Lead Inspector

A lead inspector certification is for a person who does full or partial lead inspections, lead-free property inspections, and clearances. They don’t give advice or options for controlling lead paint hazards, but they may use an X-ray fluorescence (XRF) device.

Type

Initial, Renewal

Description

In Wisconsin, a person must be certified to work with lead-based paint. A lead inspector certification is for a person who does full or partial lead inspections, lead-free property inspections, and clearances. They don’t give advice or options for controlling lead paint hazards, but they may use an X-ray fluorescence (XRF) device.

Lead inspectors must be associated with a certified lead company when doing lead work.

Duration

Two years. A one-day refresher training is required every two years to renew. However, the one-day refresher training is not currently offered by any Wisconsin provider.

To qualify for renewal, choose one of the following options:

Complete a four-hour lead sampling technician refresher training and repeat the two-day lead inspector initial training with a Wisconsin provider.
Complete a one-day lead inspector refresher training from an out-of-state training provider* with accreditation from Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or an EPA-authorized state lead program.

*Note: An additional processing fee of $25 is required from applicants with out-of-state training.

Fees

$325 for two years. State and local government workers don’t have to pay the fee.

Prerequisites

You must be 18 or older and complete the following training courses:

The one-day initial lead sampling course.
The two-day initial lead inspection course.

See Wis. Admin Code ch. DHS 163, subch. II, Certification of Persons to Perform Lead-Safe Renovation, Lead Hazard Reduction, or Lead Investigation Activities. You must pass a state certification exam within six months after completing the first training course.

Instructions

There are two ways to apply after you complete required training:

Learn more about applying for certification

Wisconsin statute

Wisconsin Stat. ch. 254, subch. II, Toxic Substances

Wisconsin administrative code

Wisconsin Admin. Code ch. DHS 163, Certification for the Identification, Removal and Reduction of Lead-Based Paint Hazards

Other agencies involved

U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

Program information

The Lead Certification Program makes sure lead professionals are trained, certified and work safely.