Despite the exponential increase in mold awareness and its national and international impact, there is not currently a standardized industry or government mandated certification program for mold investigators and mold remediators. There is, however, a strong interest in some type of "certification" to govern individuals investigating mold growth and remediating growth. Many feel that some type of standardized certification program, whether initiated by the industry or the government, is forthcoming.

In the meantime, there are many individuals, businesses and organizations who offer some type of mold certification and/or training. Some of these certifications simply provide base level training, while others include preferred product recommendations for use along with the training. Applicants seeking certification should familiarize themselves with the stable of mold products aimed at sanitizing/killing, cleaning and preventing and choose which products work best for them. The Anti-Growth Certified Applicator Program is not a certification in mold investigation or mold remediation, but is intended to train contractors in the proper preparation, use and application of Anti-Growth and other products offered by Camden Products.

Camden Products recommends that contractors seeking to become mold investigators or mold remediators take one of the courses listed below, or a course familiar to them offering proper guidance in these disciplines. These contractors, and others working in disciplines outside of investigation and remediation, may then additionally become certified in Anti-Growth application. Some courses have integrated the Anti-Growth Certification into their main certification programs.

• The Indoor Air Quality Association - www.iaqa.org.
• The American Indoor Air Quality Council - www.aiaqc.com.
• The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification - www.iicrc.org.

Each organization offers certification in slightly different areas. One of the most popular programs to date is that offered by the IAQA. Their certifications include Certified Indoor Environmentalist (CIE), that covers general knowledge of IAQ concepts and issues, and certified Mold Remediator (CMR) specifically covering the cleanup of mold contamination. None of the existing certifications are yet recognized by any government entity or agency. Insurance companies often require that mold investigations be conducted by individuals certified CIH, a designation provided by the American Industrial Hygiene Association. Regardless, until standardization occurs, the knowledge you gain in whatever course you choose will be valuable, and allow you to provide your customers with a quality work product.

Certified Applicator Program For Anti-Growth^TM

Camden Products, LLC (CamproŽ) markets its products to the professional market under the brand name CamproŽ. The national marketing program is designed to promote the use of CamproŽ products in the fields of new construction, remediation/restoration, and facility and building maintenance.

Success in these markets requires three major components: First, any new product(s) must address customer problems for which no viable solution is currently available, or provides a better and/or more cost-effective solution than current products or procedures offer. Second, the product must be marketed and be made available through a knowledgeable and customer-supportive national distribution and sales network. Third, total success in terms of quality involves more than just great products and distribution. Total quality success depends on the appropriate use of the products and proper jobsite preparation and execution by the application contractor. The CamproŽ market strategy recognizes the value of the application contractor. The CamproŽ Certified Applicator Program is designed to train successful contractors in the safe, proper, and most effective ways to apply CamproŽ products, thereby profitably growing their business.

Certification is only currently available in the U.S. (excluding California) and Puerto Rico.

Contractor Qualification

The CamproŽ Certified Applicator program is directed toward contractors currently serving the new construction, mold remediation, disaster restoration, and facility and building maintenance industries. Contractors from various disciplines, such as remediation and restoration service, power and pressure cleaning, pest control, and painting, will be trained in the safe, proper, and effective application of CamproŽ products in various situations. Contractors who have been formally trained and certified in their areas of expertise as required by their chosen discipline, who are active members of an appropriate trade association, and who have demonstrated success in business are preferred.

Certification Structure

To participate in the CamproŽ Certified Applicator Program, a company must designate a principal member of the company as the "primary" certified representative. The primary representative must then successfully complete the training program. The continued certification of the company resides in the certification of that person. The company must be sure to have a replacement primary representative certified, should the original primary leave the company for any reason. Any other employees of the certified company who will supervise or apply CamproŽ products must also be certified.

Two classifications of certification have been established, Certified Applicator and Certified Master Applicator. Certified Applicators are trained to prepare and treat building exteriors and interiors of unoccupied buildings. Contractors in this classification are normally from the power and pressure cleaning and painting professions. Certified Master Applicators receive the same basic training as the Certified Applicator, plus the additional education necessary to treat structures that are regularly occupied. Contractors in this classification are normally from the mold remediation, disaster restoration, professional cleaning and pest control professions.

Training

Candidates wanting to become certified may fill out the Online Application Form and submit for approval. Upon application approval and notification, payment should be submitted using the Shopping Cart (check for the appropriate certification type). Once payment has been received, a password will be issued for entry into the password protected section of the site where the Certified Applicator Manual can be accessed and printed. After reviewing the Manual, the applicant may then take the online test and submit for processing. The test will be graded and the applicant contacted by our office.

Benefits

Certified Applicator companies will be listed in a Certified Applicator Locator service on the CamproŽ website www.anti-growth.com. Camden Products, LLC will, in its marketing and advertising programs, continuously stress the value to the end customer. The customer will be advised to ask any potential application contractor for evidence of certification by showing a current CamproŽ Certified Applicator identification card.

Certified Applicators will be provided brochures, "doughnut" advertising, and signage layouts on CD or via our online "member only" technical support section. Certified Applicators will benefit from highly-qualified leads generated by the company's e-Search program. The leads are forwarded to distribution sales representative for follow up. Close team work between the sales representative and Certified Applicators will benefit all parties.

As the Certified Applicator Program grows and develops, the company plans to offer seminars designed to help the Certified Applicator grow his/her business and become more profitable. The company also plans to add value to certification by negotiating discounts for Certified Applicators with various providers of goods, services, lodging, and vacation packages.

Apply for the program