If you’re a home inspector who already offers mold testing or you’re thinking about getting more serious with it, you might be wondering: What would it look like to do this full-time?
You’re not alone. Many inspectors eventually reach a crossroads where they consider taking mold testing to the next level. That’s where the world of environmental consulting comes in.
This blog is Part 3 of a 3-part series for inspectors who are already exploring that next step. We’re not here to convince anyone to switch careers, just to offer a clear look at what environmental consultants do, how their work compares to home inspections, and whether it’s a good fit for you.
So far in this series, we’ve looked at the difference between home inspectors and environmental consultants, and the certifications you’ll need if you want to take mold testing to the next level. Now it’s time to dig into what environmental consultants actually do—and what kind of gear and testing methods they use to get it done.
If you’re picturing a pump and a few air cassettes… you’re only scratching the surface.
What Do Environmental Consultants Test For?
While mold is often the entry point, certified environmental consultants typically offer a much broader range of services. Their goal is to evaluate and improve the environmental quality of indoor spaces, which often means testing for:
Certifications show that you’ve received formal training, understand best practices, and are qualified to interpret results, beyond collecting samples.
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)
- VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds)
- Formaldehyde
- Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide
- Particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10)
- Allergens (dust mites, pet dander, pollen)
- Airborne mold spores
Mold & Microbial Contamination
- Air and surface testing for mold spores
- Source identification (moisture mapping, leak detection)
- Post-remediation verification (PRV)
- Mycotoxin or ERMI testing (for highly sensitive clients)
Other Environmental Hazards
- Asbestos (in building materials)
- Lead (in paint or dust)
- Radon (in air or water)
- Water quality testing (bacteria, heavy metals, nitrates)
Environmental consultants often work in homes, schools, hospitals, government buildings, commercial real estate, and post-disaster sites. Their clients may include homeowners, property managers, realtors, attorneys, and insurance companies.
What Equipment Do They Use?
Environmental consultants typically rely on specialized tools to collect accurate, reliable data. Some of the most common tools include:
Air Sampling Pumps & Cassettes: Used for mold, allergens, or particulate sampling. Paired with lab analysis or AI-powered platforms like Sporecyte for fast turnaround.
Moisture Meters & Infrared Cameras: Used to identify hidden moisture that may lead to mold growth. Infrared helps spot insulation gaps, water intrusion, or HVAC problems.
VOC and Gas Monitors: Portable sensors or lab-sent sorbent tubes can detect chemical exposure from cleaners, paints, building materials, or combustion appliances.
Swabs, Tape Lifts & Bulk Sampling Kits: Used for surface mold, lead dust, or asbestos. These samples are often sent to accredited labs for analysis.
Reporting & Documentation Tools: Professional reports typically require annotated photos, lab results, sample maps, and remediation recommendations. Many ECs use custom templates or software to standardize their process.
Other tools might include particle counters, temperature and humidity loggers, negative air machines for containment validation, and more—depending on your specialty.
What Makes This Work Different?
Unlike basic mold sampling, environmental consulting is about going deeper:
- Investigating the cause of environmental issues—not just identifying them
- Communicating risk in a clear, professional way clients can understand
- Recommending next steps, remediation, or further testing
- Maintaining neutrality, especially during litigation or insurance claims
Clients aren’t just paying for a test. They’re paying for your expertise, your ability to interpret results, and your guidance on how to solve complex indoor environmental issues.
Final Thoughts: Is Environmental Consulting for You?
Becoming an environmental consultant means more responsibility, more knowledge, and often a higher level of client trust. It’s not a leap everyone wants—or needs—to take. But if you’re passionate about environmental health, enjoy investigative work, and are already building a strong mold testing business, it might be your next chapter.
Whether you stay focused on mold or branch into full-spectrum indoor air quality testing, we hope this series gave you a clearer roadmap for turning your curiosity into a career.
