Steps for Lead Removal Certification in California

How to Get Certified to Remove Lead Paint Hazards in California

Below we will review the steps on how to become a Lead Removal Contractor in California.

Did you know that CDPH certification is required for anyone performing lead abatement work in residential and public buildings in California?

The lead certificate you need in California depends on the type of work you want to perform:

If you need to perform lead abatement to remove lead hazards, please continue below to the lead abatement Supervisor and Worker steps to get certified.

If you wish to renovate, repair, or paint in a pre-1978 home or child occupied facility please visit our EPA Lead Renovator (RRP) page.

For performing inspections for lead paint, please visit our Lead Inspector and Lead Sampling Technician in California page.

California Lead Abatement Certification

Steps to Become a CDPH Lead Abatement Supervisor:

The Lead Abatement Supervisor certification is for those who plan to supervise or perform daily work activities on a lead-related construction work site and/or prepare lead abatement plans. Supervisors may also oversee repainting or general construction performed on surfaces painted with lead-based paint.

Meet the following Prerequisites: 1 year of experience as a certified lead worker, OR 2 years of experience in lead-related construction or a related field conducting health, occupational safety or environmental hazard control.

Attend Lead Abatement Supervisor Initial training. If you are already certified and need to renew, attend a Lead Abatement Supervisor Refresher course.

Register for The Exam: Once you receive approval from CDPH, you can schedule your exam. You may telephone CPS Human Resource Services directly at (916) 263-3624, option 5, to obtain registration materials. You can also get information, including the exam schedule, on the CPS HR website. You must register for your exam at least two weeks before the exam date. The Exam is multiple choice, and available in English or Spanish.

Apply to the CDPH (California Department of Public Health) for your Lead Abatement Supervisor certification. Wait to do this AFTER passing the certification exam. Each certificate or renewal requested is $75. All fees are non-refundable. Certification normally takes from 20 to 90 days to complete, although delays may occur if an applicant submits an incomplete application.

Learn about expected responsibilities of a Lead Abatement Supervisor:
1. Overseeing workers who are performing the activities specified in a lead abatement work plans. Supervisors also perform lead-related construction work activities themselves.
2. Enforcing the work practices that ensure worker safety and protect occupants from lead poisoning
3. Scheduling and coordinating work site activities with building occupants as well as other consultants and contractors
4. Arranging for proper disposal of lead containing waste created during work activities
Under California's Title 17 regulations, a certified Supervisor:
1. may perform lead abatement activities
2. may supervise individuals performing lead abatement activities
3. may prepare lead abatement plans
4. may not perform lead hazard evaluations, including clearance inspections

Steps to Become a CDPH Lead Abatement Worker:

The California Lead Abatement Worker certificate is for those who plan to perform lead abatement activities under the direction of a certified Supervisor. These certificates are also for those who plan to do repainting or general construction on surfaces painted with lead-based paint.

There are no Prerequisites to become a certified lead worker.

Attend Lead Abatement Worker Initial training. If you are already certified and need to renew, attend a Lead Abatement Worker Refresher course.

Apply to the California Department of Public Health for your Lead Abatement Worker certification (View Application). The initial or renewal application is $75 and takes between 20 to 90 days to process. Delays may occur if an applicant submits an incomplete application so make sure to review all requirements and submittals carefully.

Understand expected responsibilities of a Lead Abatement Worker:
- Building containment structures and sealing off work areas to prevent lead dust from spreading
- Removing, enclosing or covering lead-based paint hazards or lead contaminated soil
- Preparing lead contaminated waste for disposal and cleaning-up the work area

Have additional questions on receiving a California lead paint license? Give us a call at 646-564-3546 and we'll be happy to assist you

Disclaimer

Please note that these details are provided for informational purposes only. Consult with your local state or regulatory body to confirm your requirements for your specific situation. Nothing on this website constitutes, or is meant to constitute, advice of any kind. It is simply a database of publicly available information that is meant to assist with research on certain topics but is no way guaranteed as complete or free of error.