, which functions as part of the ACAC.

3. The certifying body’s responsibility to applicants is to provide a credible certification. Operation of the certification program is closely monitored to ensure that reference materials remain current with the industry guidelines and standards and the eligibility requirements for certification are at appropriate levels. Examination questions are developed by certified personnel who are currently active in the field of microbial consulting. Pass/fail scores are set by the CSMI Certification Board using the modified Angoff method. The Board authorizes periodic statistical review of examination item performance and test reliability and updates the examination to reflect the latest changes the field.

4. Certification Board members are required to abstain from voting on any applicant’s completed file that may present a conflict of interest, either personally or professionally.

ACAC certifications are current for two years from the date of issue. The certificate holder must accumulate forty (40) Re-certification Credits (RCs) prior to the certificate’s expiration date. Each RC represents one (1) hour of continuing education or professional development. The certificate holder may accumulate the required hours at any time during the two-year certification period. An updated list of typical recertification activities is available here.

Council-certified Structural Mold Investigators who do not acquire sufficient CSMI Re-certification Credits by their recertification date will be notified in writing to cease using the CSMI designation. They will be listed as expired on the Council website and will no longer be listed as a CSMI in any ACAC publication until such time as they resubmit to the certification process and successfully meet the current criteria for certification. Appropriate fees will apply.

1. The CSMI Certification Board is responsible for all facets of the certification program, including the review and evaluation of applications, the development and administration of examinations, the granting and reissuing of certificates and the adjudication of complaints against certificants.

2. Suspensions: If a Council-certified Structural Mold Investigator does not accumulate the required re-certification credits, certification shall terminate unless, in the judgment of the Certification Board, extenuating circumstances exist and the deficiency can be readily overcome. Examples of extenuating circumstances include documentation of active military service or documentation of a serious medical condition.

3. Complaints: If a Council-certified Structural Mold Investigator fails to abide by the ACAC Code of Conduct or is formally accused of gross negligence in the performance of his or her professional duties, the Certification Board may vote to refuse re-certification.

4. Appeals: Any holder of a valid Council certification or applicant for such a certification may appeal the decisions of the Certification Board.

5. Complaints or appeals shall be made in writing via certified mail to the Certification Administrator.

6. In the case of complaints, the Certification Administrator shall forward the complaint to the accused certificant and allow him or her ample time to respond.

7. The Certification Administrator, at the direction of the Executive Committee, may forward complaints or appeals to the appropriate Certification Board.

8. The Certification Board shall rule on all complaints or appeals by unanimous vote.

9. Complaints or appeals may be continued in writing via certified mail to the National Advisory Board.

10. The National Advisory Board shall be the final court of appeal and will rule on complaints or appeals by unanimous vote.

11. In resolving complaints or appeals, ACAC may rule only on its own decisions to grant or deny certification and recertification.

1. A CSMI may use the designation name on organization letterheads, business cards and all forms of address. When using the CSMI designation, we encourage the spelling out of the designation fully in smaller print immediately below the signature block, as in the following example:

   John Doe, CSMI
   Council-certified Structural Mold Investigator
   Board-awarded by the American Council for Accredited Certification

2. Certification is for individuals only. The CSMI designation may not be used to imply that an organization or firm is certified.

The ACAC code of conduct applies to all certificants, staff and volunteers of the organization.