How to Become a Mold Inspector in Texas
Updated April 13, 2025 | Brad Fishbein
Thinking about becoming a mold inspector in Texas? Smart move. Between humid summers, growing housing stock, and an increased focus on indoor air quality, licensed mold professionals are in high demand statewide.
This guide gives you the step-by-step roadmap to get licensed as a Mold Assessment Technician or Consultant in Texas — with links to official sources from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR)1 and the U.S. EPA2.
🧾 Mold Licensing Overview in Texas
| License Type | Description | Issued By |
|---|---|---|
| Mold Assessment Technician | Assists licensed consultants with inspections and sampling | TDLR1 |
| Mold Assessment Consultant | Performs independent assessments and creates remediation plans | TDLR1 |
| Mold Remediation Contractor | Removes mold (separate license) | TDLR1 |
“A license issued by TDLR is required to perform mold assessment or remediation in Texas.” — TDLR Mold Licensing Program1
🛠️ Step-by-Step: How to Become a Mold Inspector in Texas
1. Meet the Basic Requirements
To apply for any mold license in Texas, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Hold a high school diploma or GED
- Be legally eligible to work in the U.S.
- Submit fingerprints for a background check3
2. Choose a License Path: Technician or Consultant
Technician = Entry-level
Consultant = Independent, higher responsibility
| Role | Education Requirement | Exam Required | Can Work Independently? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Technician | State-approved 24 hr course | Yes | ❌ |
| Assessment Consultant | Bachelor's degree OR 60 hrs college + 1 year experience | Yes | ✅ |
“Only licensed mold assessment consultants may perform independent mold investigations or sign reports.” — TDLR1
3. Complete a State-Approved Training Course
You must take an approved course from a provider recognized by TDLR.
Recommended Providers:
| Course Type | Duration | Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Technician Course | 24 hours | Sampling, safety, Texas mold law |
| Consultant Course | 40+ hours | Advanced inspection, analysis, regulations |
Most courses include exam prep and cost between $300–$700.
4. Pass the State Licensing Exam
Once you’ve completed your course, you’ll need to pass the TDLR-approved exam.
| License Type | Exam Content | Passing Score |
|---|---|---|
| Technician | Mold basics, Texas rules, sampling methods | 70%+ |
| Consultant | Advanced theory, building science, remediation | 70%+ |
Exams are administered by third-party providers such as PSI or directly through the training program.
5. Apply for Your License with TDLR
- Create an account: TDLR Online Licensing
- Submit application and training documents
- Upload exam results and fingerprint clearance3
- Pay license fees (see below)
| License Type | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| Assessment Technician | $50 |
| Assessment Consultant | $100 |
Licenses must be renewed every 2 years, with 8 hours of continuing education.
💰 Estimated Cost Breakdown
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Approved Mold Training Course | $300–$700 |
| Exam Fees (via provider) | $100–$150 |
| Fingerprinting / Background Check | ~$50 |
| TDLR License Application | $50–$100 |
| Study Materials (Optional) | $25–$75 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $525–$1,075+ |
💼 Mold Inspector Salary & Outlook in Texas
| Role | Average Salary | Demand |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level Technician | $42,000 | Growing |
| Licensed Consultant | $60,000–$80,000 | High |
| Consultant + Litigation Work | $85,000+ | Niche / Legal |
“Texas is one of the few states with mandatory mold licensing, creating a strong job market for trained professionals.” — U.S. EPA2
🔗 Explore More Texas Trades
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- Carpenter in Texas
🙋 Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a license to inspect for mold in Texas?
Yes. Performing mold inspections or assessments without a TDLR license is illegal.
Can I be both a mold inspector and remediator?
No. Texas law prohibits one person or company from doing both on the same project.
Is field experience required for a mold license?
Only for the consultant license. Technicians can get started with training and a passing score on the exam.
What if I already have a science degree?
A bachelor's in science may satisfy education requirements for the consultant license, but you must still pass the exam.
📚 Citations
-
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) – Mold Licensing Program: https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/mld/mld.htm ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩
-
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency – Mold Resources: https://www.epa.gov/mold ↩ ↩
-
Texas Department of Public Safety – Fingerprint Services: https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/crime-records/fingerprint-services ↩ ↩
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Meet the author: Brad Fishbein is a Florida Licensed Mold Assessor and council-certified Microbial Investigator. He’s the founder of TradeCareerPath.com and has completed over 5,000 mold inspections since 2009. Brad now helps homeowners and tradespeople make smart decisions about mold, licensing, and skilled career paths.
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