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Minnesota Lead-Based Paint Inspector — Requirements & Free Practice

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Lead inspector license

Individual license to perform lead inspections under 144.9505, subdivision 1c, and 4761.2280.

Licensing authority: Minnesota Department of Health · Application information

Replacement of lost, destroyed, or mutilated license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit a completed application for a duplicate lead inspector license under 4761.2280, subpart 7.
Eligibility
Already licensed as a lead inspector; the license was lost, destroyed or mutilated.
Examination Boundary
The controlling duplicate-license provision requires only the replacement application of the already licensed inspector.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial licensure
Minnesota Lead Inspector Independent Examination
Application
Submit the completed MDH application, initial course diploma, and documentation of passing the independent examination.
Application Fee
Submit the $50 nonrefundable application fee; inspector fees are waived for state or local government employees performing services for or as an assessing agency under 144.9505, subdivision 1(c).
Course Length
MDH-permitted initial inspector course: at least 24 training hours, including eight hands-on; inspector refresher: at least eight training hours (4761.2440, subpart 4(A), (D)).
Denied Application Resubmission
A second initial or renewal application submitted within 30 days after denial notice does not require another fee; later applications do.
Exam Format Notice
MDH currently states: "The examinations are 25 questions long." The independent-testing permit rule, 4761.2460, subpart 2(D), requires an assurance of at least 75 questions and at least 70% correct answers. Both official statements are retained without treating the difference as a separate exam.
Exam Timing
MDH requires completing initial training before taking the independent examination; an application using an examination taken before initial training is denied.
License Period
Twelve months after the independent examination or the most recent refresher diploma date. Regulated lead work may not be conducted after expiration (4761.2280, subpart 3(A)).
Licensing Discretion
The commissioner may deny or condition grant or renewal on the qualification, violation and false-information grounds in 144.99, subdivision 8.
Passing Score
Independent examination: at least 70%.
Training
Complete an MDH-permitted initial inspector course, or an EPA-approved or EPA-authorized state/tribal initial inspector course plus an MDH-permitted inspector refresher (4761.2280, subpart 2(A)).
Training Assessment
Course completion includes the provider-administered closed-book written examination: at least 50 multiple-choice questions for an inspector course, with at least 70% to pass. Initial completion also requires full attendance and demonstrated hands-on proficiency. These are training qualifications under 4761.2420; the sources identify no single provider-course examination identity.
New license after failing to refresh training within 36 months
Minnesota Lead Inspector Independent Examination
Application
Submit the initial application for a new license.
Application Fee
Submit the $50 nonrefundable application fee; inspector fees are waived for state or local government employees performing services for or as an assessing agency under 144.9505, subdivision 1(c).
Course Length
MDH-permitted initial inspector course: at least 24 training hours, including eight hands-on; inspector refresher: at least eight training hours (4761.2440, subpart 4(A), (D)).
Denied Application Resubmission
A second initial or renewal application submitted within 30 days after denial notice does not require another fee; later applications do.
Eligibility
Failed to complete refresher training within 36 months of the last diploma; cannot renew.
Exam Format Notice
MDH currently states: "The examinations are 25 questions long." The independent-testing permit rule, 4761.2460, subpart 2(D), requires an assurance of at least 75 questions and at least 70% correct answers. Both official statements are retained without treating the difference as a separate exam.
License Period
Twelve months after the independent examination or the most recent refresher diploma date. Regulated lead work may not be conducted after expiration (4761.2280, subpart 3(A)).
Licensing Discretion
The commissioner may deny or condition grant or renewal on the qualification, violation and false-information grounds in 144.99, subdivision 8.
Passing Score
Independent examination: at least 70%.
Training
Successfully complete initial inspector training and pass the independent examination as required in 4761.2280, subpart 2.
Training Assessment
Course completion includes the provider-administered closed-book written examination: at least 50 multiple-choice questions for an inspector course, with at least 70% to pass. Initial completion also requires full attendance and demonstrated hands-on proficiency. These are training qualifications under 4761.2420; the sources identify no single provider-course examination identity.
Initial Minnesota licensure for out of state applicants
Minnesota Lead Inspector Independent Examination
Application
Submit a completed MDH application and documentation of passing an independent examination.
Application Fee
Submit the $50 nonrefundable application fee; inspector fees are waived for state or local government employees performing services for or as an assessing agency under 144.9505, subdivision 1(c).
Course Length
MDH-permitted initial inspector course: at least 24 training hours, including eight hands-on; inspector refresher: at least eight training hours (4761.2440, subpart 4(A), (D)).
Denied Application Resubmission
A second initial or renewal application submitted within 30 days after denial notice does not require another fee; later applications do.
Exam Format Notice
MDH currently states: "The examinations are 25 questions long." The independent-testing permit rule, 4761.2460, subpart 2(D), requires an assurance of at least 75 questions and at least 70% correct answers. Both official statements are retained without treating the difference as a separate exam.
License Period
Twelve months after the independent examination or the most recent refresher diploma date. Regulated lead work may not be conducted after expiration (4761.2280, subpart 3(A)).
Licensing Discretion
The commissioner may deny or condition grant or renewal on the qualification, violation and false-information grounds in 144.99, subdivision 8.
Passing Score
Independent examination: at least 70%.
Prior Examination
A previously passed independent examination is documented under 4761.2280, subpart 4(B)(4). An unnamed examination from another jurisdiction is an applicant condition rather than a new Minnesota or nationwide examination identity. MDH identifies its current inspector independent examination for inspectors.
Prior Training Records
MDH additionally instructs previously licensed out-of-state applicants to submit their initial diploma and all subsequent refresher diplomas.
Training
Submit the Minnesota inspector refresher diploma and either the initial inspector course diploma or a current out-of-state inspector license. The training alternatives in 4761.2280, subpart 2(A), continue to apply.
Training Assessment
Course completion includes the provider-administered closed-book written examination: at least 50 multiple-choice questions for an inspector course, with at least 70% to pass. Initial completion also requires full attendance and demonstrated hands-on proficiency. These are training qualifications under 4761.2420; the sources identify no single provider-course examination identity.
Annual renewal with timely refresher training
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the annual renewal application and latest refresher diploma. MDH instructs renewal applicants to contact the licensing unit for renewal instructions.
Application Fee
Submit the $50 nonrefundable application fee; inspector fees are waived for state or local government employees performing services for or as an assessing agency under 144.9505, subdivision 1(c).
Course Length
MDH-permitted initial inspector course: at least 24 training hours, including eight hands-on; inspector refresher: at least eight training hours (4761.2440, subpart 4(A), (D)).
Denied Application Resubmission
A second initial or renewal application submitted within 30 days after denial notice does not require another fee; later applications do.
Eligibility
Already holds a lead inspector license and completes refresher training within 36 months of the last diploma date.
Exam Format Notice
MDH currently states: "The examinations are 25 questions long." The independent-testing permit rule, 4761.2460, subpart 2(D), requires an assurance of at least 75 questions and at least 70% correct answers. Both official statements are retained without treating the difference as a separate exam.
Examination Boundary
4761.2280, subparts 3(B)-(C) and 5, require refresher qualification and renewal documents rather than the independent licensing examination. The course examination is part of the training qualification.
License Period
Twelve months after the independent examination or the most recent refresher diploma date. Regulated lead work may not be conducted after expiration (4761.2280, subpart 3(A)).
Licensing Discretion
The commissioner may deny or condition grant or renewal on the qualification, violation and false-information grounds in 144.99, subdivision 8.
Temporary Work Authorization
After submitting the renewal application, may perform work for up to 30 calendar days after refresher completion while the renewed license is processed; keep the diploma on site for review.
Training
Complete the MDH-permitted inspector refresher course, including attendance throughout and passing the provider course examination.
Training Assessment
Course completion includes the provider-administered closed-book written examination: at least 50 multiple-choice questions for an inspector course, with at least 70% to pass. Initial completion also requires full attendance and demonstrated hands-on proficiency. These are training qualifications under 4761.2420; the sources identify no single provider-course examination identity.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Limited lead inspector license

Limited form of the lead inspector license that the commissioner may issue following previous violations under 144.99, subdivision 8(c); underlying lead inspector qualifications continue to apply.

Licensing authority: Minnesota Department of Health · Application information

Limited license: Replacement of lost, destroyed, or mutilated license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit a completed application for a duplicate lead inspector license under 4761.2280, subpart 7.
Eligibility
Already licensed as a lead inspector; the license was lost, destroyed or mutilated.
Examination Boundary
The controlling duplicate-license provision requires only the replacement application of the already licensed inspector.
Limited License Condition
Following previous violations, issuance or renewal of the limited form is at the commissioner's discretion under 144.99, subdivision 8(c); comply with the underlying inspector qualifications and the restrictions or compliance measures the commissioner imposes.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Limited license: Initial licensure
Minnesota Lead Inspector Independent Examination
Application
Submit the completed MDH application, initial course diploma, and documentation of passing the independent examination.
Application Fee
Submit the $50 nonrefundable application fee; inspector fees are waived for state or local government employees performing services for or as an assessing agency under 144.9505, subdivision 1(c).
Course Length
MDH-permitted initial inspector course: at least 24 training hours, including eight hands-on; inspector refresher: at least eight training hours (4761.2440, subpart 4(A), (D)).
Denied Application Resubmission
A second initial or renewal application submitted within 30 days after denial notice does not require another fee; later applications do.
Exam Format Notice
MDH currently states: "The examinations are 25 questions long." The independent-testing permit rule, 4761.2460, subpart 2(D), requires an assurance of at least 75 questions and at least 70% correct answers. Both official statements are retained without treating the difference as a separate exam.
Exam Timing
MDH requires completing initial training before taking the independent examination; an application using an examination taken before initial training is denied.
License Period
Twelve months after the independent examination or the most recent refresher diploma date. Regulated lead work may not be conducted after expiration (4761.2280, subpart 3(A)).
Licensing Discretion
The commissioner may deny or condition grant or renewal on the qualification, violation and false-information grounds in 144.99, subdivision 8.
Limited License Condition
Following previous violations, issuance or renewal of the limited form is at the commissioner's discretion under 144.99, subdivision 8(c); comply with the underlying inspector qualifications and the restrictions or compliance measures the commissioner imposes.
Passing Score
Independent examination: at least 70%.
Training
Complete an MDH-permitted initial inspector course, or an EPA-approved or EPA-authorized state/tribal initial inspector course plus an MDH-permitted inspector refresher (4761.2280, subpart 2(A)).
Training Assessment
Course completion includes the provider-administered closed-book written examination: at least 50 multiple-choice questions for an inspector course, with at least 70% to pass. Initial completion also requires full attendance and demonstrated hands-on proficiency. These are training qualifications under 4761.2420; the sources identify no single provider-course examination identity.
Limited license: New license after failing to refresh training within 36 months
Minnesota Lead Inspector Independent Examination
Application
Submit the initial application for a new license.
Application Fee
Submit the $50 nonrefundable application fee; inspector fees are waived for state or local government employees performing services for or as an assessing agency under 144.9505, subdivision 1(c).
Course Length
MDH-permitted initial inspector course: at least 24 training hours, including eight hands-on; inspector refresher: at least eight training hours (4761.2440, subpart 4(A), (D)).
Denied Application Resubmission
A second initial or renewal application submitted within 30 days after denial notice does not require another fee; later applications do.
Eligibility
Failed to complete refresher training within 36 months of the last diploma; cannot renew.
Exam Format Notice
MDH currently states: "The examinations are 25 questions long." The independent-testing permit rule, 4761.2460, subpart 2(D), requires an assurance of at least 75 questions and at least 70% correct answers. Both official statements are retained without treating the difference as a separate exam.
License Period
Twelve months after the independent examination or the most recent refresher diploma date. Regulated lead work may not be conducted after expiration (4761.2280, subpart 3(A)).
Licensing Discretion
The commissioner may deny or condition grant or renewal on the qualification, violation and false-information grounds in 144.99, subdivision 8.
Limited License Condition
Following previous violations, issuance or renewal of the limited form is at the commissioner's discretion under 144.99, subdivision 8(c); comply with the underlying inspector qualifications and the restrictions or compliance measures the commissioner imposes.
Passing Score
Independent examination: at least 70%.
Training
Successfully complete initial inspector training and pass the independent examination as required in 4761.2280, subpart 2.
Training Assessment
Course completion includes the provider-administered closed-book written examination: at least 50 multiple-choice questions for an inspector course, with at least 70% to pass. Initial completion also requires full attendance and demonstrated hands-on proficiency. These are training qualifications under 4761.2420; the sources identify no single provider-course examination identity.
Limited license: Initial Minnesota licensure for out of state applicants
Minnesota Lead Inspector Independent Examination
Application
Submit a completed MDH application and documentation of passing an independent examination.
Application Fee
Submit the $50 nonrefundable application fee; inspector fees are waived for state or local government employees performing services for or as an assessing agency under 144.9505, subdivision 1(c).
Course Length
MDH-permitted initial inspector course: at least 24 training hours, including eight hands-on; inspector refresher: at least eight training hours (4761.2440, subpart 4(A), (D)).
Denied Application Resubmission
A second initial or renewal application submitted within 30 days after denial notice does not require another fee; later applications do.
Exam Format Notice
MDH currently states: "The examinations are 25 questions long." The independent-testing permit rule, 4761.2460, subpart 2(D), requires an assurance of at least 75 questions and at least 70% correct answers. Both official statements are retained without treating the difference as a separate exam.
License Period
Twelve months after the independent examination or the most recent refresher diploma date. Regulated lead work may not be conducted after expiration (4761.2280, subpart 3(A)).
Licensing Discretion
The commissioner may deny or condition grant or renewal on the qualification, violation and false-information grounds in 144.99, subdivision 8.
Limited License Condition
Following previous violations, issuance or renewal of the limited form is at the commissioner's discretion under 144.99, subdivision 8(c); comply with the underlying inspector qualifications and the restrictions or compliance measures the commissioner imposes.
Passing Score
Independent examination: at least 70%.
Prior Examination
A previously passed independent examination is documented under 4761.2280, subpart 4(B)(4). An unnamed examination from another jurisdiction is an applicant condition rather than a new Minnesota or nationwide examination identity. MDH identifies its current inspector independent examination for inspectors.
Prior Training Records
MDH additionally instructs previously licensed out-of-state applicants to submit their initial diploma and all subsequent refresher diplomas.
Training
Submit the Minnesota inspector refresher diploma and either the initial inspector course diploma or a current out-of-state inspector license. The training alternatives in 4761.2280, subpart 2(A), continue to apply.
Training Assessment
Course completion includes the provider-administered closed-book written examination: at least 50 multiple-choice questions for an inspector course, with at least 70% to pass. Initial completion also requires full attendance and demonstrated hands-on proficiency. These are training qualifications under 4761.2420; the sources identify no single provider-course examination identity.
Limited license: Annual renewal with timely refresher training
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the annual renewal application and latest refresher diploma. MDH instructs renewal applicants to contact the licensing unit for renewal instructions.
Application Fee
Submit the $50 nonrefundable application fee; inspector fees are waived for state or local government employees performing services for or as an assessing agency under 144.9505, subdivision 1(c).
Course Length
MDH-permitted initial inspector course: at least 24 training hours, including eight hands-on; inspector refresher: at least eight training hours (4761.2440, subpart 4(A), (D)).
Denied Application Resubmission
A second initial or renewal application submitted within 30 days after denial notice does not require another fee; later applications do.
Eligibility
Already holds a lead inspector license and completes refresher training within 36 months of the last diploma date.
Exam Format Notice
MDH currently states: "The examinations are 25 questions long." The independent-testing permit rule, 4761.2460, subpart 2(D), requires an assurance of at least 75 questions and at least 70% correct answers. Both official statements are retained without treating the difference as a separate exam.
Examination Boundary
4761.2280, subparts 3(B)-(C) and 5, require refresher qualification and renewal documents rather than the independent licensing examination. The course examination is part of the training qualification.
License Period
Twelve months after the independent examination or the most recent refresher diploma date. Regulated lead work may not be conducted after expiration (4761.2280, subpart 3(A)).
Licensing Discretion
The commissioner may deny or condition grant or renewal on the qualification, violation and false-information grounds in 144.99, subdivision 8.
Limited License Condition
Following previous violations, issuance or renewal of the limited form is at the commissioner's discretion under 144.99, subdivision 8(c); comply with the underlying inspector qualifications and the restrictions or compliance measures the commissioner imposes.
Temporary Work Authorization
After submitting the renewal application, may perform work for up to 30 calendar days after refresher completion while the renewed license is processed; keep the diploma on site for review.
Training
Complete the MDH-permitted inspector refresher course, including attendance throughout and passing the provider course examination.
Training Assessment
Course completion includes the provider-administered closed-book written examination: at least 50 multiple-choice questions for an inspector course, with at least 70% to pass. Initial completion also requires full attendance and demonstrated hands-on proficiency. These are training qualifications under 4761.2420; the sources identify no single provider-course examination identity.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Minnesota Lead Inspector Independent Examination

Provider
Minnesota Department of Health
Format
Online question examination
Exam questions
MDH online offering: 25 questions. Minnesota Rules 4761.2460, subpart 2(D), requires independent-testing permit applications to assure at least 75 questions.
Passing score
70% or better
Examination outline
  • Initial training course for lead inspectors
    • the role and responsibilities of a lead inspector
    • background information on lead used in consumer products
    • the adverse health effects of lead on children, pregnant women, and adults
    • background information on federal and state regulations and local ordinances that govern regulated lead work, including the requirements under part 4730.0400 for registration of x-ray fluorescence analyzers
    • inspection methods for lead-based paint, including selecting rooms and building components for sampling or testing
    • sampling methods for paint, dust, bare soil, and drinking water
    • clearance standards and inspections, including random sampling
    • report writing
    • record keeping
  • Refresher training course for lead inspectors: review of the corresponding initial topics and current and new topics
    • safety practices
    • federal and state regulations regarding regulated lead work
    • technologies for regulated lead work
Examination sources