ACAC Council-certified Indoor Environmental Consultant (CIEC)

The ACAC CIEC examination contains how many multiple-choice questions per the official Candidate Handbook?

• A75
• B100
• C120
• D150

ACAC requires CIEC candidates WITHOUT a qualifying degree to have how many years of documented field experience in indoor air quality investigation?

• A2 years
• B4 years
• C6 years
• D8 years

ASHRAE 62.1's Ventilation Rate Procedure breathing-zone outdoor airflow (Vbz) equation is:

• AVbz = Rp × Pz + Ra × Az
• BVbz = Rp × Az + Ra × Pz
• CVbz = Rp / Pz × Ra × Az
• DVbz = (Rp + Ra) × (Pz + Az)

In ASHRAE 62.1, Vou (uncorrected outdoor air intake) relates to Vbz how?

• AVou is the sum of all zone Vbz values divided by zone air distribution effectiveness (Ez)
• BVou equals total floor area
• CVou equals total occupant count
• DVou is unrelated to Vbz

Which BEST describes the role of Ev (system ventilation efficiency) in ASHRAE 62.1?

• AA factor that increases outdoor air intake when multi-zone systems share air streams; Vot…
• BEnergy use of fans
• CFilter efficiency
• DOutdoor air dewpoint

Which CIEC investigation step typically COMES BEFORE designing the sampling plan?

• ALab selection
• BWalk-through assessment, occupant interview, moisture mapping, HVAC inspection, and hypot…
• CFinal report writing
• DInvoicing

Which method is BEST suited for speciated VOC analysis in indoor air?

• AEPA TO-15 (summa canister) with GC/MS
• BAir-O-Cell with direct microscopy
• CNIOSH 7400 with PCM
• DPin moisture meter

OSHA's formaldehyde Permissible Exposure Limit (8-hour TWA) is:

• A0.1 ppm
• B0.5 ppm
• C0.75 ppm
• D2 ppm

EPA's residential radon action level is:

• A0.4 pCi/L
• B2 pCi/L
• C4 pCi/L
• D10 pCi/L

OSHA's general industry CO PEL is:

• A5 ppm
• B50 ppm 8-hr TWA
• C200 ppm
• D1,000 ppm

Which IAQ pollutant has the LOWEST ATSDR Chronic Minimal Risk Level (MRL) at approximately 8 ppb?

• ACarbon monoxide
• BFormaldehyde
• CSulfur dioxide
• DNitrogen dioxide

Which BEST describes 'Vbz exception' for low-density occupancy?

• AASHRAE 62.1 does not allow design below Vbz at default occupancy
• BIf actual maximum occupancy is below the default, the calculation may use the lower value…
• CAlways design for double Vbz
• DVbz is only for residential

Which is BEST for documenting 'air balance' in HVAC IAQ work?

• AVerbal estimate
• BTAB (Testing, Adjusting, Balancing) report from a qualified TAB contractor with documente…
• CVisual inspection of registers
• DEnergy bill review

Which is the BEST sampling approach when symptoms cluster on a single floor of a multi-story building?

• ASample only outdoor air
• BSample at the affected floor and at least one comparison non-affected floor, plus outdoor…
• CUse only one zone
• DSkip outdoor sampling

Which BEST describes 'data quality objectives' (DQOs) in CIEC sampling design?

• AAn accreditation
• BPre-defined targets for precision, accuracy, representativeness, completeness, and compar…
• COSHA training
• DEPA fee schedule

Which is the BEST IAQ application of a PID (photoionization detector)?

• ASpeciated VOC analysis
• BReal-time TVOC screening with calibration to a reference compound (often isobutylene); id…
• CMeasure radon
• DMeasure asbestos

Which is the BEST description of 'sensitivity' vs. 'specificity' in IAQ instruments?

• ASensitivity = lowest detectable level; specificity = ability to distinguish target from i…
• BSensitivity = price; specificity = brand
• CSensitivity = cosmetic appearance; specificity = battery life
• DBoth refer to lab QC

Which is the BEST description of 'exposure pathway' analysis?

• ATrace the source, release mechanism, environmental medium, transport, exposure point, exp…
• BCalculate cost
• CIdentify the contractor
• DEstimate energy use

Which is the BEST description of 'risk characterization' in CIEC consulting?

• AA statement that all environments are safe
• BIntegrating exposure assessment with dose-response data and uncertainty to describe risk…
• CCalculating square footage
• DListing all building materials

Which is the BEST description of CIEC 'expert testimony' obligations?

• AAdvocate for the retaining client
• BProvide objective evidence-based opinion within one's documented expertise, including lim…
• CAvoid stating uncertainty
• DRefuse to testify

Which is the BEST description of 'EPA TO-17' as a VOC method?

• ASorbent tube method for selected VOCs, often paired with thermal desorption GC/MS
• BMold ERMI
• CAsbestos TEM
• DRadon alpha-track

Which is BEST for handling 'multiple-cause' IAQ scenarios?

• AInsist on a single cause
• BAcknowledge multifactorial contributions, prioritize identified factors, and recommend a…
• CDecline the engagement
• DRecommend full demolition

Which IAQ pollutant is regulated by EPA via the NAAQS as a fine particle?

• APM2.5
• BFormaldehyde
• CRadon
• DAsbestos

Which is BEST when a CIEC is asked to estimate ventilation effectiveness using CO2?

• AUse raw CO2 as the ventilation metric without context
• BCompare indoor to outdoor CO2 at steady-state occupancy and apply mass-balance principles…
• CUse HVAC nameplate ratings only
• DApply OSHA PELs to CO2

Which is the BEST description of 'EPA Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools'?

• AA regulatory program
• BA voluntary guidance framework that helps schools manage IAQ through ventilation, moistur…
• CAn OSHA standard
• DA LEED credit

Which is BEST when the CIEC's findings DISAGREE with the building owner's preferred conclusion?

• AModify the findings to align with the owner
• BDocument the disagreement professionally, maintain the data-supported conclusion, and off…
• CWithdraw without comment
• DRefuse to communicate

Which is the BEST sampling approach for a building with both VOC and microbial complaints?

• AAddress one at a time, ignoring the other
• BPlan integrated sampling that includes appropriate VOC methods (PID screening + TO-15 if…
• CSample only VOCs
• DSample only mold

Which is BEST when a CIEC is asked to issue a 'safe' or 'mold-free' certification?

• AIssue the certification to satisfy the client
• BDecline; explain that no responsible IAQ professional can certify a building 'safe' or 'm…
• CIssue a verbal certification
• DCharge extra for the certification

Which is the BEST description of 'ANSI/ASA S12.60' in IAQ/IEQ work?

• AAsbestos sampling method
• BAcoustical performance criteria for schools — relevant to IEQ as one dimension of occupan…
• CEnergy efficiency standard
• DFiltration standard

ACAC's CIEC certification requires:

• AAnnual renewal
• BRecertification every 2 years with 40 RCs
• CRecertification every 5 years
• DNo recertification

Which is BEST when designing a 'sensitivity analysis' for a CIEC report?

• ASkip the analysis to reduce complexity
• BDocument how conclusions would change under reasonable alternative assumptions (e.g., dif…
• CUse only worst-case assumptions
• DUse only best-case assumptions

Which is BEST for handling 'low-volume' VOC findings near method LOD/LOQ?

• AReport values as 'zero'
• BReport '<LOD' or '<LOQ' alongside the limit value and explain non-detection vs. absence
• CRound to a fixed number
• DDiscard the data

Which is the BEST description of 'industrial hygiene (IH) overlap' with CIEC practice?

• AIH and CIEC are identical
• BIHs (often CIHs) handle occupational exposure assessment with regulatory PELs; CIECs addr…
• CIH applies only outdoors
• DCIEC applies only to residential

Which is the BEST description of the 'CIEC vs. CIE difference'?

• AIdentical
• BCIEC requires more experience (8 yrs vs. 2 yrs), has more exam questions (120 vs. 100), a…
• CCIE is senior
• DCIEC is residential-only

Which is BEST when communicating ASHRAE-derived ventilation deficiencies to a client?

• ACite findings against the ASHRAE 62.1 design intent (Vbz/Vou/Vot) and translate technical…
• BQuote ASHRAE without translation
• CUse only general terms without numbers
• DAvoid the issue

Which is the BEST description of an IAQ scenario likely benefiting from MERV 13 upgrade?

• ABuilding near busy roads or with wildfire smoke risk, where fine-particle infiltration is…
• BBuilding in pristine rural setting with no wildfire risk and minimal traffic
• CBuilding that uses HEPA already
• DBuilding under remediation containment

Which BEST describes how 'building dynamics' inform CIEC investigation?

• AHow heat, air, and moisture move through assemblies and zones — affecting where pollutant…
• BHow occupants spend their time
• CEnergy use only
• DAesthetic decisions

Which is the BEST description of 'stack effect' in IAQ?

• AWarm air rising and cool air falling, driving infiltration at the bottom and exfiltration…
• BStack of building materials
• CStack of files
• DEnergy stack

Which is BEST when investigating odor complaints with no obvious moisture or VOC source?

• ARefuse to investigate further
• BMap the spatial/temporal pattern of complaints, inspect adjacencies (e.g., neighboring te…
• CApply ozone immediately
• DSpray air freshener

Which is the BEST description of 'tracer gas' testing?

• AIntroduce a known concentration of an inert tracer (e.g., SF6) to measure airflows, leaka…
• BUse propane to detect leaks
• CUse water as a tracer
• DUse mold spores as a tracer

Which is the BEST description of 'building science failure modes' commonly found in IAQ investigations?

• AUnintended return-side leakage, exfiltration of conditioned air, condensation in wall ass…
• BColor choices
• CAcoustic mismatch
• DLighting design

Which is the BEST description of 'crawlspace impacts' on IAQ?

• AVented crawlspaces in humid climates often add moisture and soil-gas pollutants; encapsul…
• BCrawlspaces never affect IAQ
• CCrawlspaces always reduce IAQ risk
• DEncapsulation worsens IAQ

Which is the BEST description of 'IAQ for healthcare facilities' priorities?

• APressurization control (e.g., isolation rooms), HEPA filtration where required, ASHRAE 17…
• BAesthetic upgrades only
• CEnergy reductions only
• DCooling-only HVAC

Which is the BEST description of 'OSHA general duty clause' (5(a)(1)) applicability to IAQ?

• AUsed when no specific OSHA standard applies; requires employers to provide a workplace fr…
• BUsed only for noise
• CUsed only for asbestos
• DUsed only for confined spaces

Which is the BEST description of 'WELL Building Standard's' IAQ approach?

• AVoluntary performance criteria across Air, Water, Light, Comfort, Sound, Materials, Mind,…
• BMandatory federal standard
• CEnergy-only
• DAsbestos-only

Which is the BEST description of 'LEED v4 EQ Credit for low-emitting materials'?

• ACredit for emissions documentation per CDPH Standard Method (Section 01350), CARB Phase 2…
• BEnergy credit
• CSite sustainability credit
• DWater-efficiency credit

Which is BEST when investigating recurring respiratory complaints in a school?

• ASample at one location and call it done
• BImplement IAQ Tools for Schools assessment: ventilation (CO2 mapping), moisture survey, I…
• CTell parents the complaints are unrelated
• DRefuse to investigate