Free Webinar: New Partnership, New Possibilities- Mold Training for Inspectors

Quick recap

This webinar featured AJ hosting a discussion with Doug Hoffman, CEO of NORMI (National Organization of Remediators and Microbial Inspectors), about a new partnership between NORMI and InterNACHI to expand mold education and professional opportunities for home inspectors nationwide. Doug explained NORMI's 22-year history in mold training and certification, highlighting their focus on building science approaches to mold assessment rather than just remediation. The partnership offers InterNACHI members a range of mold certification options, from basic microbial inspector training (one-day course) to full certified mold assessor programs, with specific training paths designed for home inspectors wanting to offer initial mold testing during property transactions. The discussion covered legal thresholds in various states, with Florida requiring licensed assessors for mold exceeding 10 square feet, while home inspectors can legally sample smaller areas. Doug also announced NORMI's new medical advisory board collaboration with George Washington University, which now allows for medical certification in mold illness treatment, representing a significant advancement in connecting environmental and healthcare approaches to mold issues.

Summary

InterNACHI-NORMI Partnership Webinar

AJ welcomed attendees to a special Thursday webinar featuring a new partnership between InterNACHI and NORMI, led by NORMI CEO Doug Hoffman. Doug explained NORMI's history, starting in 2004 as a training provider for mold licensing laws in Louisiana and expanding to other states and internationally. The partnership aims to provide inspectors with top-tier mold training and certification programs to meet licensing requirements and expand service offerings in a growing market.

NORMI Mold Assessment Partnership Strategy

Douglas explained NORMI's approach to mold assessment, emphasizing a building science perspective that considers water sources, vapor issues, and air infiltration rather than just water events. He described how NORMI's training focuses on indoor air quality issues and holistic environmental improvement, distinguishing their methodology from industry standards established by ICRC. Douglas outlined the benefits of the new partnership with InterNACHI, highlighting how home inspectors with building science knowledge make excellent remediators and assessors who can identify source problems rather than just symptoms.

Mold Certification for Home Inspectors

Doug explained Normie's mold certification offerings for home inspectors, describing a wide range of training from introductory microbial screening classes to full licensing courses for states with regulatory requirements. He clarified that in states like Florida, home inspectors can legally take samples for clients when the visible mold is less than 10 square feet, as long as they don't present themselves as licensed mold assessors. Doug introduced the Normie Certified Microbial Inspector program, a one-day course with proctored exam designed specifically for home inspectors who want to offer initial mold inspections during property transactions.

InterNACHI Partnership and Training Collaboration

Douglas highlighted the benefits of partnering with InterNACHI, emphasizing their extensive repository of training materials and the networking opportunities it would provide. He mentioned their ongoing efforts to expand training to Canada, including unique considerations for Canadian building science and mold terminology. AJ and Douglas discussed potential collaboration on training programs, including cross-platform webinars, and noted the differences in terminology between regions like Canada and Australia.

Mold Health Advisory Board Initiative

Douglas announced a significant development in the company's collaboration with healthcare professionals regarding mold-related health issues. He explained that the company formed a Medical Advisory Board with five doctors, including Dr. Gavin McGregor Skinner, and connected with Dr. Andrew Heyman from George Washington University to develop medically sound protocols. The initiative has led to the creation of a website called beyondmold.com for client referrals and the establishment of a new class at George Washington University for mold professionals to get certified in mold illness. The goal is to connect environmental data with healthcare data to improve outcomes for patients with mold-related health issues.

NORMI Certification Programs Discussion

Douglas and AJ discussed NORMI's certification programs and partnership with InterNACHI. Douglas explained that NORMI offers both microbial inspector and certified mold assessor certifications, with the microbial inspector course costing $299 and requiring a proctored exam. He clarified that while there is no reciprocity between certifications, cross-training opportunities exist for continuing education credits. Douglas also addressed Florida's licensing requirements, noting that home inspectors can perform air quality sampling without an assessor license if the visible mold is less than 10 square feet. The discussion concluded with information about contact details for further questions and upcoming webinars.