Certified Microbial Investigator (CMI)  

Online - 28 Hours

The Certified Microbial Investigator (CMI) Course equips students with the ability to perform thorough mold investigations of all different building types.  In our course you’ll learn about microbial contaminants, their health effects, building science, assessments, sampling and remediation.   We provide sample checklists, report outlines, contracts and remediation specifications.

The CMI course is sponsored by the Indoor Air Quality Association (IAQA) and it prepares students for the American IAQ Council (AmIAQC) certification exam.  There are no prerequisites for taking the course. However, there are experience requirements for students wishing to take the AmIAQC exam.  Certification exams are offered at computerized testing centers worldwide.  For more information regarding certification including the additional fees, please visit www.IAQcouncil.org.

The interactive format includes an audio presentation synchronized to pictures, bullet points and quizzes on your screen.  At any time, email or call your instructor with questions and get personal attention.  You will have 100 days to access the self-paced content.  The course includes a 500 page manual in PDF format.

Computer Requirements

You must have a copy of Adobe Flash on your computer to view the online training. This software comes standard on computers and 98% of internet users already have a copy installed. If you are unable to view the online training, download a free copy of Flash at www.adobe.com.

Exam Details

You must register for the exam directly with the American Indoor Air Quality Council.  Visit their web site at www.IAQcouncil.org.  The examination fees are in addition to the course fees.  The exam is offered at testing centers throughout the entire US (and world). You can schedule your exam for any date. The closed-book exam is multiple choice with three hours to complete it. There are no prerequisites to take the course, however, there are prerequisites to take the certification exam.

Outline

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
• Definitions
• Chart
• Example Problems
• Sources of Building Moisture
• Water Incursion
• Vapor Diffusion
• HVAC
• 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