Mold Remediation Specialist (MRS)
Comprehensive Exam Review IICRC S520–
Aligned Practice Exam (2025–2026)
Question 1
Which document is the primary standard used for mold remediation practices?
A. IICRC S500
B. IICRC S520
C. OSHA 29 CFR 1910
D. EPA Indoor Air Quality Guide
Correct Answer: B. IICRC S520
Rationale: The S520 is the authoritative standard for professional mold remediation.
Question 2
Which factor MOST influences the level of containment required?
A. Building age
B. Occupant sensitivity
C. Amount of visible mold
D. Type of mold species
Correct Answer: C. Amount of visible mold
Rationale: S520 bases containment on extent of contamination, not species.
Question 3
When is negative pressure required?
A. Small isolated areas
B. Whenever antimicrobial chemicals are used
C. During full or limited containment
D. Only in healthcare facilities
, Correct Answer: C. During full or limited containment
Rationale: Negative pressure prevents cross-contamination.
Question 4
Which material is typically non-salvageable once mold contaminated?
A. Hardwood flooring
B. Pressure-treated lumber
C. Gypsum drywall
D. Metal studs
Correct Answer: C. Gypsum drywall
Rationale: Porous materials with paper backing usually must be removed.
Question 5
What is the primary goal of mold remediation?
A. Kill all mold spores
B. Identify mold species
C. Return fungal ecology to normal
D. Apply antimicrobial coatings
Correct Answer: C. Return fungal ecology to normal
Rationale: Mold cannot be eliminated completely—control is the goal.
Question 6
Which PPE is minimum recommended during mold remediation?
A. N95 respirator
B. Half-face respirator with P100 filters
C. SCBA
D. Surgical mask
Correct Answer: B. Half-face respirator with P100 filters
,Question 7
Why is HEPA filtration required?
A. To remove odors
B. To kill mold
C. To capture microscopic particles
D. To dry materials faster
Correct Answer: C. To capture microscopic particles
Question 8
Which practice is NOT recommended by S520?
A. Source moisture correction
B. Dry removal of mold
C. Fogging as a primary method
D. HEPA vacuuming
Correct Answer: C. Fogging as a primary method
Question 9
Who determines if post-remediation verification (PRV) is needed?
A. Remediation contractor
B. Insurance adjuster
C. Client or IEP
D. Local health department
Correct Answer: C. Client or IEP
Question 10
What is the FIRST step in mold remediation?
A. Set containment
B. Apply antimicrobial
, C. Correct moisture source
D. Remove materials
Correct Answer: C. Correct moisture source
Question 11
Which professional is responsible for developing a mold remediation protocol?
A. Restoration contractor
B. Industrial Hygienist / IEP
C. Insurance adjuster
D. Building inspector
Answer: B. Industrial Hygienist / IEP
Rationale: The IEP (Indoor Environmental Professional) performs assessment and protocol
development.
Question 12
What type of containment is typically used for moderate mold contamination?
A. No containment
B. Limited containment
C. Full containment
D. Critical containment
Answer: B. Limited containment
Question 13
Which method is preferred for removing mold from semi-porous materials?
A. Fogging
B. Dry brushing
C. HEPA vacuuming and damp wiping
D. Ozone treatment
Answer: C. HEPA vacuuming and damp wiping
Comprehensive Exam Review IICRC S520–
Aligned Practice Exam (2025–2026)
Question 1
Which document is the primary standard used for mold remediation practices?
A. IICRC S500
B. IICRC S520
C. OSHA 29 CFR 1910
D. EPA Indoor Air Quality Guide
Correct Answer: B. IICRC S520
Rationale: The S520 is the authoritative standard for professional mold remediation.
Question 2
Which factor MOST influences the level of containment required?
A. Building age
B. Occupant sensitivity
C. Amount of visible mold
D. Type of mold species
Correct Answer: C. Amount of visible mold
Rationale: S520 bases containment on extent of contamination, not species.
Question 3
When is negative pressure required?
A. Small isolated areas
B. Whenever antimicrobial chemicals are used
C. During full or limited containment
D. Only in healthcare facilities
, Correct Answer: C. During full or limited containment
Rationale: Negative pressure prevents cross-contamination.
Question 4
Which material is typically non-salvageable once mold contaminated?
A. Hardwood flooring
B. Pressure-treated lumber
C. Gypsum drywall
D. Metal studs
Correct Answer: C. Gypsum drywall
Rationale: Porous materials with paper backing usually must be removed.
Question 5
What is the primary goal of mold remediation?
A. Kill all mold spores
B. Identify mold species
C. Return fungal ecology to normal
D. Apply antimicrobial coatings
Correct Answer: C. Return fungal ecology to normal
Rationale: Mold cannot be eliminated completely—control is the goal.
Question 6
Which PPE is minimum recommended during mold remediation?
A. N95 respirator
B. Half-face respirator with P100 filters
C. SCBA
D. Surgical mask
Correct Answer: B. Half-face respirator with P100 filters
,Question 7
Why is HEPA filtration required?
A. To remove odors
B. To kill mold
C. To capture microscopic particles
D. To dry materials faster
Correct Answer: C. To capture microscopic particles
Question 8
Which practice is NOT recommended by S520?
A. Source moisture correction
B. Dry removal of mold
C. Fogging as a primary method
D. HEPA vacuuming
Correct Answer: C. Fogging as a primary method
Question 9
Who determines if post-remediation verification (PRV) is needed?
A. Remediation contractor
B. Insurance adjuster
C. Client or IEP
D. Local health department
Correct Answer: C. Client or IEP
Question 10
What is the FIRST step in mold remediation?
A. Set containment
B. Apply antimicrobial
, C. Correct moisture source
D. Remove materials
Correct Answer: C. Correct moisture source
Question 11
Which professional is responsible for developing a mold remediation protocol?
A. Restoration contractor
B. Industrial Hygienist / IEP
C. Insurance adjuster
D. Building inspector
Answer: B. Industrial Hygienist / IEP
Rationale: The IEP (Indoor Environmental Professional) performs assessment and protocol
development.
Question 12
What type of containment is typically used for moderate mold contamination?
A. No containment
B. Limited containment
C. Full containment
D. Critical containment
Answer: B. Limited containment
Question 13
Which method is preferred for removing mold from semi-porous materials?
A. Fogging
B. Dry brushing
C. HEPA vacuuming and damp wiping
D. Ozone treatment
Answer: C. HEPA vacuuming and damp wiping
