
NORMI™ offers a range of online courses that include building science, advanced mold/assessor, technician courses and IAQ specialty courses.
Our classes train and certify students in the process of testing for household mold and toxic mold, evaluating mold problems, the damage caused by mold and other air and water quality issues.
Our instructors are trained in the latest mold detection, abatement and removal techniques, and present classes designed to fit the industry by being dynamic, informative, and interesting.
Search below to see the selection of online classes, read a little about each one, and click to find more information or purchase.
When addressing IAQ problems, SURFACE contamination must also be considered. There are some very good IAQ solutions (many for which we do training) that are extremely pro-active in their approach to solve indoor air quality problems, however, surface contamination is so prolific, in most cases, air purification cannot keep up with the contamination. Contact transmission is one of the most common reasons for the spread of bacteria, viruses, and their subsequent illnesses so in every environment, surface cleaning and protecting is equally important to air purification.
As a CBA you will learn to apply approved, green technology, safe and proven anti-microbials, protectants, encapsulates, biocides, and other chemicals for the prevention and control of surface microbes including mold, bacteria, and algae. Having the ability to offer long-term warranties for such contaminants is an added benefit to build your business around this certification.
This class designed to train you in a better understanding of surface contaminants and the problems with current commonly used but less effective products. “Bleach does not kill mold” so true biocides need to be understood and promoted for effectively killing mold and mildew. Many of these well-known products set up a chemical environment that allows microbes to mutate and become “superbugs” and we train the student to understand why it is important to use products that are mechanical kill products instead of chemically leaching products. This fits well with our desire to use environmentally safe and effective technologies and we encourage you to do the same whenever possible.
The Certified Formaldehyde Screening program is an online or self-study course that trains the IAQ Professional in techniques to screen for and then reduce formaldehyde contamination levels in indoor environments. The class covers the sources of formaldehyde, the deleterious health affects, and the solutions recommended to lower levels and manage the indoor air quality environment. This class is based on information provided by the US Department of Health and Human Services and other resources that are included in the class online or on CD.
Once the student completes this class, he is expected to pass a test evidencing his complete understanding of the issues surrounding formaldehyde and the techniques used to reduce formaldehyde levels on a permanent basis. After the student has completed the online quiz, he is encouraged to activate his membership (inactive membership is included in the cost of this class) by going to www.Join.NORMI.org so that he can take advantage of the benefits offered by NORMI to ACTIVE Members. Continuing Education every week is offered at NO CHARGE to all ACTIVE Members and a listing at the NORMIPro.com website is provided so that potential customers may be able to locate a CFS in their specific area of the county.
The NORMI CFS is given direction on how to research more information and, included in the CD or online course, is provided a 468 page document as a reference guide from the US Department of Health and Human Services. The goal of the CFS is to provide an ongoing IAQ Management program that will insure that levels of formaldehyde have been substantially reduced to levels below acceptable limits established by the EPA, NIOSH, OSHA, the World Health Organization, and the American Conference of Governmental and Industrial Hygienists.
The CMW (certified mold worker) is trained in the processes leading to and involved in the remediation of mold from indoor environments. Those who work in the mold industry should understand the basic mycology of mold, the seven components of indoor air quality, moisture control, sanitization techniques, remediation guidelines, “generally accepted practices” including personal protection equipment (PPE), hazards communication (HazCom), and OSHA safe workplace practices. This comprehensive two-day training gives the worker what he needs to protect himself and his employer from downside litigation that sometimes accompanies mold remediation.
- Module 1 – Introduction, Code of Ethics & Definitions – covers the areas of professional ethics and industry unique language.
- Module 2 – Mold in the Meida – is all the hype surrounding mold concerns true or just that, hype?
- Module 3 – Industry Guidelines & Laws – introduction to, and discussion of, IICRC, NYCDOH, OSHA, EPA and NY State Mold Licensing Law and NORMI Professional Practices – industry and NORMI standard of practice and legal obligations for meeting insurance criteria.
- Module 4 – Health Concerns – how molds grow, mycotoxins, allergic reactions, SBS, comfort and other IAQ concerns of asbestos and lead. This segment will also consider the causes and conditions for mold proliferation in indoor environments.
- Module 5 – Protecting the Public – what are the obligations a works faces in protecting the public, himself and his fellow workers from potential cross-contamination?
- Module 6 – Employee Safety and PPE – practical discussion and hands on donning and doffing of PPE, including respiratory protection.
- Module 7 – Hazard Communication – includes discussions surround lock-out, tag-out, SDS sheets and heat exhaustion.
- Module 8 – NORMI Professional Practices – the remediation section of best practices for mold remediators including containment levels, PPE requirements and engineering controls.
- Module 9 – Successful Mold Remediation Process – checklist approach to completing a successful mold remediation process to meet the mold protocol and prepare for Post-Remediation Clearance procedures. Hands on to include building containment, establishing negative pressure and pre-Post-Remediation Clearance Procedures.
*The NORMI CMW Student Manual is available for purchase at the Best Living Systems Store and includes, but not limited to, all power point slides, reference documentation, the applicable state licensing law, NORMI Professional Standards and definitions/acronyms.
What Is Building Science?
Building science is the collection of scientific knowledge that focuses on the analysis and control of the physical phenomena affecting buildings. This includes the detailed analysis of building materials and building envelope systems. The purpose of building science and understanding the training that supports it is to provide predictive capability to optimize building performance and understand or prevent building failures. Those failures may include not only structural weaknesses but also failures in securing the building envelope against moisture intrusion that may result in wood rot, mold, or, in most severe cases, destruction of the structural integrity of the building.
These courses are specifically designed to support the NORMI Certified Durable Builder program but are useful for all interested parties, professionals or clients, who desire a better understanding of the way building should be constructed to optimize structural strength and longevity. For more information on the NORMI CDB, please email support@normi.org for details on that program.
BUILDING SCIENCE Course Descriptions
Inside the Envelope Building Science
1. NON-Vented Attics: The benefits of have HVAC Systems in conditioned space far outweigh any, if any, added costs and is the best way to insure efficiency of the entire system! Examples of the types of framing to allow keeping ductwork within the building envelope will be discussed in detail.
Purchase NON-Vented Attics Online Class
2. NON-Vented Crawlspaces: The Department of Energy recommends this approach in our climate! This class will show when and how a crawl space should be vented or sealed. Specifications and cut sheets will be included to show the exact way to seal a crawlspace and save money doing so for both the builder and the owner.
Purchase NON-Vented Crawlspaces Online Class
3. IAQ Basics 101: This class covers the basics of IAQ and the technologies available for solutions. When understanding the seven (7) components of indoor air, it is easier to understand a wholistic solution to IAQ problems and in creating healthier environments indoors.
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4. HVAC Systems in Conditioned Space: A discussion of the energy efficiency and improved IAQ that can result from being aware of where duct systems are installed. Too often, poor planning results in ductwork being placed in hotter than necessary chases or attics resulting in increased energy costs and poor air quality from air infiltration into improperly sealed ductwork.
Purchase HVAC Systems Online Class
Outside the Envelope Building Science
5. Drainage Planes: How water moves across the building envelope and finds wicking opportunities. Rain in one of the most important factors to control in order to build a durable structure. This class will show different types of drainage planes and how they work. We will discuss how materials can vary depending upon the specific flashings used to secure the envelope of the living space.
Purchase Drainage Planes Online Class
6. Insulating the Envelope: This class will cover different types of insulation and how each works. We will explain “R” factors, heat transfer and include a discussion about how heat and cold move throughout the structure. This practical view of insulation will result in more efficient and effective ways to insulate the envelope.
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7. Diagnosing Moisture Problems: Investigating/diagnosing air and water infiltration helps to understand the need for sealed envelopes to avoid potential and future moisture problems. Over eighty percent (80%) of mold problems are a result of ignoring the basics of identifying and fixing moisture problems BEFORE they become a problem or present themselves on the inside of the envelope.
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8. Anti-Microbials on Substrates: This discussion covers green water-based anti-microbials and the choice of products available on the market for providing mold prevention, some even have 20 yr. warranties.
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9. Coming Soon.
10. Construction Glossary: Clients are more familiar with the construction industry than ever before so it is important for the mold professional to understand and use the proper language. Terms correctly used in your conversation with demonstrate your mastery of the industry and suitable describe the work you are accomplishing.
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At the heart of the IAQ Assessment program is the concept of assessing the environment, defining the problems, and then matching solutions with the problems. All too often IAQ Solutions Providers ignore some of the most obvious contributing factors to poor indoor air quality because their primary goal is to sell their air purification equipment or their IAQ solution.
In this program you will be trained to assist the client to assess their own environment using a beautiful 32 page full-color assessment booklet. To confirm their suspicions about their indoor air quality, a prepaid EnviroScreening Kit is provided with two samples and a laboratory report. This report is a qualitative analysis (not quantitative) to help the client confirm for themselves the myriad of indoor air contaminants that may be lurking in their environment. Once the customer’s suspicions are confirmed, you are trained to develop an IAQ Blueprint personalizing recommended solutions to that specific environment.
As an IAQ Professional, you know that every environment is unique and the only proper way to make recommendations on improving that environment is to offer solutions prioritized in three areas, 1) immediate corrective measures dealing with current needs, 2) installing IAQ management systems, and 3) supplemental implementation of the Sanitization Protocol. With this multi-strategic approach, IAQ will be improved and the client will know that their indoor air quality concerns are under “new management” and controlled.
The NCREST™ certification program equips front-line cleaners, facility maintenance personnel, and restoration contractors with the essential knowledge and practical skills to perform risk-based environmental sanitation.
Unlike traditional cleaning courses, NCREST™ focuses on how and why cleaning decisions matter for health outcomes. Participants learn to identify invisible risks in the built environment, control reservoirs where germs thrive, and apply proven infection-prevention practices.
Many assessors struggles with writing a legible remediation protocol that guides the remediator through either the sanitization or remediation project. This four (4) hours CEU course is a great stand-alone course for those who wish to learn how to write effective and easy to use remediation protocol. In a desktop setting, the student is taught how to create a remediation protocol template using MSWord, the IICRC S-520, NY City Guidelines and the NORMI Professional Practices. This generic Mold Remediation Protocol (MRP) can then be easily modified to fit any project, small or large. Once completed, the student may apply for NORMI certification based on specific criteria and under separate cover.
Many assessors struggle with writing the assessment report because it requires a clear understanding of all the pieces of a big puzzle, how to organize the information and draw conclusions in a clear, concise report. This four (4) hour CEU course is a great stand-alone course for those who wish to learn how to write effective report which interprets, for the client, the information collected during the assessment process. In a desktop setting, the student is taught how to create a Mold Assessment Report (MAR) using MSWord. This generic report template can then be easily modified for future projects saving time and energy in the process.