Lead-Based Paint Abatement and Evaluation Program: Individual Recertification

You must be recertified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) before your current certification expires if you wish to continue conducting lead-based paint activities as an inspector, supervisor, risk assessor, project designer or abatement worker in states and tribes where EPA implements the lead-based paint certification program. The following are questions frequently asked by individuals seeking recertification.

On this page:

• Timeline to apply for and receive recertification
• Late applications or delays in fulfilling requirements
• Requirements for applying for recertification
• Requirements for refresher training
• Third-party certification exams
• Requirements for passport photos
• Have a question?

​On another page:

• Fee and refund policy

Timeline to Apply for and Receive Recertification

You must be recertified by EPA before your current certification expires. EPA therefore recommends that you submit your application online no later than 90 days before your current certification expires.

You must take refresher training before you apply for recertification to EPA. You should begin looking for available courses well before your current certification expires, because refresher courses may not be available in your area on a frequent basis. However, EPA recommends that you take your refresher training no earlier than 18 months before your current certification expires. You will not lose time from your current certification if you take refresher training early. When your application for recertification is approved, EPA will issue you a certificate that begins on your current expiration date and expires three years from that date.

Late Applications or Delays in Fulfilling Requirements

You must have taken a refresher course, completed the application process, and received a certificate from EPA before your current certification expires. If the application process is not completed, then you must retake the appropriate course from an accredited training program and reapply for initial certification from EPA (including passing a third-party exam, if required). If you do not receive recertification from EPA before your current certification expires, then you cannot conduct lead-based paint activities.

Requirements for Applying for Recertification

Application for recertification is done online. You must take an accredited refresher training course and then be prepared to attach the following when completing your online application:

• PDF copy of your course completion certificate.
• Passport photograph (JPG format preferred).
• Credit card, debit card, or information needed to complete an Automated Clearing House (ACH) payment of the applicable fee.

Requirements for Refresher Training

You must take an accredited refresher training course for each discipline in which you are certified. The courses must be accredited either by EPA or by an EPA-authorized state or tribal lead-based paint program.

If you are unable to find an accredited refresher course in your discipline, then you may take an accredited initial course in your discipline. If you choose this option, then you must successfully complete the entire course.

Third-Party Certification Exams

No third-party exam is required for recertification, even if you choose to take another initial training course rather than a refresher training course.

Requirements for Passport Photos

You must submit a passport photograph (JPG format is preferred). The photograph must be:

• Recent enough to be a good likeness (taken within the last 6 months);
• Clear with a front view of your face taking up the majority of the area (no hats or dark glasses) with a white or off-white background;
• Focused on your head and shoulders; and
• Retouched and profile images are not acceptable.