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NORMI Certified Mold Remediator (CMR)

Practice Questions100 questions

Exam Review

Key Facts: NORMI CMA Exam

2 hours

Proctored Exam Length

NORMI Examinations

~70%

Passing Score

NORMI

24 hours

Florida Required Training

Florida DBPR / Chapter 468 Part XVI

12 months

Assessor/Remediator Conflict Window

Florida Statute 468.8419

-0.02 inches WC

Containment Negative Pressure

ANSI/IICRC S520

99.97% at 0.3 micron

HEPA Filter Efficiency

HEPA Standard

#PVD-2

NORMI DBPR Provider Number

Florida DBPR

The NORMI Certified Mold Assessor (CMA) is taken by mold inspectors and indoor-air-quality professionals, and it doubles as Florida's licensure-track Mold-Related Services Assessor (MRSA) exam. It is a 2-hour proctored multiple-choice test (onsite or online-monitored) passed at roughly 70%; candidates may challenge it without the recommended 24-hour course. Content spans mold and IAQ assessment and sampling (spore-trap vs culturable air sampling, tape-lift/swab/bulk surface methods, and wall-cavity sampling), interpreting laboratory reports (spores/m3 vs CFU/m3, genus identification, indoor/outdoor comparison, and water-damage indicators like Stachybotrys and Chaetomium), moisture intrusion and moisture mapping (pin vs pinless meters, thermal imaging, dew point, and relative-humidity thresholds), remediation protocol writing under IICRC S520 source-removal principles, remediation oversight (containment, negative pressure near -0.02 inches water column, HEPA filtration at 6-12 ACH, and post-remediation verification), HAZCOM/PPE and OSHA 1910.134 respiratory protection, and Florida Chapter 468 Part XVI licensing including the 468.8419 12-month conflict-of-interest rule.

Sample NORMI CMA Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the NORMI CMA exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1A spore-trap air sample (e.g., Air-O-Cell cassette) is collected by drawing a known volume of air over an adhesive-coated slide. How does the laboratory analyze and report this type of sample?

A.It incubates the sample on agar and reports colony-forming units that grow

B.It performs direct microscopic examination and reports total spores per cubic meter of air

C.It runs a DNA assay and reports a mold-specific quantitative index only

D.It weighs the captured particulate and reports milligrams of mold per sample

Explanation: A spore trap is a non-viable (non-culturable) method: spores are impacted onto a greased slide and counted by direct microscopy, with results extrapolated to spores per cubic meter (spores/m3) of air sampled.

2An assessor needs to determine the exact species of a fungus (for example, distinguishing Aspergillus fumigatus from Aspergillus niger) recovered from indoor air. Which sampling/analysis method is required?

A.Non-viable spore-trap cassette read by direct microscopy

B.Surface tape-lift examined under a microscope

C.Culturable (viable) air sample incubated on growth media

D.Total airborne particle count with a laser particle counter

Explanation: Only a culturable (viable) sample, in which captured spores are incubated on media and grow into identifiable colonies, allows speciation such as distinguishing Aspergillus fumigatus from Aspergillus niger.

3On a non-viable spore-trap laboratory report, two common indoor genera are frequently grouped together because their spores are visually indistinguishable by direct microscopy. Which grouping is this?

A.Aspergillus and Penicillium

B.Cladosporium and Alternaria

C.Stachybotrys and Chaetomium

D.Basidiospores and Ascospores

Explanation: Aspergillus and Penicillium spores are small, round, and nearly identical under the light microscope, so spore-trap reports list them together as 'Aspergillus/Penicillium-like' unless a culture is grown to speciate them.

4Before collecting an indoor spore-trap sample to evaluate a suspected mold problem, why must the assessor also collect an exterior (outdoor) air sample?

A.To calibrate the sampling pump against ambient barometric pressure

B.Because Florida law requires the outdoor sample to be analyzed by culture only

C.To establish a baseline so indoor spore types and counts can be compared against the normal outdoor fungal ecology

D.To measure outdoor temperature and humidity for the report header

Explanation: The outdoor sample is the reference/control: a normal indoor environment should have the same genera as outdoors but at lower or comparable concentrations, so the outdoor baseline is essential to interpret indoor results.

5An assessor wants to confirm that a visible dark stain on a baseboard is fungal growth and to identify the structures present without disturbing a large area. Which surface sampling method is most appropriate?

A.Wall-cavity air sample through a drilled hole

B.Spore-trap air sample held near the baseboard

C.Bulk sample requiring removal of the entire baseboard

D.Tape-lift (clear adhesive) sample of the stained surface

Explanation: A tape lift presses clear adhesive against the surface to capture fungal structures (spores, hyphae, conidiophores) for direct microscopy, confirming growth and identifying genera with minimal disturbance.

6An assessor suspects hidden mold growth inside a wall cavity but sees no visible growth on the wall surface. Which technique directly samples the air inside the concealed cavity?

A.A tape-lift on the exterior of the drywall

B.A bulk sample of the carpet pad nearby

C.A swab of the baseboard at the floor line

D.A spore-trap connected to a probe inserted through a small drilled hole into the cavity

Explanation: Wall-cavity sampling uses a spore-trap cassette fitted with a probe/tube inserted through a small bored hole, drawing cavity air so the lab can compare concealed-space spore burden to the room and outdoors.

7A spore-trap pump is rated to draw 15 liters per minute and the assessor runs it for 5 minutes. What is the primary reason the exact flow rate and run time must be recorded?

A.They are only required for outdoor samples, not indoor samples

B.They set the incubation temperature for the culture plates

C.They determine the total air volume sampled, which the lab needs to calculate spores per cubic meter

D.They establish the dew point at the sampling location

Explanation: Spores/m3 is derived from the spore count divided by the volume of air sampled; volume equals flow rate times run time (15 L/min x 5 min = 75 L), so accurate flow and time are essential for a valid concentration.

8Why should the sampling pump used for air cassettes be calibrated against a primary flow standard before a project?

A.To verify the actual airflow matches the rated flow so the reported spores/m3 is accurate

B.To ensure the laboratory uses the correct stain on the slide

C.Because uncalibrated pumps cannot capture Stachybotrys spores

D.To document the relative humidity at each sample point

Explanation: If the pump's true airflow deviates from its rated value, the calculated sample volume is wrong and the reported concentration (spores/m3) becomes inaccurate; calibration confirms the actual flow.

9During an assessment, an HVAC system serving the area is running. What is the recommended practice for representative air sampling under typical protocols?

A.Always shut off all mechanical systems for at least 24 hours first

B.Sample under conditions that represent normal occupancy, and document whether the HVAC was on or off

C.Only sample in the supply plenum, never in occupied rooms

D.Disconnect the return ducts before every sample

Explanation: Samples should represent the conditions occupants actually experience; the assessor records the HVAC status (on/off) and other conditions so results are interpreted in context rather than altering the environment artificially.

10Stachybotrys chartarum growth is confirmed on a wet gypsum board, yet the room air spore-trap shows very few Stachybotrys spores. What best explains this discrepancy?

A.Stachybotrys is only detectable by gravimetric weighing of the cassette

B.Stachybotrys cannot grow on gypsum board, so the surface result must be an error

C.Air sampling always overcounts Stachybotrys, so the surface result is more reliable

D.Stachybotrys spores are heavy and held in a slimy mass, so they aerosolize poorly and are often underrepresented in air samples

Explanation: Stachybotrys produces spores in a wet, sticky (slimy) mass; the relatively heavy spores do not readily become airborne, so a room air sample can show low counts even with active surface growth, which is why surface/bulk sampling is important.

About the NORMI CMA Exam

The NORMI Certified Mold Assessor (CMA) is a professional credential awarded by the National Organization of Remediators and Microbial Inspectors (NORMI) for those who inspect, sample, and write protocols for mold and indoor air quality problems. NORMI is a Florida DBPR-approved training and proctored-exam provider (#PVD-2), and its assessor exam serves as the licensure-track Mold-Related Services Assessor (MRSA) examination for Florida. The exam is a 2-hour proctored test, taken onsite or online with monitoring, with a passing standard of about 70%. Candidates may challenge the exam without the course, though the 24-hour training is recommended.

Exam sponsor: NORMI - National Organization of Remediators and Microbial Inspectors (DBPR-approved provider #PVD-2). The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

Question count not published by the exam provider

Time Limit

2 hours (proctored onsite or online with monitoring)

Passing Score

Approximately 70%

Exam / Certification Fees

~$299 onsite proctored; ~$389 online-proctored (certification included)

Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Official sources

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

20%

Mold/IAQ Assessment & Sampling

Air sampling with spore-trap (non-viable, spores/m3) versus culturable (viable, CFU/m3) methods, surface sampling by tape lift, swab, and bulk, wall-cavity sampling for hidden growth, pump calibration and sample-volume calculation, same-day outdoor control sampling, and representative breathing-zone strategy

15%

Lab Report Interpretation

Reading spores/m3 and CFU/m3, why Aspergillus and Penicillium are grouped by direct microscopy, indoor versus outdoor comparison for amplification, water-damage indicator organisms (Stachybotrys, Chaetomium), hyphal fragments, field blanks, and the absence of federal numerical mold limits

15%

Moisture Intrusion & Mapping

Pin (resistance) versus pinless (dielectric) moisture meters, normal dry wood at roughly 6-12% MC, thermal-imaging anomalies confirmed with a meter, dew point and condensation risk, surface relative humidity above ~60% favoring growth, water activity, slab moisture testing, and the 24-48 hour drying window

12%

Remediation Protocol Writing

Defining scope and extent using EPA area thresholds (<10, 10-100, >100 sq ft), removing porous materials while cleaning non-porous and sound semi-porous surfaces, IICRC S520 source-removal over biocide-only approaches, selecting containment level, specifying clearance criteria up front, and sealed (6-mil) waste handling

16%

Remediation Oversight & Clearance

Verifying negative pressure near -0.02 inches water column (-5 Pa), HEPA air filtration devices sized for 6-12 air changes per hour, critical barriers and HVAC isolation, smoke-test and manometer monitoring, final HEPA-vacuum and damp-wipe cleaning, drying to standard, and independent post-remediation verification

12%

Safety: HAZCOM, PPE & Respiratory Protection

OSHA 1910.134 respiratory protection program with medical evaluation, annual fit testing, and assigned protection factors (half-mask APF 10, full-face APF 50), HAZCOM 1910.1200 Safety Data Sheets and GHS labeling, disposable coveralls, gloves, and non-vented goggles, and HEPA 99.97% at 0.3 micron capture

10%

Florida 468 Part XVI Licensing Law

DBPR Mold-Related Services licensing, the 468.8419 prohibition on assessing and remediating the same structure within 12 months, biennial renewal with 14 CE hours, the two-year-degree-plus-experience or four-year field-experience pathways, liability/E&O insurance, and the 24-hour training requirement

Preparing for the NORMI CMA Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: Approximately 70%
Assessment: Question count not published by the exam provider
Time limit: 2 hours (proctored onsite or online with monitoring)
Exam / certification fees: ~$299 onsite proctored; ~$389 online-proctored (certification included) Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

Work through all 100 available questions
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NORMI CMA: Suggested Study Strategy

1Memorize the sampling distinction: spore traps are non-viable, read by direct microscopy in spores/m3 and cannot separate Aspergillus from Penicillium, while culturable samples are incubated, reported in CFU/m3, and can speciate

2Always interpret indoor air results against a same-day outdoor control - a normal building shows the same genera as outdoors at lower or comparable counts, and water-damage indicators like Stachybotrys and Chaetomium are abnormal indoors

3Drill the containment numbers: negative pressure near -0.02 inches water column (about -5 Pa), HEPA filtration at 99.97% efficiency at 0.3 microns, and air filtration devices sized for 6-12 air changes per hour

4Know IICRC S520's source-removal principle: remove contaminated porous materials and physically clean non-porous and sound semi-porous surfaces; killing mold with biocide or fogging alone is not adequate remediation

5Lock in Florida law: the 468.8419 12-month conflict-of-interest rule, biennial renewal with 14 CE hours, the 24-hour training requirement, and required liability/errors-and-omissions insurance under Chapter 468, Part XVI

6For safety, connect OSHA 1910.134 (medical evaluation before fit testing, annual fit tests, half-mask APF 10 vs full-face APF 50) with HAZCOM 1910.1200 (16-section SDS and GHS labels) - particulate filters do not protect against chemical vapors

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the NORMI Certified Mold Assessor (CMA) exam?

The NORMI CMA is a professional certification exam administered by the National Organization of Remediators and Microbial Inspectors for mold and indoor-air-quality assessors. It is a 2-hour proctored multiple-choice exam covering mold assessment, sampling, lab interpretation, moisture, remediation oversight, and Florida licensing law, with a passing standard of about 70%.

Does the NORMI CMA exam count toward a Florida mold assessor license?

Yes. NORMI is a Florida DBPR-approved training and proctored-exam provider (#PVD-2), and its assessor exam serves as the licensure-track Mold-Related Services Assessor (MRSA) examination. Florida licensure also requires meeting education/experience requirements and 24 hours of training in mold, moisture, and respiratory protection.

Can I challenge the exam without taking the course?

Yes. Candidates may challenge the NORMI assessor exam without first completing the 24-hour course, either onsite or online with proper monitoring equipment. NORMI still recommends the course, noting that a large share of those who take it pass the exam at 70% or higher.

How is the exam delivered and how long is it?

The exam is a 2-hour proctored test offered onsite or online with monitoring. It is multiple choice; NORMI does not publish a fixed question count. The passing threshold is approximately 70%.

What is Florida's conflict-of-interest rule for assessors and remediators?

Under Florida Statute 468.8419, a mold assessor may not perform or offer remediation on a structure they assessed within the previous 12 months, and a remediator may not assess what they remediated within 12 months. The rule prevents inflating scope or self-verifying one's own work.

What sampling knowledge does the exam test?

The exam covers spore-trap (non-viable, reported in spores/m3) versus culturable (viable, CFU/m3) air sampling, surface methods (tape lift, swab, bulk), wall-cavity sampling, pump calibration, and the use of a same-day outdoor control so indoor genera and counts can be compared against the normal outdoor fungal ecology.

What standards and regulations should I study?

Key references include the ANSI/IICRC S520 standard for professional mold remediation (source removal), EPA mold remediation guidance and area thresholds, OSHA 1910.134 respiratory protection and 1910.1200 HAZCOM, and Florida Chapter 468, Part XVI licensing law. There are no federal numerical airborne mold limits.