The Clean Trust continues to move forward with the development of the new Mold Removal Specialist (MRS) certification program. Currently, the certification exam is in the beta testing phase, where interested parties take an extended version of the exam to help the committee evaluate the test items and determine the appropriate pass/fail score. The exam and testing experts have determined that a sample of 200 test takers is needed to determine statistical information needed for this evaluation. The Clean Trust is currently soliciting industry professionals with at least one year’s worth of experience in the field of mold remediation to assist in this beta testing phase of exam development. As a thank you for their participation at this level, beta test takers are allowed to take the exam at a discounted fee. Upon completion of the beta test phase, those that pass are awarded the certification and will be among the very first to carry this credential. For information regarding joining the beta testing program go to www.thecleantrust.org/mrs .

It is the intention of The Clean Trust to submit the completed MRS Certification program for ANSI accreditation, which will add a whole new level of credibility and respect to those holding the credential. The MRS is also being developed to qualify in cases where special state or regional licensing is or will be required.

The Mold Removal Specialist (MRS) certification does not replace the current Applied Microbial Restoration Technician (AMRT) exam and is an additional level of certification.

Here are the differences between the MRS certification and the AMRT certification: The AMRT is associated with a specific Clean Trust-approved training course, while the MRS is based on a standalone exam with no specific course requirement attached. Upon completion of the Mold Removal Certification exam, there are no continuing education requirements - only an annual renewal fee and a recertification every five years. The exam is computer-based and the actual exam will be completed at a testing center located closest to the test taker. While strongly encouraged, no training prerequisites are required to take the exam. This is the first Clean Trust exam not associated with a specific Clean Trust training course.

There are still some spaces available for beta testers to earn this prestigious credential at a reduced price, but space is limited. Once beta testing is completed, applicants will pay the full testing and registration fee.

The MRS exam includes sections on safety, project documentation, contaminant control and contaminant removal.

In other restoration-related news from The Clean Trust, the S-500 Water Damage Restoration standard is currently under revision and will appear for peer and public review later this year. The exams for Applied Structural Drying is also being reviewed and updated by the technical advisory committee.

Class schedules and locations for all of The Clean Trust certifications can be found at www.thecleantrust.org.