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Lead Risk Assessor

A lead risk assessor certification is for a person who does all lead investigation work. This includes clearances, lead hazard screens, lead risk assessments, lead inspections, lead-safe and lead-free property inspections.

Type

Initial, Renewal

Description

In Wisconsin, a person must be certified to work with lead-based paint. A lead risk assessor certification is for a person who does all lead investigation work. This includes:

  • Clearances.
  • Lead hazard screens.
  • Lead risk assessments.
  • Lead inspections.
  • Lead-safe and lead-free property inspections.

Assessors give advice and options for controlling lead paint hazards. They may use X-ray fluorescence (XRF) devices.

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

Duration

Two years. An eight-hour refresher training is required every two years to renew.

Fees

$375 for two years. State and local government workers don’t have to pay the fee.

Prerequisites

You must be 18 years of age or older and meet one of the following:

  • Have a bachelor’s degree and one year of related experience.
  • Have an associate degree and two years of related experience.
  • Have a high school diploma or equivalent and three years of related experience.
  • Have professional certification as an industrial hygienist, professional engineer, or registered architect, or in a related professional engineering, health, or environmental field, such as safety professional or environmental scientist.
  • Be a registered nurse or registered sanitarian and be employed by a health department that provides oversight of the individual’s activities.

You also must complete the following training courses:

  • An initial one-day lead sampling course.
  • An initial two-day lead inspection course.
  • An initial two-day lead hazard investigation course.
  • Manufacturer’s training for at least one make and model of XRF device that you will use.

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 take 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.

Last revised January 23, 2024