IICRC AMRT (Applied Microbial Remediation Technician)
The IICRC AMRT (Applied Microbial Remediation Technician) certification covers mold assessment, containment, remediation procedures, and post-remediation verification following the IICRC S520 standard.
Prerequisites
- Check iicrc.org for current prerequisites. WRT certification or equivalent may be recommended or required since mold issues frequently follow water damage
Exam details
AMRT certification requires completing an IICRC-approved course and passing a proctored exam. The course covers the S520 standard for mold remediation. Check iicrc.org for current exam details.
Cost
Costs vary by training provider. Check iicrc.org for approved schools and current AMRT course pricing.
Renewal period
AMRT certification requires periodic renewal. Visit iicrc.org for current renewal timelines.
Continuing education
Continuing education credits are required for AMRT renewal. Check iicrc.org for current CEC requirements.
Career relevance
Mold remediation is a growing segment of the restoration industry, and it carries significant liability. AMRT certification demonstrates that you follow the S520 standard, which protects you legally and satisfies carrier requirements. Many states have specific regulations around mold remediation, and IICRC certification is often referenced as the standard of care.
Mold Remediation Requires Certified Expertise
Mold damage is one of the most liability-heavy areas of restoration work. Improper mold remediation can cause health issues for occupants, lead to litigation, and result in claims against your business insurance. The IICRC AMRT (Applied Microbial Remediation Technician) certification trains technicians in the proper procedures for assessing, containing, and remediating mold growth following the IICRC S520 standard.
Mold issues almost always follow water damage. When water intrusion is not dried properly or goes undetected, mold growth can begin within 24-48 hours. This connection between water and mold is why WRT certification provides valuable background knowledge for AMRT candidates.
What the AMRT Course Covers
The AMRT program is built around the S520 standard and covers the full mold remediation lifecycle:
- Mold biology: How mold grows, what conditions promote growth, and the health considerations that drive remediation protocols.
- Assessment: How to evaluate the extent of mold contamination, determine affected materials, and develop a remediation scope.
- Containment: Engineering controls to prevent cross-contamination during remediation, including negative air pressure, barriers, and HEPA filtration.
- Remediation procedures: Removal and cleaning methods for different materials and contamination levels, following S520 guidelines.
- Post-remediation verification: Testing and documentation procedures to confirm that remediation was successful and the environment meets clearance criteria.
Regulatory and Legal Considerations
Some states require specific licensing for mold remediation contractors. Even in states without explicit mold laws, the S520 standard is commonly referenced in legal proceedings as the expected standard of care. If a remediation job goes wrong and the occupant gets sick, the question in court will be whether you followed S520 procedures. AMRT certification demonstrates that you were trained on the standard.
Carriers also reference S520 when evaluating mold remediation claims. Following the standard protects your line items from being challenged as unnecessary or non-standard.
How to Get AMRT Certified
Find an IICRC-approved training provider at iicrc.org. Confirm prerequisites, course duration, and pricing with the school. The AMRT course includes a proctored exam. Maintain your certification through IICRC's continuing education program.
Frequently asked questions
AMRT stands for Applied Microbial Remediation Technician. It is the IICRC certification for professionals who perform mold remediation work.
The S520 is the IICRC's Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Mold Remediation. It defines the procedures for mold assessment, containment, removal, and post-remediation verification. The AMRT course teaches the S520 standard.
Some states have specific licensing or certification requirements for mold remediation contractors. Even in states without explicit mold laws, carriers and courts reference the S520 standard as the expected standard of care. Check your state's regulations for specific requirements.
Convert your PDF estimates to ESX
Upload a PDF estimate. CapOut processes it and sends it directly to your Xactimate account.
Get started free
No credit card required