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Fact Sheet - Individuals Seeking Lead Abatement Certification
You must apply to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to be certified as an inspector, supervisor, risk assessor, project designer, or abatement worker if you wish to conduct lead-based paint activities in states and Indian tribal lands where EPA implements the lead-based paint certification program. Information regarding the authorization status of a particular state or tribe can be found on the Internet at epa.gov/lead/traincert.htm or by contacting the National Lead Information Center (NLIC) at 1-800-424-LEAD. The following are questions frequently asked by individuals seeking certification.
When may I begin conducting lead-based paint activities?
What activities may each discipline perform?
When must I apply for certification?
How do I apply for certification?
What if I am already certified by an EPA authorized state or tribal program?
Are there any special requirements for the passport photos?
Where do I mail my application?
What will happen when EPA receives my application?
Do I ever need to be recertified?
Where can I get more information or copies of the application forms and instructions?
When may I begin conducting lead-based paint activities?
You may begin work immediately after receiving a course completion certificate from an initial training course that is accredited by EPA. This certificate serves as interim certification for six months following completion of training. This gives you time to complete the certification process, including taking the third party exam (if required for your discipline). However, if you do not pass the exam within six months your interim certification will expire and you will not be able to work.
What activities may each discipline perform?
- Inspectors may perform inspection and post-abatement clearance activities.
- Risk assessors may perform inspection, post-abatement clearance, lead hazard screen, and risk assessment activities.
- Abatement supervisors may supervise abatement projects and prepare occupant protection plans and abatement reports.
- Supervisors may also perform all of the abatement activities that may be performed by abatement workers.
- Project designers may prepare occupant protection plans and abatement reports for abatement projects.
- Abatement workers may conduct abatement activities under the direction of certified abatement supervisors.
When must I apply for certification?
You must complete the application process, including the third party exam (if required for your discipline), before the expiration date of your interim certification. Submit your application for certification to EPA within 30 days of completing your initial training course so that you have plenty of time to take the third party exam and ensure that your application is complete before your interim certification expires.
How do I apply for certification?
To apply for certification, you must send the following materials to EPA:
- Completed application (EPA Form 8500-28).
- Copy of your course completion certificate.
- Two identical passport photographs.
- Check or money order for the appropriate fee.
- Evidence that you meet all of the education, experience, and training requirements for the discipline (e.g., academic transcripts, resume, and training course completion certificates).
Besides the initial training course, what are the education, experience and training requirements for each discipline?
- Lead-Based Paint Inspector
- None.
- Lead-Based Paint Risk Assessor
- Pass an accredited inspector course.
- Meet one of the following requirements:
- Bachelor's degree and one year of experience in a related field, or
- an Associates degree and two years experience in a related field; or
- Certification as an industrial hygienist, professional engineer, registered architect and/or certification in a related engineering/health/environmental field, or
- A high school diploma (or equivalent), and at least three years of experience in a related field.
- Lead-Based Paint Abatement Supervisor
- Meet one of the following requirements:
- One year of experience as a certified lead-based paint abatement worker, or
- At least two years of experience in a related field.
- Lead-Based Paint Project Designer
- Pass an accredited supervisor course.
- Meet one of the following requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in engineering, architecture, or a related profession, and one year of experience in building construction and design or a related field, or
- Four years of experience in building construction and design or a related field.
- Lead-Based Paint Abatement Worker
- None.
What if I am already certified by an EPA authorized state or tribal program?
If you are already certified by an EPA-authorized program in a particular discipline, and you want to obtain Federal certification, you must submit the following to EPA:
- Completed application (EPA form 8500-28).
- Copy of your currently valid certificate (license/permit) from the authorized State or Tribe.
- Two identical passport photographs.
- Check or money order for the appropriate fee.
You do not need to take an EPA-accredited initial training course or the third party exam.
Are there any special requirements for the passport photos?
Yes, you must submit two identical passport photographs of you alone. The photographs must be:
- Recent enough to be a good likeness (taken within the last six months);
- Clear with a front view of your face taking up the majority of the area (no hats or dark glasses) with a white/off-white background;
- Focused on your head and shoulders; and
- Printed from film with dimensions of 2 x 2 inches.
Also please note that retouched, digital, and profile images are not acceptable.
Where do I mail my application?
Mail your application to the following address:
U.S. EPA
Lead User Fees
P.O. Box 979072
St. Louis, MO 63197-9000
You should keep a copy of your application, including your check or money order. You may wish to request a proof of mailing from the US Postal Service to document the date that you mailed your application.
What will happen when EPA receives my application?
If you are applying for certification as an Inspector, Risk Assessor, or Supervisor, EPA will send you a letter that instructs you how to register for and take the required third party exam for that discipline. If you are applying for certification as a Project Designer or Worker, EPA will begin processing your application as soon as it is complete.
What if I do not complete the certification application process before my interim certification expires?
You must have completed the application process and received a certificate from EPA within six months of receiving your course completion certificate. If the application process is not completed you must retake the appropriate course from an accredited training program and reapply for certification from EPA. If you do not receive a certificate from EPA before your interim certification expires you cannot conduct lead-based paint activities.
Do I ever need to be recertified?
Yes, you must be recertified every three or five years. Your EPA certificate will indicate when your certification expires. See the Recertification Fact Sheet for further information.
Where can I get more information or copies of the application forms and instructions?
General information, forms, and instructions are available from the National Lead Information Center (NLIC) at 1-800-424-LEAD (5323) or on EPA's website at www.epa.gov/lead. The forms and instructions are available at www.epa.gov/lead/traincert.htm