Clearance testing is the final step of any IICRC S520-compliant mold remediation and the critical quality control measure that confirms the work was done correctly. The clearance test must be performed by an independent licensed mold assessor — the company or individual that performed the remediation cannot perform their own clearance test. This independence is mandated by the NYS 2015 Mold Law and is best practice in all markets.
The timing and conditions of clearance testing are specified in the written remediation protocol. Standard protocol requires that containment remains fully in place when samples are collected, that the HEPA-filtered negative air machine has been running for at least 4 hours before sampling, and that an outdoor control sample is collected simultaneously with indoor samples.
Clearance criteria are met when indoor spore counts in the previously affected area are at or below outdoor background levels (Condition 1) for all species. If results show elevated counts, the remediator must address the deficiency and another clearance test must be performed. All clearance results — pass or fail — should be retained as permanent documentation.
Señales de que necesita prueba de autorización
- Remediation has been completed and containment is still in place
- The written protocol specifies clearance testing as a completion requirement
- A real estate transaction requires documented proof of successful remediation
- An insurance claim requires certified clearance documentation
- The remediator has offered to perform their own clearance (this should be declined)
- A previous clearance test failed and re-clearance is required after additional work
Por qué Miami lo sufre
New York and New Jersey: under the NYS 2015 Mold Law, clearance testing by a separate licensed mold assessor is a legal requirement — the remediator cannot self-certify clearance. This applies to all NYS projects and is strongly recommended for NJ and FL projects.
Baltimore: Maryland does not currently have a state-level mold licensing law equivalent to NYS, but independent clearance testing is considered best practice and is required by many lenders and homeowner insurance carriers when approving remediation claims.
Miami: Florida has mold assessor and mold remediator licensing administered by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation — separate licences are required, reinforcing the independence requirement for clearance testing.