NORMI CMA study plan

Define the difference between mold, mildew, and other microbial growth, and explain why the distinction matters in an assessment report.

List the four conditions microbial growth requires (moisture, organic food source, suitable temperature, spores) and describe how each is documented during an inspection.

Identify common indicator organisms and the categories of fungi encountered indoors, without relying on species-level identification from air samples alone.

Explain the limitations of spore trap and culturable sampling so you can justify sampling decisions in writing.

Describe the moisture-mapping walkthrough: roof, plumbing, HVAC, grade, and building envelope, and note what evidence each area yields.

Differentiate concealed versus visible growth and state how each is documented when direct access is limited.

Compare moisture meters, thermal imaging, and humidity readings, and specify what each instrument can and cannot prove.

Draft the assessment report sections: scope, methodology, observations, sampling data, and limitations.

Explain the purpose of containment and identify when full containment versus limited containment is appropriate.

Describe the role of negative pressure and how differential pressure is verified and monitored during a project.

Outline personal protective equipment selection for remediation workers by task and contamination level.

Sequence the standard remediation workflow from emergency response through post-remediation verification.

Explain the difference between cleaning, disinfection, and remediation, and why 'spray and pray' fogging is generally inadequate.

Describe HEPA vacuuming, demolition, and removal of porous materials, and state which materials can be cleaned versus must be removed.

Define post-remediation verification criteria and explain why clearance depends on both visual inspection and, where used, sampling.

Identify common causes of remediation failure, including re-wetting, incomplete drying, and premature clearance.

Explain the relationship between moisture, relative humidity, and indoor microbial amplification, and state typical target RH ranges.

Describe how building ventilation, filtration, and pressure differentials influence indoor pollutant and allergen concentrations.

Differentiate mold spores from other indoor allergens such as dust mites, pet dander, and cockroach residue, and explain why remediation alone may not resolve symptoms.

Interpret the meaning of 'normal' versus 'elevated' airborne spore levels and articulate the uncertainty in such comparisons.

Summarize the health effects associated with damp indoor environments and the populations at higher risk, without diagnosing individuals.

Describe the scope of a general indoor air quality walkthrough and how it differs from a mold-specific assessment.

Explain how sampling results should and should not be communicated to occupants, including the use of comparison or baseline samples.

Identify when to refer a client to a physician, industrial hygienist, or structural engineer.

Describe appropriate cleaning and sanitization methods for surfaces, HVAC components, and contents, and distinguish sanitizing from disinfecting.

Outline a monitoring program including moisture checks, humidity logging, and scheduled visual inspections after remediation.

Explain conflict-of-interest concerns when the same firm assesses and remediates, and how to structure roles to avoid them.

Draft a scope-of-work document that clearly separates assessment findings from remediation recommendations.

Synthesize all four domains into a single end-to-end case review from first call to closure.

Identify and correct your weakest domain using a self-scored practice set of at least 60 questions.

Rehearse written explanations of technical findings in plain language for a non-technical client.

Confirm your understanding of professional ethics and reporting obligations before exam day.