Microbial Investigator Course
Who should take this course?
If you are a mold inspector or environmental consultant that performs mold testing, you should obtain an accredited mold certification such as the CMI or CMC. This class, which is often referred to as the “CMI Course”, is designed to prepare students for those recognized certifications. Even if you are not interested in getting a mold certification, our Microbial Investigator Course will help you perform more thorough inspections. You will learn about building science and the root cause of moisture and mold problems. You will also learn about tools such as moisture meters, infrared cameras, and sampling instruments. It is easy to learn how to collect a sample, but this class focuses on the complex issues of where to collect samples, how many samples to collect, and how to interpret the results. You’ll leave the class ready to tackle complex mold problems and tackle the CMI, CMC, and CSMI certification exams offered by the ACAC.
Is this an online course or an on-site course?
Both! You can start the online class today or check our course schedule below for upcoming dates.
Online
Take the Microbial Investigator Course at your own pace with our online class. You’ll watch presentations and take an online practice exam. It will take you about 24 hours to complete the course. Online students get a PDF course manual and access to the presentations for 90 days.
On-Site
Take the Microbial Investigator Course on-site at one of our upcoming locations. You’ll be able to get hands-on instruction and have the opportunity to ask the instructor questions face-to-face. See below for upcoming class dates.
April 7-8, 2022 in Chicago, IL
Cancelled due to COVID-19
Cancelled due to COVID-19
Cancelled due to COVID-19
What does it cost and how do I register?
Both the online and on-site Microbial Investigator Courses cost $795. Indoor Air Quality Association (IAQA) members receive a $100 discount.
To register, click either:
- ONLINE registration for the Microbial Investigator Course
- ON-SITE registration for the Microbial Investigator Course
Alternatively, you can register by calling us at (312)920-9393.
After registering, online students will receive login credentials. View our cancellation and refund policy.
What topics does this course cover?
Our Microbial Investigator course covers microbiology, building science, mold inspections, sampling, and remediation. To view a comprehensive list of topics covered, see below:
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