Practice Test Geeks(CMA) Certified Mold Assessor Practice Test
← All CMA Flashcard Decks

Mold Identification & Types Flashcards

7 cards from real CMA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Mold Identification & Types flashcards as text

  1. Which mold is classified as a thermophilic organism and can grow at temperatures above 45°C?

    Answer: Aspergillus fumigatus

    Aspergillus fumigatus is thermophilic and can grow at temperatures up to 55°C, making it a concern in compost piles and HVAC systems.

  2. In mold taxonomy, what does the term 'xerophilic' mean?

    Answer: Capable of growing at very low water activity

    Xerophilic molds can grow at very low water activity (aw), meaning they tolerate dry conditions better than most fungi.

  3. Fusarium species are most commonly associated with which indoor substrate?

    Answer: Carpets and water-damaged flooring materials

    Fusarium is commonly found on water-damaged carpets and flooring and is also an important plant pathogen and emerging human pathogen.

  4. What is the primary difference between mold and mildew as used in the field?

    Answer: Mildew typically refers to powdery or downy plant pathogens or surface fungi; mold refers to invasive fungal growth

    In common and professional usage, 'mildew' typically refers to superficial, powdery fungal growth on surfaces or plants, while 'mold' denotes deeper, invasive fungal colonization.

  5. Chaetomium is particularly significant in building assessments because it indicates what condition?

    Answer: Prolonged water intrusion or chronic wetting of cellulosic materials

    Chaetomium requires prolonged moisture on cellulosic substrates like drywall paper and cardboard, making its presence a strong indicator of chronic water damage.

  6. Which analytical method allows identification of mold genera from air samples by examining spore morphology under a microscope?

    Answer: Spore trap analysis (e.g., Zefon Air-O-Cell)

    Spore trap sampling collects airborne particles on a sticky surface that is then examined microscopically to identify and count mold spores by morphology.

  7. A mold assessor finds pink-pigmented colonies on a water-damaged ceiling tile. Which genus is most likely?

    Answer: Fusarium

    Fusarium species frequently produce pink, salmon, or lavender pigmentation and are found on water-damaged building materials.