Certified Microbial Investigator

CMI Certification Prep

About the Program

Are you looking to get certified to do mold inspections? The most reputable mold certifications in the marketplace come from the American Council of Accredited Certification (ACAC).

The Certified Microbial Investigator (CMI) certification will demonstrate to your clients that you:

  • Understand when, where and why mold and bacteria will grow

  • Recognize the effects that mold and bacteria may have on health

  • Assess indoor environments in a comprehensive manner, rather than just collect samples

  • Comprehend how to diagnose microbial problems and write plans for them to be resolved

  • Apply an industry standards of care to your work

This is a self-paced program. Self-paced programs create a unique learning experience that allows students to learn independently and at a pace that best suits them.

Certification

This course covers all of the content found on the Certified Microbial Investigator (CMI) certification exam.

The certification exam is not a requirement for graduation. Vendor certifications are at the student’s expense. Vouchers may be available depending on the student’s funding and financial aid.

CMI applicants must possess one of the following combinations of two (2) years education and relevant field experience:

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

  • 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.

Tuition: $2,347

Duration: 28 Hours

Students will have access to the program for 2 months.

Mentor supported and all necessary materials included.

Prerequisites: HS diploma/GED, basic computer skills and familiarity with the internet

To learn more about ETI’s tuition and financial aid options, click here.

Course Outline

MODULE 1: COURSE OVERVIEW

  • Introductions

  • Course Schedule

  • Exam Information

  • Reference Documents

  • Summary of all Course Modules

MODULE 2: BIOLOGICAL AGENTS

  • Taxonomy

  • Major Categories

  • Fungi

  • Mold

  • Reproduction

  • Growth Requirements

  • Growth Cycle

  • Mycotoxins

  • Microbial Volatile Organic Compounds (mVOCs)

  • Fungal Glucans

  • Bacteria

  • Requirements for Growth

  • Water Activity

  • Endospores

  • Gram Staining

  • Endotoxins

  • Sources of Bacteria

  • Viruses

  • Infection and Replication

  • Indoor Conditions and Viruses

  • Diseases Caused by Viruses

MODULE 3: HEALTH EFFECTS

  • Human Organ Systems

  • Categories

  • At Risk Populations

  • Dose Response

  • Routes of Exposure

  • Aerosols, Bioaerosols and Droplet Nuclei

  • Building Related Symptoms

  • Studies

  • Risk Factors

  • Physical and Psychological Stressors

  • Building Related Illness

  • Airborne Infectious Diseases

  • Disease Transmission

  • Legionnaires Disease

  • Pontiac Fever

  • Mycoses

  • Anthrax

  • Tuberculosis

  • Influenza

  • Immunization

  • Common Cold

  • Strep Throat

  • Nosocomial Infections

  • Pneumonia

  • Hypersensitivity Diseases

  • Stages of an Allergic Reaction

  • Identifying an Allergic Reaction

  • Prevalence of Allergies

  • Allergic Rhinitis

  • Asthma

  • Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis

  • Toxic Reactions

  • Mycotoxins

  • mVOCs

  • Fungal Glucans

  • Endotoxins

MODULE 4: THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT

  • Psychrometrics

  • Humidity

  • Dew Point

  • Psychrometric Chart Example Problems

  • Sources of Building Moisture

  • Liquid Water Intrusion

  • Vapor Diffusion

  • Designs in Different Climate Zones

  • Air Infiltration

  • Blower Door Tests

  • HVAC

  • Equipment sizing

  • Occupant Generated Humidity

  • Pipe Leaks and Spills

  • Preventing Mold During Construction

MODULE 5: MICROBIAL INVESTIGATIONS

  • Assessments and Logical Reasoning

  • Scientific Method

  • Assessment Plan

  • Step 1: Gather Information

  • Step 2: Walk Through Inspection

  • Step 3: Indicator Measurements

  • Step 4: Diagnostic Measurements

  • Step 5: Report Your Findings

MODULE 6: MICROBIAL SAMPLING

  • Why Perform Sampling

  • Mold Sampling

  • Air Sampling

  • Viable vs Non ViableSpores

  • Sampling Methods

  • Devices

  • Equipment

  • Agar Media

  • Sampling Procedures

  • Sampling Times

  • Laboratory Analysis

  • Detection Limits

  • Spore Traps

  • Pump Calibration

  • Variability

  • Sample Locations

  • Interpreting Results

  • Report Examples

  • Surface Sampling

  • Tape Lift

  • Swab

  • Bulk Sampling

  • Dust Sampling

  • PCR Analysis

  • mVOCs

  • Mycotoxins

  • Bacteria Sampling

  • Airborne Sampling

  • Devices

  • Methods

  • Limitations

  • Interpretation

  • Water Sampling

  • Swab Sampling

  • Endotoxins

  • Laboratories

  • Chain of Custody

MODULE 7: MICROBIAL REMEDIATION

  • Definition of Remediation

  • Review of Standards

  • Safety and Health

  • Personal Protective Equipment

  • Contaminant Control

  • Containment

  • Negative Pressure

  • Contaminant Removal

  • Clean vs Replace

  • HVAC Systems

  • Biocides

  • Disposal

  • Verifying Remediation

  • Writing Specifications

  • Choosing a Contractor

  • IICRC S520

  • IICRC S500

  • NYC Guidelines

  • EPA Guidelines