Doug Hoffman, Executive Director of NORMI (National Organization of Remediators and Mold Inspectors) announced last night on CE Training that the month of October will be dedicated to the memory of Della White, NORMI Director, who succombed to breast cancer in January of 2011. October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

“Della dedicated her life to developing relationships because she loved people,” said Doug Hoffman. “She set a high bar for NORMI to create an environment in which people felt important, because they are! She wanted people to succeed and worked hard to make sure our training and certification processes led people to the success they desired. Every single member was important to her.”

An estimated 207,090 new cases of invasive breast cancer were diagnosed in women in the US in 2010 and nearly 40,000 women died as a result of breast cancer. Although, according to the US Bureau of Statistics, breast cancer incidence rates in the US decreased by about 2% per year from 1999 to 2006, every death touches families and friends all across the US. Della White’s life touched thousands of people and her legacy will continue to be upheld by those who loved her.

NORMI has partnered with NORMIPro Environmental TASC Force (www.NORMIProETF.com) to provide opportunities throughout the month of October to donate a portion of their expenditures or profits to the Della White Cancer Research foundation, administered by her daughter, Jenna Piazza. NORMI is encouraging its strategic partners to share in the effort in whatever form they feel comfortable.

For more information, please contact NORMI at 877.251.2296 or go directly to www.NORMIProETF.com to contribute to the cause.

1) Many states simply will not accept online classes for licensure. Some of those reasons will be itemized here but the practical problem is obvious—how do you know who has actually taken the course? When someone is sitting in the classroom, completes an attendance voucher and takes a proctored examination, there is no doubt that the licensee is qualified to hold the license.

2) You cannot experience hands-on training with online courses. As good as the online experience might be, holding, cutting, taping and donning can only be done effectively onsite. This practical experience is especially important with trying sampling techniques, donning PPE and establishing containment. There is no substitute for hands-on training.

3) Teacher to student interaction is best when you can look each other in the eye and ask a question then discuss the answer. In many of our classes we have multiple trainers. CMR and CMA classes typically give time for panel discussions that include all of the trainers so their experiences can be analyzed and their modules can be explained in practical detail. As good as the online experience might be, onsite classes make the learning experience easier.

4) Building a relationship with the trainer is offered by Best Training School because we believe it is important for you to have a resource, someone to contact when you have a problem in the field. That’s simply impossible with the online experience.

Are you considering a class that might not even qualify for state licensure? It’s not about the money but it’s about an investment in your future. Will you get the certification you need so you can grandfather in when your state requires licensure. Best Training School is training that will lead you to licensure in Texas, Florida, Louisiana, Maryland and Virginia. There simply is no better alternative.

Best Training School is now scheduling classes in Florida, California, Virginia, Arizona, Pennsylvania, Louisiana and Ohio because the demand for onsite classes is growing. If your company would like to have a class designed around your business model, please call Best Training School at 800.856.4803 to discuss the development of a curriculum for your organization. Certifications can be offered by NORMI, the National Organization of Remediators and Mold Inspectors, if desired.

NORMI, the National Organization of Remediators and Mold Inspectors, conducted its first Virginia Mold Licensing class in Alexandria last week between an earthquake and impending Hurricane Irene. The successful training provided three days of mold training for professionals who were interested in being trained as Mold Inspectors and Mold Remediator Supervisors which include a curriculum sponsored by NORMI, a Virginia Board-Approved training provider. This training included 24 hours of training centered on the techniques of assessment and remediation including hands-on training, lectures, and the specifics of mold, its helath effects and mold management for removal.

“We started the week with a thundering earthquake and finished with flight to prepare for the impending hurricane,” reported Doug Hoffman, Executive Director of NORMI. “Amidst the excitement we provided excellent mold training from four highly experienced and dedicated trainers who converged on Alexandra, PA from Florida, South Carolina, New Jersey and Louisiana. All in all we were impressed with the dedication and commitment of these mold professionals who came and stayed for the express purpose of getting the training they need to comply with the Virginia Mold Licensing law. We will be in Pennsylvania next week and anticipate another great group of guys who want to learn better how to practice their craft.”

For more information on classes designed specifically to meet the Virginia Mold Licensing Law contact Best Training School at 888.856.4803 or view the easy-to-understand mold training video for more information. Classes are being conducted in Virginia and other states. The next class will be held in Pennsylvania, PA at the Schapers Supply store. For information on NORMI, contact 877.251.2296 or email support@normi.org. Facilities Maintenance Directors, Home Inspectors, General Contractors and other professionals who deal with toxic mold removal should consider taking this course to understand the correct standards that should be utilized to remove toxic mold from indoor environments.

Abita Springs, 08/19/2011

NORMI, the National Organization of Remediators and Mold Inspectors, announced today that mold classes have been scheduled in Pennsylvania to meet the new Commonwealth of Virginia DPOR Mold Licensing Law and give Pennsylvania mold professionals the training and credibility they need to succeed in the marketplace. The classes will be held at Schaper’s Supply in Philadelphia, PA on 09/27-29/11 and include the 16 hour Mold Worker, 24 hour Mold Remediator Supervisor and 24 hour Mold Inspector courses. Each course offers a proctored examination at the end of the final day and provides the needed paperwork to secure Virginia licensing. NORMI was approved in July as a training provider for the Virginia Mold Licensing law as well as Louisiana and Florida and is scheduling classes throughout the eastern seaboard to meet these licensing requirements.

“We are excited to be able to offer a regional training in Pennsylvania,” said Doug Hoffman, CEO of NORMI. “Training is essential for mold professionals who want to do it right and the public will be protected when they hire a NORMI pro! Our goal is to train as many professionals who want to enter this industry or expand their knowledge to include a better understanding of the IICRC, NYC Guidelines and EPA standards. This is a great opportunity for all mold professionals who want to perfect their craft!”

Classes are listed at www.BestTrainingSchool.com where students can register with a small down payment or call 888.856.4803 to register by phone. A fax registration is also available at the online registration website. For more information about NORMI, contact 877.251.2296 or email support@normi.org

NORMI, the National Organization of Remediators and Mold Inspectors, announced today that classes have been scheduled in Virginia to meet the new Commonwealth of Virginia DPOR Mold Licensing Law. The classes will be held at the Holiday Inn–Eisenhower in Alexandria, Virginia on 08/24-26/11 and include the 16 hour Mold Worker, 24 hour Mold Remediator Supervisor and 24 hour Mold Inspector courses. Each course offers a proctored examination at the end of the final day and provides the needed paperwork to secure Virginia licensing. NORMI was approved in July as a training provider for the Virginia Mold Licensing law and is scheduling classes throughout the eastern seaboard to meet this licensing requirement.  Virginia has very specific training and experience requirements and the Best Training School courses have been specifically designed to meet the trianing requirements including the examination process, included in the courses. 

“We are excited to be able to offer a regional training in Virginia,” said Doug Hoffman, CEO of NORMI. “We have been in discussion with the state for four years in regards to this new licensing requirement and extremely that the legislature took such a common sense, business-friendly approach to the licensing requirement. Training is essential for mold professionals who want to do it right and the public will be protected when they hire a NORMI pro! Our goal is to train as many professionals who want to enter this industry or expand their knowledge to include a better understanding of the IICRC, NYC Guidelines and EPA standards. This is a great day for the public and professionals!”
Classes are listed at www.BestTrainingSchool.com where students can register with a small down payment or call 888.856.4803 to register by phone. A fax registration is also available at the online registration website. For more information about NORMI, contact 877.251.2296 or email support@normi.org

updated 08/19/2011

The Commonwealth of Virginia legislature has put into place a Mold Licensing Law regulating work in the mold industry effective July 1, 2011. Professionals must be licensed in three areas of expertise, namely Mold Remediation Worker, Mold Remediation Supervisor and Mold Inspector. Additionally, NORMI, the National Organization of Remediators and Mold Inspectors has been approved as a training provider to train and test applicants in preparation for licensure. To qualify, each license requires the licensee to be trained in the areas of their preferred interest and such training is now available at www.BestTrainingSchool.com

“NORMI continues to gain credibility through its training partners and certifications and this is yet another State that recognizes the work we accomplish through our professional membership and administrative team,” said Doug Hoffman, Executive Director of NORMI. “We believe the regulation of this industry is imperative to protecting the public and the professionals who need recognition that they are doing their work competently, efficiently and at a fair price to the public. We are very proud of the designation the Commonwealth of Virginia has bestowed upon us and our team. With FL, LA, VA and many other states recognizing our efforts, those interested in learning how to grow their business in this economy should take a look at what we have to offer in terms of insurance benefits, member support and continuing education opportunites.”

Virginia licensing requires the proper training and a proctored examination and these regulations are met by the training programs now available at www.BestTrainingSchool.com For more information, please contact NORMI at 877.251.2296 or Best Training School, LLC at 888.856.4803

Effective immediately, NORMI, the National Organization of Remediators and Mold Inspectors, has been approved as a State Training Provider for the Florida DBPR (Department of Business and Professional Regulation) Home Inspectors Board. This will enable NORMI to begin offering building science, mold inspection and other types of courses specifically designed to help home inspectors be more effective in their analysis of building problems.

“This is a big day for NORMI,” said Executive Director Doug Hoffman, “because we have continued to grow our credibility every time a government board recognizes the value of what we do. There is no ‘national credibility board’ and so it is important for us when States like Florida approve our training and certification. It’s why we are able to then pass on our credibility to our members who need to set themselves apart from all the guys in the marketplace who are NOT certified, trained or licensed.”

The Florida Home Inspector Board was formed in July, 2010 to facilitate the licensing of Home Inspectors in the State of Florida. There are now specific requirements in place to assure that those who are representing themselves are “qualified” have, in fact, met insurance, training, experience and certification requirements. Though there was an effort to deregulate this industry, the legislation stands and Home Inspectors must now take continuing education credits every two years to keep their licensing current.

For more information on NORMI, email support@normi.org or call 877.251.2296. For classes which might qualify for CEUs, go to www.BestTrainingSchool.com or call 888.856.4803

NORMI, the National Organization of Remediators and Mold Inspectors, announced today that a very important step in the direction of changing the current Mold-Related Services Licensing Law was taken in Tallahassee by the House of Representatives passing legislation that would deregulate 14 businesses, professions and occupations. The bill passed along party lines with a 77-38 roll call vote and Republicans touted it as a victory for the consumer and businessman while Democrats complained that this type of deregulation puts the public at risk.

The bill deregulates sports agents; auctioneers; sellers of business opportunities; charitable organizations; hair braiders; dance studios; health studios; instra-state movers; sellers of travel; travel agents; telemarketing; and yacht brokers. Those in the mold industry successfully lobbied to have the Mold-Related Services Licensing Law removed from this bill and legislators introduced another bill, HB 5007 that would not deregulate but revise the existing law which went into effect July 1, 2010.

“It is our opinion that deregulation was not the route to take,” said NORMI Executive Director Doug Hoffman, “but we do believe that a ‘tweaking’ of the current law would enhance the ability of mold professionals to do their work more efficiently. Though we are still looking closely at HB 5007, it appears to benefit the profession while continuing to protect the public from unscrupulous assessors and remediators who have plagued this profession for years. We are pleased that the law was not completely repealed and Florida seems to be setting standard that, in our opinion, could and should be accepted by other states.”

The House also voted 80-38 passing HB 5007 that would reduce penalties for violating business regulations and modifying various regulations including a reduction in licensing, examination and training for mold assessors and remediators. Rep. Franklin Sands, D-Weston, argued, “people will die” because of the mold changes. He went on to say, “The charlatans and the scammers are going to move to Florida to be in the mold and mildew business.”

According to legislative experts, the bill’s prospects are uncertain when it goes to the Senate because no similar legislation has been filed there as yet.

NORMI was established on July 4, 2004 to provide training and certification for mold professionals throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. NORMI is also an approved Training Provider for the Mold-Related Services Board (#0003605) and CILB (#050148598) under the DBPR in the State of Florida. For more information on training programs, certification processes, or mold, in general, you may contact NORMI at 877.251.2296 or contact support@normi.org

Enforcement has begun on the EPA Lead RRP program. The fines are stiff, up to $37,500 per violation! So, read on and then answer the question, “Have you been trained?”

While agents may be quite busy with the leads provided by tips and anonymous calls, townships have begun to require the certification in order to obtain a permit, insurers are not renewing policies without it, and law firms are buying up web space in anticipation of many lead paint poisoning cases to pursue;things we are confident will not adversely impact our course graduates!

In speaking with EPA agents, the tone is one of common sense. No one is looking to levy a fine against contractors who are making a good faith effort to comply. One might paraphrase to say that agents aren’t going to come measure the poly on the floor, but there had better BE poly to protect the site or you will face a willful violation. The goal should be for contractors to keep their customers and crew safe and healthy. Agents we spoke to also stressed the importance of safety for the purpose of guarding against litigation. The EPA’s current posture is one of educating, not alienating. Agents seemed understanding of the rigors of compliance and eager to help with questions and issues.

Just this week NORMI received a telephone call from a member who had taken our class but lost his certificate. The Federal Agent who visited him onsite was friendly enough but not very forgiving about the certificate. NORMI got a panic call requesting a duplicate–can you find your certificate? We suggest you keep it with you.

So, the EPA is in the marketplace checking to see if you’ve been trained. If you haven’t you may jeopardize the business you’ve built and the assets you’ve accumulated. Don’t delay, consider how you can get trained TODAY. There are many ways to get the training you need and NORMI, as an approved EPA training provider, recommends you stay right here and review your training options. Check for a class in your area or, if you have some employees who need this training, consider hosting a Best Training School class in your office. It’s the only smart thing to do!