Mold testing is one of the easier services to add to your inspection toolkit. You don’t need multiple certifications or years of specialized training to get started.
In many cases, one or two solid courses are enough to begin sampling with confidence. From there, additional training simply helps you refine your approach over time.
The challenge isn’t so much having a lack of options, as there are several. It’s knowing which training actually makes sense for you.
Below is a breakdown of real online courses and certifications, along with guidance to help you choose where to start.
How to choose the right training
Before jumping into a long list of certifications, it helps to keep this simple:
If you’re new to mold testing:
- Start with one mold inspection course
- Add one IAQ or sampling-focused course if you want extra confidence
If you’re already doing mold testing:
- Look for training that fills specific gaps:
- Interpreting results
- Sampling strategy
- Explaining findings to clients
If you want to go deeper:
- Add adjacent training like:
- Moisture and building science
- Indoor air quality
- HVAC and airflow
You don’t need to have all of the training on this list, just the next right course for where you are today.
Mold-specific inspection & certification courses
These are the most direct ways to get started or refresh your foundation.
InterNACHI® Mold & IAQ Training
If you’re a member of InterNACHI, then you already have access to several online courses:
- Advanced Mold Inspection Training
Covers inspection techniques, sampling strategies, and reporting
👉 https://www.nachi.org/videomoldcourse.htm - Indoor Air Quality for Inspectors
Provides broader IAQ context that supports mold testing
👉 https://www.nachi.org/indoor-air-quality-course.htm
These courses are a simple, accessible starting point.
State Certification/Licensing Training Courses
If you are located in one of the States that require certification or licensing, the best starting point is finding a training provider for the certification or license you need to perform inspections in your State.
Examples
- License State – New York State
- Certification State – New Hampshire
- Third-party certification required
- ACAC certifications good option
- https://www.acac.org/prep-courses
- Third-party certification required
ACAC
- We discussed in detail ACAC certifications in a past blog, check here for more detailed information.
National Association of Mold Professionals (NAMP)
- Certified Mold Inspector (CMI) – Online
Covers mold inspection fundamentals and assessment
👉 https://www.360training.com/course/mold-inspector-certification
Best for: inspectors looking for a straightforward certification path.
MICRO (Mold Inspection Consulting and Remediation Organization)
- Certified Mold Inspector (CMI)
Covers inspection, sampling, and reporting in depth
👉 https://www.greentrainingusa.com/micro-cmi-mold-inspector-training-certification.html
Best for: a more detailed technical understanding.
Professional Mold Inspection Institute (PMII)
- Certified Residential Mold Inspector (CRMI)
Focused on residential mold inspections
👉 https://www.moldinspectioninstitute.com/mold-inspection.php
Best for: building consistency in residential inspections.
NORMI™ (National Organization of Remediators and Mold Inspectors)
- Certified IAQ/Mold Assessor (CMA)
Covers microbial assessment, sampling, and reporting
👉 https://training.normi.org/normi-training-courses/
Best for: inspectors who want a more formal assessor-level certification.
Mold remediation & post-inspection knowledge
While you don’t need to perform remediation to do mold testing, understanding it does help you explain results and especially what to do with positive results, to your clients more clearly.
Zack Academy
- Certified Mold Inspector & Remediation Contractor (Online)
Covers both inspection and remediation fundamentals
👉 https://www.zackacademy.com/class/mold-certification/certified-mold-inspector-and-remediation-contractor-online-anytime/38892
MICRO
- Certified Mold Remediation Contractor (CMRC)
Focused on remediation practices
👉 https://www.moldcareer.com/training-certification/4/5/195
IICRC S520 Standard
- ANSI/IICRC S520 Standard for Professional Mold Remediation
A widely recognized industry standard outlining best practices for mold remediation and related considerations
👉 https://iicrc.org/s520/
While this is not a training course, it provides important context for:
- How remediation decisions are made
- What “normal” vs. “problem” conditions may look like
- How inspectors and remediation professionals align
Best for: inspectors who want to better understand industry expectations and communicate more effectively with remediation professionals.
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) training
These courses help you answer the bigger questions clients ask about air quality.
IAQCert
- Certified Indoor Air Quality Testing Technician (CIAQTT)
Covers IAQ sampling and interpretation
👉 https://iaqcert.com/courses/certified-indoorechnician-ciaqtt
Green Training USA
- Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Online Courses
Covers pollutants, moisture, and indoor environments
👉 https://www.greentrainingusa.com/indoor-air-quality-iaq-courses.html
Sampling, moisture & building science
These aren’t required to get started, but they make a noticeable difference over time. If you already have prior training/certifications, these are good advanced courses to expand your knowledge.
PDH Online
- Indoor Mold Sampling Course
Focused on air and surface sampling
👉 https://www.pdhonline.com/courses/c215/c215.htm
EPA (Free Resource)
- Introduction to Mold & Moisture
Foundational guidance on mold behavior
👉 https://www.epa.gov/mold/mold-course-introduction
NADCA (HVAC & Ventilation Training)
- HVAC System & Ventilation Training
Helps you understand airflow and moisture movement
👉 https://nadca.com/hvac-certification-education-training
Why training matters
Training directly impacts how mold testing is performed:
- Where and how samples are collected
- How indoor results are interpreted
- How findings are explained to clients
The goal isn’t to take every course.
It’s to build enough understanding to collect good samples, interpret results clearly, and communicate with confidence.
Final thought
You don’t need to overcomplicate mold testing.
Start with one or two courses.
Apply what you learn.
Add more training as you go.
That’s how most inspectors build confidence, and it’s more than enough to get started.
Sporecyte resources
For training materials tailored to Sporecyte workflows, including sampling and report guidance, check out our Pro Resources section.
A quick note:
This list is meant to highlight available training options. We haven’t personally taken every course listed and aren’t recommending one over another. The right choice depends on your goals, experience, and the type of work you’re doing.