Mold Assessment vs. Mold Remediation in Texas

General information, not legal, medical, engineering or insurance advice.

Texas licenses two kinds of mold work: mold assessment, which works out where mold is and why it's there and sets the plan, and mold remediation, which removes it. The two roles are kept separate by law. Here's what each covers under chapter 1958 of the Texas Occupations Code and TDLR's mold rules (16 Texas Administrative Code chapter 78), and when you need each. Rules change, so treat the sources linked below as the authority.

The four main Texas mold licenses

TDLR also licenses mold assessment technicians, mold remediation workers, mold analysis laboratories and training providers. This directory lists the four license types above, from TDLR's public license files.³

How a Texas mold job usually runs

1. Assessment. A licensed mold assessment consultant inspects, looks for the moisture source, samples if useful, and writes a mold remediation protocol: what has to be removed or cleaned, how, and what counts as done.
2. Remediation. A licensed mold remediation contractor writes a work plan that follows the protocol and does the work. TDLR's FAQ says that even on a job under 25 contiguous square feet, a licensed remediation contractor must follow a protocol developed by a licensed assessment consultant.²
3. Post-remediation assessment. A licensed assessment consultant checks the area. When the project passes, the remediator gives the owner a Certificate of Mold Damage Remediation (Texas Department of Insurance form MDR-1).^2,4

The same-project rule

Section 1958.155 of the Occupations Code says a license holder may not perform both mold assessment and mold remediation on the same project, and a person may not own an interest in both the entity that performs assessment and the entity that performs remediation on the same project. The exception is a license holder employed by a school district working on that district's project.¹ TDLR's FAQ confirms that a person or company may hold both licenses, but may not do both activities on the same project.²

When do you need a license? The 25 square foot line

TDLR says that in most cases, visible mold of less than 25 contiguous square feet can be cleaned up by people who are not licensed, and that certain exemptions apply to buildings with fewer than 10 rental units, including houses.² The statute's exemptions also cover, for example, some owners and tenants working on their own property and some residential builders during construction.¹ If you do hire a licensed remediator, TDLR says they must follow the law and rules whatever the size of the job.²

Which one do you need?

• You smell mold but can't see it, or you suspect it inside walls, ceilings or the HVAC system: start with an assessment consultant.
• Large or repeat growth, water damage or a flood: an assessment consultant writes the protocol, then get remediation quotes against it.
• A small visible patch under 25 square feet in your own home: you may be able to clean it yourself following EPA's guidance. Fix the moisture first.
• Buying or selling: ask for any Certificates of Mold Damage Remediation for the property.

Check the license

Look up the name or license number on TDLR License Search. See how to verify a Texas mold license, or find licensees in your county.

Sources

1. Texas Occupations Code, chapter 1958, Mold Assessors and Remediators (sections 1958.101, 1958.102, 1958.155).
2. TDLR, Mold Assessors and Remediators FAQ.
3. TDLR, Mold Assessors and Remediators program and license data files.
4. Texas Department of Insurance, Certificate of Mold Damage Remediation (MDR-1).