CMA Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CMA facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. How does Aspergillus mold typically appear? → Green, yellow, and black
2. If post-remediation verification sampling fails to meet clearance criteria, what must happen next? → Additional remediation must be performed, followed by repeat verification sampling
3. What is the connection between mold and allergies? → Mold produces allergens that trigger allergic reactions
4. Which type of sampling is most appropriate to determine if a specific surface area is contaminated with mold when the surface appears clean after remediation? → Surface swab or tape lift from the cleaned surface
5. Which ASTM standard provides guidance specifically for the assessment of fungal growth in buildings? → ASTM D7338 (Assessment of Fungal Growth in Buildings)
6. How do moisture levels affect mold growth? → Moisture encourages mold growth by providing the necessary conditions
7. Why is it important to properly contain mold during remediation? → To avoid spreading mold spores to other areas
8. In the executive summary section of a mold assessment report, what should an assessor avoid including? → Specific numerical laboratory results without contextual explanation
9. How do you determine if mold remediation is successful? → If air and surface testing show mold levels within acceptable limits
10. How should mold-contaminated materials be disposed of? → By sealing them in plastic and following disposal guidelines
11. What is the minimum recommended volume of air typically collected per spore trap sample during clearance testing? → 75 liters
12. Why is post-remediation verification important? → To verify that mold has been removed and the area is safe
13. What is the significance of a laboratory reporting 'TNTC' (Too Numerous To Count) on a culture plate result? → Colony density exceeded reliable counting limits, requiring sample dilution or re-sampling
14. What are some common environmental conditions that promote mold growth? → Damp, humid conditions with poor ventilation
15. How should HVAC systems be handled prior to collecting post-remediation clearance air samples? → HVAC should be operating normally so conditions represent typical occupancy
16. Which psychrometric property represents the total heat content (sensible + latent) of moist air? → Enthalpy
17. What is the minimum liability insurance requirement typically mandated for licensed mold assessors under state licensing laws? → General liability and errors & omissions (E&O) insurance
18. What should be done if mold is found in HVAC systems? → Clean, sanitize, and inspect the system
19. How should personal protective equipment (PPE) be disposed of after mold remediation? → Dispose of the PPE in a sealed bag following safety standards
20. Who is generally qualified to perform post-remediation verification in states with mold assessor licensing requirements? → A licensed mold assessor who is independent of the remediation contractor
21. Which element should always be included in a mold assessment report to provide professional defensibility? → The assessor's license number, qualifications, and signature
22. Which of the following is a sign of hidden mold growth? → Musty odors and unexplained water stains
23. What does a 'raw spore count' from a spore trap analysis represent? → The actual number of spores counted on the analysis slide before any calculations
24. Under OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (HazCom/GHS), what document must be available to workers who may be exposed to chemical mold remediation products? → Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
25. Which section of a mold assessment report typically defines the specific actions required to remediate identified mold conditions? → Conclusions and recommendations / remediation protocol
26. What is the standard outdoor control (background) sample used for during post-remediation clearance testing? → To provide a baseline comparison for indoor air sample results
27. When documenting moisture readings in a mold assessment report, what information must be recorded alongside the meter reading value? → The meter type, calibration status, material type tested, and exact location measured
28. What does a high WUFI (Wärme- und Feuchtetransport) simulation result indicating 'mold growth potential' primarily depend on? → Temperature and relative humidity at the material surface over time
29. In building diagnostics, what does a blower door test primarily measure? → Overall air leakage rate of the building envelope
30. What does settled dust sampling during post-remediation verification help assess? → The cumulative historical burden of mold spores that have settled onto surfaces over time