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 2 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.
In Part 1, we broke down the differences between home inspectors and environmental consultants. Now, let’s talk about the next step: how to actually make the transition.
If you want to become a professional environmental consultant, offering advanced testing and investigation services, you’ll need more than just a mold testing kit. This field is built on training, credibility, and experience, and that starts with the right education and certifications.
Do You Need to Be Certified?
Not always. In many states, there’s no legal requirement to be certified to offer mold or environmental testing. But if you want to build trust, work with higher-end clients like commercial property owners, or specialize in post-remediation verification, certification is highly recommended—and often expected.
Certifications show that you’ve received formal training, understand best practices, and are qualified to interpret results, beyond collecting samples.
Key Certifications to Know
Some of the most widely recognized environmental consulting certifications come from the ACAC (American Council for Accredited Certification). Here are the main ones to consider:
CMI – Certified Microbial Investigator
- Focuses on sampling and identifying microbial growth (mold, bacteria, etc.)
- Great for inspectors adding mold as a specialty
- No college degree required, but field experience is needed
CMC – Certified Microbial Consultant
- A more advanced version of the CMI
- Requires more professional experience and formal education
- Includes interpreting lab results, making recommendations, and consulting on remediation
CIE – Certified Indoor Environmentalist
- Broad indoor air quality certification
- Covers mold, VOCs, particulate matter, carbon dioxide, allergens, and more
- Excellent for those expanding beyond mold into full-spectrum IAQ testing
CIEC – Council-Certified Indoor Environmental Consultant
- Combines mold and IAQ expertise
- Ideal for consultants who want to offer full-service environmental assessments
💡 Tip: ACAC certifications are CESB-accredited, and many require documented work experience and passing an exam. Be sure to review the eligibility requirements before choosing one.x
Where Do You Get Training?
There are several reputable training providers for environmental professionals, including:
- ACAC.org – Offers study materials and links to accredited training providers
- IAQA (Indoor Air Quality Association) – Offers workshops and courses
- AIHA (American Industrial Hygiene Association) – Offers courses, reference books/guidelines, and more
- NORMI (National Organization of Remediators and Mold Inspectors) – Offers training on mold inspection and remediation
- EMLab P&K and other labs – Often host webinars and in-person training for clients
Some certifications require continuing education to maintain your credentials, which helps you stay up to date with evolving standards and technology.
Other Professional Considerations
As you move toward environmental consulting, keep in mind that this is more than just learning new tests—you’re also shifting into a new business model. That means:
- Professional liability insurance might be required (or at least wise)
- Your reports and documentation may need to meet legal and professional standards
You may need to navigate client contracts, legal disclaimers, and expert testimony depending on your scope
Where to Start
If you’re still early in your journey:
- Start with a CMI or CIE certification
- Take an online or in-person course to build confidence in testing protocols
- Begin offering more advanced services to your existing inspection clients
- Partner with labs or other consultants to gain field experience
Coming Next: What Environmental Consultants Actually Do (and What They Use to Do It)
In Part 3 of our series, we’ll dive into what tests environmental consultants run, what equipment they need, and how this type of work goes far beyond surface swabs and basic air samples.
