Why I Became a Licensed Mold Assessor (And Why the Difference Matters)

When I first became a home inspector, I wanted to provide as much value to my clients as possible. As a Certified Master Inspector, I began offering mold air sampling as an additional service. Many home inspectors do the same. At the time, it seemed like a logical extension of the inspection process.

But one inspection changed my perspective.

During an inspection, I observed heavy microbial growth under a kitchen sink. The conditions were clear — there had been moisture present long enough for visible growth to develop.

The source of the problem was obvious.

However, the air samples came back normal.

That result didn’t sit right with me.

It raised an important question: If visible mold is present, but air sampling suggests everything is normal, what message does that send to the client? More importantly, does that result actually help them make a good decision?

That moment led me to start asking deeper questions about how mold testing works, when it is useful, and when it can be misleading.

What I Learned About Mold Testing

Through continuing education, I began learning more about the limitations of air sampling and the differences between basic sampling methods and a more structured mold assessment approach.

Air samples can be useful in certain situations, but they also have limitations:

• Mold spores are not always actively airborne at the time of testing

• Air movement, HVAC operation, and recent disturbance can affect results

• Samples represent only a snapshot in time

• Some conditions can produce false negatives

• Results can be confusing without proper interpretation

I also learned that there is a meaningful difference between simply collecting samples and developing an overall inspection strategy.

In some situations, testing is appropriate. In others, visible conditions already provide sufficient information. The challenge is knowing the difference.

I became concerned that offering basic air sampling alone could sometimes provide incomplete or even misleading information to clients.

That realization led me to pursue advanced education and licensing so I could provide a higher level of service.

Pursuing Advanced Mold Assessment Training

After additional research and training, I obtained the following credentials:

• Florida Licensed Mold Assessor – MRSA5649

• IAC2 Certified Mold Inspector – IAC2-95368

Even after obtaining these licenses, I have continued learning about testing techniques, interpretation methods, and the potential health effects associated with mold exposure.

The more I learn, the more I recognize that mold concerns are rarely solved by testing alone.

Not All Mold Testing Is the Same

One of the most important things homeowners should understand is that not all mold testing is equal.

Some testing simply collects samples without fully considering the conditions within the home or the concerns of the occupants.

A licensed mold assessor develops a strategy based on the specific situation. This may include determining:

• Whether testing is needed at all

• What type of sampling may be appropriate

• Where samples should be taken

• How to interpret results in context

• When testing may not provide additional useful information

The goal is not to collect as many samples as possible. The goal is to provide clear, meaningful information.

When Mold Testing May (and May Not) Be Necessary

One of the most common misconceptions is that mold testing is always required whenever mold is suspected.

In reality, there are situations where testing adds value, and others where it does not.

Testing may be helpful when:

• There are health concerns but no visible growth

• Documentation is needed for real estate transactions

• Verification is needed after remediation

• The extent of contamination is unclear

• Multiple potential sources exist

• Conflicting information has been received

Testing may not always be necessary when visible growth is already present and the source of moisture has been identified.

Each situation should be evaluated individually.

How My Background as a Home Inspector Helps

One of the key differences I bring to mold assessments is my experience as a home inspector. Home inspectors are trained to evaluate the condition of the structure, identify defects, and recognize conditions that may contribute to microbial growth. This experience often helps identify contributing factors that might otherwise be overlooked when testing alone is relied upon. Understanding how homes function as systems can be an important part of developing an effective assessment strategy.

Listening Matters

Over time, I have also learned that technical knowledge is only part of the process.

Many clients seeking mold testing are dealing with uncertainty, frustration, or health concerns. Taking the time to listen to their experience often provides important context that testing alone cannot provide.

Understanding symptoms, timelines, past water events, or prior remediation efforts can often help guide a more focused and useful assessment.

Listening to clients and understanding their situation often leads to better answers than testing alone.

The Goal of Mold Testing

The goal of mold testing is not simply to collect samples.

The goal is to provide accurate information that helps people make informed decisions about their home and health.

Sometimes that involves laboratory analysis. Sometimes it involves identifying conditions that clearly explain what is happening within the home. Sometimes it involves helping clients understand why previous testing may not have provided clear answers. No single test can fully explain every situation. Mold concerns often involve multiple factors, and the best results come from combining inspection experience, appropriate testing strategy, and careful interpretation of findings. Over time, I have found that listening carefully to clients and understanding their concerns often provides valuable insight that testing alone cannot provide. Symptoms, past water events, prior remediation attempts, and changes within the home can all provide important context. Each situation is different. A thoughtful approach can often provide clarity where isolated testing may create confusion.

My goal is always to provide information that is useful, accurate, and practical — so clients can move forward with confidence.

About the Author

Les Hanna is the owner of Hanna Home Services and a Certified Master Inspector (CMI) with extensive experience evaluating residential properties. Through years of inspection work, he recognized that mold concerns often require more than basic sampling techniques. This led him to pursue advanced training and become both a Florida Licensed Mold Assessor (MRSA5649) and IAC2 Certified Mold Inspector (IAC2-95368).

By combining mold assessment training with real-world inspection experience, Les provides clients with clear, practical information they can rely on. His approach focuses on understanding each client’s situation, using appropriate testing strategies when needed, and helping people make confident decisions about their home and indoor environment.

Hanna Home Services provides home inspections and mold assessments with a focus on thoroughness, professionalism, and clear communication so clients can move forward with confidence.