MOLD ASSESSMENT CONSULTANT EXAM AND
PRACTICE EXAM NEWEST 2026 TEST BANK|
TEXAS MOLD ASSESSMENT
1. According to TAC §70.600, which of the following creates an automatic
conflict of interest for a licensed Mold Assessment Consultant?
A) Collecting post-remediation verification samples for a remediation company.
B) Providing a remediation protocol for a property owned by a family member.
C) Accepting a contingency fee based on the total cost of the remediation work.
D) Subcontracting the laboratory analysis to a third-party AIHA-accredited lab.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: TDLR strictly prohibits MACs from accepting payment contingent on
the outcome or cost of remediation. Option A is a standard duty; B requires
disclosure but isn't automatically prohibited; D is standard practice.
2. Under TDLR rules, how many hours of continuing education (CE) are required
for MAC license renewal in Texas, and what is the maximum that can be taken
online?
A) 12 total hours; all 12 may be online.
B) 16 total hours; maximum 8 online.
C) 8 total hours; maximum 4 online.
D) 24 total hours; maximum 12 online.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: TDLR mandates 16 CE hours for MAC renewal, with a maximum of 8
hours allowed via online/distance learning. The remaining 8 must be in-person.
3. A MAC arrives at a water-damaged home and measures the indoor
temperature at 75°F and RH at 68%. Using the psychrometric chart, what is the
most immediate concern?
,A) The dew point is likely above 60°F, creating a high risk for condensation on cool
surfaces.
B) The RH is below 70%, so the environment is safe from microbial growth.
C) The air is too dry; humidification is required.
D) The temperature is too warm for mold to grow.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: At 75°F and 68% RH, the dew point is ~63°F. If surfaces (like ductwork
or exterior walls) drop below this, condensation occurs, providing the moisture
needed for mold. B is false because RH above 60% is a risk; C and D are factually
incorrect.
4. When collecting spore trap (non-viable) air samples in a 5,000 sq. ft. office
with suspected mold, what is the minimum number of indoor samples generally
recommended by EPA guidelines?
A) 1 indoor sample per 1,000 sq. ft.
B) 2 indoor samples plus 1 outdoor control.
C) 3 indoor samples plus 1 outdoor control.
D) No indoor samples are needed if visible mold is present.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: For a single HVAC system/area, a minimum of 2 indoor samples and 1
outdoor baseline sample is the industry standard (EPA/ACGIH). Option C is for
much larger/complex buildings; D is incorrect because sampling helps delineate
the extent of the problem.
5. A client requests a clearance test after remediation. The MAC takes 5 indoor
samples and 1 outdoor sample. The outdoor sample shows 50,000 spores/m³
of Cladosporium, while indoor samples average 200 spores/m³. How should the
MAC interpret this?
A) The remediation failed because indoor levels are lower than outdoor.
B) The indoor environment is safe, but the outdoor count is unusually high; the
report must note the outdoor baseline is elevated, making comparison difficult.
,C) The HVAC system must be replaced immediately.
D) The lab made an error; reject the results.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Clearance criteria typically require indoor levels to be similar to or
lower than outdoor levels under normal conditions. If outdoor is extremely high,
the "indoor/outdoor ratio" is skewed. The MAC must document this caveat in the
report; it does not automatically indicate failure (A) nor necessitate HVAC
replacement (C).
6. According to IICRC S520, which of the following is the PRIMARY goal of mold
remediation?
A) To kill all mold spores in the structure.
B) To remove or clean contaminated materials to return the environment to a
"normal" fungal ecology.
C) To seal the mold spores inside the building materials using encapsulants.
D) To sterilize the air using ozone generators.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The primary goal is source removal and cleaning to restore a normal
fungal ecology, not "sterilization" (A/D) or merely sealing (C), as dead mold can
still be an allergen.
7. Which of the following instruments is most critical for a MAC to differentiate
between a current active leak and historical (old) water damage?
A) Borescope.
B) Thermal imaging camera.
C) Non-penetrating moisture meter (pinless).
D) Penetrating moisture meter (pin-type) with insulated probes.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A pin-type meter measures the moisture content (%MC) of the
material. If moisture is active, readings are high. Thermal cameras (B) show
temperature differences, not absolute moisture; pinless (C) are good for scanning
, but less accurate for depth. Insulated probes allow the MAC to test the material's
core versus surface, determining if the moisture is active and rising from a leak.
8. In Texas, a Mold Assessment Consultant must provide a written contract to
the client before performing any services. Which element is NOT required by
TDLR rules (TAC §70.601) to be in that contract?
A) The scope of the work to be performed.
B) The specific laboratory analysis methods to be used (e.g., spore trap vs. PCR).
C) The total estimated cost or fee structure.
D) The brand name and model of the air sampling pump to be used.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The contract must include the scope, specific lab methods, and fee
structure (A, B, C). It does not require the specific brand/model of equipment,
only that the equipment is calibrated and appropriate.
9. You are assessing a crawlspace with high humidity. The vapor barrier is torn.
Which action should the MAC recommend in the protocol?
A) Install a dehumidifier only.
B) Seal all foundation vents permanently.
C) Repair/replace the vapor barrier (e.g., 6-mil polyethylene) over at least 80-90%
of the soil surface, overlapping seams, and correct the source of moisture
intrusion.
D) Apply an anti-microbial fog to the soil.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The primary remedy for a damp crawlspace is to cover the exposed soil
with a continuous vapor barrier to prevent ground moisture evaporation. Sealing
vents (B) can cause more harm if not done properly; fogging (D) treats symptoms,
not the source.
PRACTICE EXAM NEWEST 2026 TEST BANK|
TEXAS MOLD ASSESSMENT
1. According to TAC §70.600, which of the following creates an automatic
conflict of interest for a licensed Mold Assessment Consultant?
A) Collecting post-remediation verification samples for a remediation company.
B) Providing a remediation protocol for a property owned by a family member.
C) Accepting a contingency fee based on the total cost of the remediation work.
D) Subcontracting the laboratory analysis to a third-party AIHA-accredited lab.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: TDLR strictly prohibits MACs from accepting payment contingent on
the outcome or cost of remediation. Option A is a standard duty; B requires
disclosure but isn't automatically prohibited; D is standard practice.
2. Under TDLR rules, how many hours of continuing education (CE) are required
for MAC license renewal in Texas, and what is the maximum that can be taken
online?
A) 12 total hours; all 12 may be online.
B) 16 total hours; maximum 8 online.
C) 8 total hours; maximum 4 online.
D) 24 total hours; maximum 12 online.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: TDLR mandates 16 CE hours for MAC renewal, with a maximum of 8
hours allowed via online/distance learning. The remaining 8 must be in-person.
3. A MAC arrives at a water-damaged home and measures the indoor
temperature at 75°F and RH at 68%. Using the psychrometric chart, what is the
most immediate concern?
,A) The dew point is likely above 60°F, creating a high risk for condensation on cool
surfaces.
B) The RH is below 70%, so the environment is safe from microbial growth.
C) The air is too dry; humidification is required.
D) The temperature is too warm for mold to grow.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: At 75°F and 68% RH, the dew point is ~63°F. If surfaces (like ductwork
or exterior walls) drop below this, condensation occurs, providing the moisture
needed for mold. B is false because RH above 60% is a risk; C and D are factually
incorrect.
4. When collecting spore trap (non-viable) air samples in a 5,000 sq. ft. office
with suspected mold, what is the minimum number of indoor samples generally
recommended by EPA guidelines?
A) 1 indoor sample per 1,000 sq. ft.
B) 2 indoor samples plus 1 outdoor control.
C) 3 indoor samples plus 1 outdoor control.
D) No indoor samples are needed if visible mold is present.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: For a single HVAC system/area, a minimum of 2 indoor samples and 1
outdoor baseline sample is the industry standard (EPA/ACGIH). Option C is for
much larger/complex buildings; D is incorrect because sampling helps delineate
the extent of the problem.
5. A client requests a clearance test after remediation. The MAC takes 5 indoor
samples and 1 outdoor sample. The outdoor sample shows 50,000 spores/m³
of Cladosporium, while indoor samples average 200 spores/m³. How should the
MAC interpret this?
A) The remediation failed because indoor levels are lower than outdoor.
B) The indoor environment is safe, but the outdoor count is unusually high; the
report must note the outdoor baseline is elevated, making comparison difficult.
,C) The HVAC system must be replaced immediately.
D) The lab made an error; reject the results.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Clearance criteria typically require indoor levels to be similar to or
lower than outdoor levels under normal conditions. If outdoor is extremely high,
the "indoor/outdoor ratio" is skewed. The MAC must document this caveat in the
report; it does not automatically indicate failure (A) nor necessitate HVAC
replacement (C).
6. According to IICRC S520, which of the following is the PRIMARY goal of mold
remediation?
A) To kill all mold spores in the structure.
B) To remove or clean contaminated materials to return the environment to a
"normal" fungal ecology.
C) To seal the mold spores inside the building materials using encapsulants.
D) To sterilize the air using ozone generators.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The primary goal is source removal and cleaning to restore a normal
fungal ecology, not "sterilization" (A/D) or merely sealing (C), as dead mold can
still be an allergen.
7. Which of the following instruments is most critical for a MAC to differentiate
between a current active leak and historical (old) water damage?
A) Borescope.
B) Thermal imaging camera.
C) Non-penetrating moisture meter (pinless).
D) Penetrating moisture meter (pin-type) with insulated probes.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A pin-type meter measures the moisture content (%MC) of the
material. If moisture is active, readings are high. Thermal cameras (B) show
temperature differences, not absolute moisture; pinless (C) are good for scanning
, but less accurate for depth. Insulated probes allow the MAC to test the material's
core versus surface, determining if the moisture is active and rising from a leak.
8. In Texas, a Mold Assessment Consultant must provide a written contract to
the client before performing any services. Which element is NOT required by
TDLR rules (TAC §70.601) to be in that contract?
A) The scope of the work to be performed.
B) The specific laboratory analysis methods to be used (e.g., spore trap vs. PCR).
C) The total estimated cost or fee structure.
D) The brand name and model of the air sampling pump to be used.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The contract must include the scope, specific lab methods, and fee
structure (A, B, C). It does not require the specific brand/model of equipment,
only that the equipment is calibrated and appropriate.
9. You are assessing a crawlspace with high humidity. The vapor barrier is torn.
Which action should the MAC recommend in the protocol?
A) Install a dehumidifier only.
B) Seal all foundation vents permanently.
C) Repair/replace the vapor barrier (e.g., 6-mil polyethylene) over at least 80-90%
of the soil surface, overlapping seams, and correct the source of moisture
intrusion.
D) Apply an anti-microbial fog to the soil.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The primary remedy for a damp crawlspace is to cover the exposed soil
with a continuous vapor barrier to prevent ground moisture evaporation. Sealing
vents (B) can cause more harm if not done properly; fogging (D) treats symptoms,
not the source.
