MARYLAND ASBESTOS PROJECT MONITOR
PRACTICE EXAMINATION STUDY GUIDE | LATEST
UPDATE 2026/2027 | ACTUAL EXAM | PRACTICE
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS | EXAM REVIEW | 100%
CORRECT ANSWERS | MOST RECENT.
This comprehensive practice examination is designed for individuals seeking
accreditation as an Asbestos Project Monitor in the State of Maryland under
COMAR 26.11.21 and 26.11.23, and enforced by the Maryland Department of the
Environment (MDE). It covers the full scope of project monitoring responsibilities,
including air sampling strategy and methodology (PCM and TEM), visual
inspections, containment integrity, work practice compliance, safety, and
documentation. The 100 questions integrate real-world abatement scenarios,
regulatory interpretation, technical calculations, and troubleshooting that mirror
the difficulty of the actual accreditation examination. Each item is followed by a
detailed, multi-sentence rationale explaining why the correct answer is right and
why the alternatives are incorrect. Updated for the 2026–2027 cycle, this guide
provides verified solutions to help you identify knowledge gaps, reinforce
regulatory comprehension, and approach the Maryland Asbestos Project Monitor
examination with confidence.
Table of Contents
I. Maryland Asbestos Regulations and Accreditation
II. Federal Standards and Interplay
III. Air Sampling and Analytical Methods
IV. Visual Inspection and Clearance Criteria
V. Containment, Engineering Controls, and Work Practices
VI. Safety, Documentation, and Emergency Response
Page 1 of 5
, 1. Under COMAR 26.11.21, an individual who performs air monitoring and
visual inspections on an asbestos abatement project must be accredited as
a(n):
A) Asbestos Abatement Worker
B) Asbestos Supervisor
C) Asbestos Project Monitor
D) Asbestos Management Planner
Correct Answer: C
COMAR 26.11.21.03 specifically defines an Asbestos Project Monitor as a person
who performs air monitoring and visual inspections during abatement, and they
must be accredited by MDE. Workers and supervisors are separate accreditation
categories. Management planners deal with in-place management, not project
oversight. Thus, the correct accreditation is Project Monitor.
2. In Maryland, an asbestos abatement project notification must be submitted
to the Maryland Department of the Environment at least how many
working days before the start of work?
A) 5 working days
B) 10 working days
C) 15 working days
D) 3 working days
Correct Answer: B
COMAR 26.11.23.04 requires that a complete notification be received by MDE at
least 10 working days before the abatement project begins. This aligns with
federal NESHAP requirements but is enforced by MDE for all regulated projects.
Option A is insufficient; C and D are not the required timeframe. Therefore, 10
working days is correct.
3. According to Maryland regulations, the final clearance air sample results by
Phase Contrast Microscopy (PCM) must be:
A) Less than 0.1 fibers per cubic centimeter (f/cc)
B) Less than or equal to 0.01 f/cc
, C) Less than 1.0 f/cc
D) Exactly 0 f/cc
Correct Answer: B
COMAR 26.11.23.08 specifies that for clearance after abatement, the
concentration of fibers by PCM shall not exceed 0.01 f/cc. This is the standard
clearance level used in Maryland and many other states. Option A is the OSHA PEL,
not clearance. Option C is the excursion limit. D is unrealistic. Thus, B is the correct
criterion.
4. A Maryland-accredited Project Monitor is authorized to perform all of the
following duties EXCEPT:
A) Collecting air samples during and after abatement
B) Conducting visual inspections of the work area
C) Physically removing asbestos-containing materials
D) Documenting work practices and conditions
Correct Answer: C
The project monitor's role is to observe, test, and document; they do not perform
actual abatement work. Removal is the responsibility of accredited abatement
workers and supervisors. Thus, option C is outside the scope and is the exception.
The other options are core monitoring functions.
5. Under COMAR 26.11.21, how often must an accredited Asbestos Project
Monitor complete refresher training?
A) Every 6 months
B) Annually
C) Every 2 years
D) Every 3 years
Correct Answer: B
COMAR 26.11.21.06 requires annual refresher training for all asbestos
accreditation disciplines, including Project Monitors. The training must be EPA-
approved. Failing to complete the refresher annually will result in a lapse of
accreditation. Therefore, B is correct.
, 6. When conducting a visual inspection for clearance, the project monitor
must verify that the work area is:
A) Free of visible dust, debris, and residue
B) Painted with new primer
C) Completely dry
D) Free of all odors
Correct Answer: A
The visual inspection for clearance requires confirmation that all surfaces are
clean and free of visible contamination. Paint, dryness, and odor are not relevant
criteria. If visible dust remains, clearance cannot proceed. Thus, A is the primary
visual clearance requirement.
7. Which federal OSHA standard applies to asbestos exposure during
construction and abatement activities?
A) 29 CFR 1910.1001
B) 29 CFR 1926.1101
C) 29 CFR 1910.1200
D) 40 CFR Part 61, Subpart M
Correct Answer: B
29 CFR 1926.1101 is the OSHA construction asbestos standard, which covers
abatement work. 29 CFR 1910.1001 applies to general industry. Hazard
Communication (C) is a separate standard. 40 CFR 61 (D) is EPA’s NESHAP.
Therefore, B is the correct construction standard.
8. In Maryland, who may serve as the Project Monitor on an abatement
project?
A) Any employee of the abatement contractor
B) An MDE-accredited Project Monitor who is independent of the
abatement contractor
C) The building owner’s maintenance staff
D) An unaccredited consultant
PRACTICE EXAMINATION STUDY GUIDE | LATEST
UPDATE 2026/2027 | ACTUAL EXAM | PRACTICE
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS | EXAM REVIEW | 100%
CORRECT ANSWERS | MOST RECENT.
This comprehensive practice examination is designed for individuals seeking
accreditation as an Asbestos Project Monitor in the State of Maryland under
COMAR 26.11.21 and 26.11.23, and enforced by the Maryland Department of the
Environment (MDE). It covers the full scope of project monitoring responsibilities,
including air sampling strategy and methodology (PCM and TEM), visual
inspections, containment integrity, work practice compliance, safety, and
documentation. The 100 questions integrate real-world abatement scenarios,
regulatory interpretation, technical calculations, and troubleshooting that mirror
the difficulty of the actual accreditation examination. Each item is followed by a
detailed, multi-sentence rationale explaining why the correct answer is right and
why the alternatives are incorrect. Updated for the 2026–2027 cycle, this guide
provides verified solutions to help you identify knowledge gaps, reinforce
regulatory comprehension, and approach the Maryland Asbestos Project Monitor
examination with confidence.
Table of Contents
I. Maryland Asbestos Regulations and Accreditation
II. Federal Standards and Interplay
III. Air Sampling and Analytical Methods
IV. Visual Inspection and Clearance Criteria
V. Containment, Engineering Controls, and Work Practices
VI. Safety, Documentation, and Emergency Response
Page 1 of 5
, 1. Under COMAR 26.11.21, an individual who performs air monitoring and
visual inspections on an asbestos abatement project must be accredited as
a(n):
A) Asbestos Abatement Worker
B) Asbestos Supervisor
C) Asbestos Project Monitor
D) Asbestos Management Planner
Correct Answer: C
COMAR 26.11.21.03 specifically defines an Asbestos Project Monitor as a person
who performs air monitoring and visual inspections during abatement, and they
must be accredited by MDE. Workers and supervisors are separate accreditation
categories. Management planners deal with in-place management, not project
oversight. Thus, the correct accreditation is Project Monitor.
2. In Maryland, an asbestos abatement project notification must be submitted
to the Maryland Department of the Environment at least how many
working days before the start of work?
A) 5 working days
B) 10 working days
C) 15 working days
D) 3 working days
Correct Answer: B
COMAR 26.11.23.04 requires that a complete notification be received by MDE at
least 10 working days before the abatement project begins. This aligns with
federal NESHAP requirements but is enforced by MDE for all regulated projects.
Option A is insufficient; C and D are not the required timeframe. Therefore, 10
working days is correct.
3. According to Maryland regulations, the final clearance air sample results by
Phase Contrast Microscopy (PCM) must be:
A) Less than 0.1 fibers per cubic centimeter (f/cc)
B) Less than or equal to 0.01 f/cc
, C) Less than 1.0 f/cc
D) Exactly 0 f/cc
Correct Answer: B
COMAR 26.11.23.08 specifies that for clearance after abatement, the
concentration of fibers by PCM shall not exceed 0.01 f/cc. This is the standard
clearance level used in Maryland and many other states. Option A is the OSHA PEL,
not clearance. Option C is the excursion limit. D is unrealistic. Thus, B is the correct
criterion.
4. A Maryland-accredited Project Monitor is authorized to perform all of the
following duties EXCEPT:
A) Collecting air samples during and after abatement
B) Conducting visual inspections of the work area
C) Physically removing asbestos-containing materials
D) Documenting work practices and conditions
Correct Answer: C
The project monitor's role is to observe, test, and document; they do not perform
actual abatement work. Removal is the responsibility of accredited abatement
workers and supervisors. Thus, option C is outside the scope and is the exception.
The other options are core monitoring functions.
5. Under COMAR 26.11.21, how often must an accredited Asbestos Project
Monitor complete refresher training?
A) Every 6 months
B) Annually
C) Every 2 years
D) Every 3 years
Correct Answer: B
COMAR 26.11.21.06 requires annual refresher training for all asbestos
accreditation disciplines, including Project Monitors. The training must be EPA-
approved. Failing to complete the refresher annually will result in a lapse of
accreditation. Therefore, B is correct.
, 6. When conducting a visual inspection for clearance, the project monitor
must verify that the work area is:
A) Free of visible dust, debris, and residue
B) Painted with new primer
C) Completely dry
D) Free of all odors
Correct Answer: A
The visual inspection for clearance requires confirmation that all surfaces are
clean and free of visible contamination. Paint, dryness, and odor are not relevant
criteria. If visible dust remains, clearance cannot proceed. Thus, A is the primary
visual clearance requirement.
7. Which federal OSHA standard applies to asbestos exposure during
construction and abatement activities?
A) 29 CFR 1910.1001
B) 29 CFR 1926.1101
C) 29 CFR 1910.1200
D) 40 CFR Part 61, Subpart M
Correct Answer: B
29 CFR 1926.1101 is the OSHA construction asbestos standard, which covers
abatement work. 29 CFR 1910.1001 applies to general industry. Hazard
Communication (C) is a separate standard. 40 CFR 61 (D) is EPA’s NESHAP.
Therefore, B is the correct construction standard.
8. In Maryland, who may serve as the Project Monitor on an abatement
project?
A) Any employee of the abatement contractor
B) An MDE-accredited Project Monitor who is independent of the
abatement contractor
C) The building owner’s maintenance staff
D) An unaccredited consultant