InterNACHI Mold Inspector study guide
InterNACHI Mold Inspector · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The InterNACHI® Mold Inspector Certification is a specialty credential offered within the InterNACHI® (International Association of Certified Home Inspectors) training and certification ecosystem. InterNACHI® describes itself as the world's leading association for home inspectors, providing free training, online testing and certification, business development, marketing support and member discounts. The InterNACHI Mold Inspector study guide has 6 sections and about 2,223 words.
01Mold Biology and Growth Requirements
This domain tests how fungi colonize building materials - the growth equation, ecological succession, and what spore ecology implies for sampling. Mold needs four things simultaneously: moisture, a food source, suitable temperature and oxygen.
363 words, about 2 min02Moisture Sources, Water Intrusion and Building Envelope
This domain tests whether you can find, classify and document the water feeding mold, and distinguish an active source from a historic stain. Water enters as bulk liquid (rain, plumbing, groundwater), capillary movement (rising damp, slab-edge wicking), vapor diffusion, or air-transported moisture.
395 words, about 2 min03Health Effects and Occupant Concerns
This domain tests how you discuss mold and health without diagnosing, and how you document occupant complaints objectively. Fungal exposure acts through three routes.
364 words, about 2 min04Inspection and Sampling Methodology
This domain tests the inspection sequence, sampling decision logic, and field technique that a defensible report depends on. Sampling never substitutes for a visual and moisture assessment.
405 words, about 2 min05Laboratory Analysis and Interpretation of Results
This domain tests whether you can read a laboratory report correctly and defend the conclusion in writing. Spore trap (non-viable): direct microscopy reporting spores per cubic meter by genus or group (Penicillium/Aspergillus, Cladosporium, ascospores, basidiospores).
330 words, about 2 min06Remediation Verification and Reporting Standards
This domain tests how you verify that remediation achieved its goal and how you document it so the report withstands scrutiny. IICRC S520 defines the goal as returning the building to Condition 1 (normal fungal ecology) or Condition 2 (settled spores in an otherwise normal building); Condition 3 is actual growth.
366 words, about 2 min