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Tennessee Lead-Based Paint Inspector — Requirements & Free Practice

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Lead-Based Paint Inspector Certification

Individual inspection-discipline certification.

Licensing authority: Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, Commissioner · Application information

Certification on EPA or EPA authorized credentials, including discretionary written reciprocity
EPA Lead-Based Paint Inspector Certification Exam
Application
Submit a complete signed CN-1297 application, appropriate fees, a standard color passport photograph, and EVEA citizenship or qualified-alien attestation and identification. TDEC may cancel an incomplete application if missing information is not supplied within 30 days.
Commissioner discretion
Based on review of submitted documents, the Commissioner may require the appropriate refresher training and national certification examination before Tennessee certification.
Existing certification
Submit a legible copy of a valid certification in the requested discipline issued by EPA or an EPA-authorized state or Indian tribe; it is applicant evidence, not another jurisdiction examination leaf.
Practice scope
Certification covers lead-based paint inspections and abatement clearance sampling in target housing and child-occupied facilities. Owner-occupied dwelling exceptions remain subject to Rule .01(1)(b).
Term
Certification normally lasts three years from the last day of the calendar month of issuance unless revoked, suspended, or renewal is refused.
Written reciprocity
The Commissioner may grant individual certification under a written reciprocal arrangement, subject to completing the application and corresponding fees under Rule .01(11); an arrangement is not automatic permission to practice.
Initial certification by examination
EPA Lead-Based Paint Inspector Certification Exam
Application
Submit a complete signed CN-1297 application, appropriate fees, a standard color passport photograph, and EVEA citizenship or qualified-alien attestation and identification. TDEC may cancel an incomplete application if missing information is not supplied within 30 days.
Education experience
Rule .01(5)(b)1(iii)(I) imposes no additional inspector education or experience requirement.
Exam window
Pass the appropriate national certification exam and obtain certification within six months of course completion; at most three exam attempts are permitted within that six-month period. Otherwise retake the appropriate accredited course before reapplying.
Practice scope
Certification covers lead-based paint inspections and abatement clearance sampling in target housing and child-occupied facilities. Owner-occupied dwelling exceptions remain subject to Rule .01(1)(b).
Term
Certification normally lasts three years from the last day of the calendar month of issuance unless revoked, suspended, or renewal is refused.
Training
Complete an accredited initial course in the appropriate discipline, including the provider course exam, and receive the course completion certificate. The provider course assessment is a training qualification, not a separate identified state certification examination.
Federal military servicemember or spouse certification recognition
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit proof of military orders; a spouse submits a marriage certificate; submit the notarized affidavit required by 50 U.S.C. 4025a(c), including identity, completeness, understanding and compliance with Tennessee requirements and scope, and good standing in every jurisdiction in which a license is or was held.
Background check
The licensing authority may conduct a background check under 50 U.S.C. 4025a(d).
Compact
50 U.S.C. 4025a(e) substitutes any applicable interstate-compact requirements for this federal pathway.
Current law
The December 23, 2024 amendment supplies the controlling application requirements. The state rule cites the original January 5, 2023 law; the current federal text governs federal portability.
Eligibility
A servicemember or spouse relocates residence to Tennessee due to military orders and holds a covered professional certification for the same scope of practice.
Good standing
The covered certification must be in good standing, not revoked or disciplined, not under an unprofessional-conduct investigation, and not voluntarily surrendered during such an investigation.
Recognition
This pathway recognizes the existing covered certification for Tennessee practice; it does not require a new national certification examination. Tennessee standards and discipline apply.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2024-12-23.

Routine three year recertification
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit a complete signed CN-1297 application, appropriate fees, a standard color passport photograph, and EVEA citizenship or qualified-alien attestation and identification. TDEC may cancel an incomplete application if missing information is not supplied within 30 days.
Exam requirement
Rule .01(5)(c) sets the complete routine recertification requirements without a national certification reexamination.
Filing
Submit the completed recertification application, legible refresher-course certificate, photo and fee at least 60 days before expiration.
Practice scope
Certification covers lead-based paint inspections and abatement clearance sampling in target housing and child-occupied facilities. Owner-occupied dwelling exceptions remain subject to Rule .01(1)(b).
Prior certification
Previously certified by the Commissioner in this discipline.
Refresher
Complete the appropriate accredited refresher training within the year preceding certification expiration. The refresher course test and hands-on skills assessment are course qualifications, not separately identified state certification examinations.
Term
Certification normally lasts three years from the last day of the calendar month of issuance unless revoked, suspended, or renewal is refused.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2024-06-05.

Reapplication after revocation
EPA Lead-Based Paint Inspector Certification Exam
Application
Submit a complete signed CN-1297 application, appropriate fees, a standard color passport photograph, and EVEA citizenship or qualified-alien attestation and identification. TDEC may cancel an incomplete application if missing information is not supplied within 30 days.
Education experience
Rule .01(5)(b)1(iii)(I) imposes no additional inspector education or experience requirement.
Exam window
Pass the appropriate national certification exam and obtain certification within six months of course completion; at most three exam attempts are permitted within that six-month period. Otherwise retake the appropriate accredited course before reapplying.
Practice scope
Certification covers lead-based paint inspections and abatement clearance sampling in target housing and child-occupied facilities. Owner-occupied dwelling exceptions remain subject to Rule .01(1)(b).
Revocation
Unless otherwise specified in writing by the Commissioner, a revoked individual must take any required initial training courses and reapply for certification.
Term
Certification normally lasts three years from the last day of the calendar month of issuance unless revoked, suspended, or renewal is refused.
Training
Complete an accredited initial course in the appropriate discipline, including the provider course exam, and receive the course completion certificate. The provider course assessment is a training qualification, not a separate identified state certification examination.
Restoration of suspended individual certification
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit a complete signed CN-1297 application, appropriate fees, a standard color passport photograph, and EVEA citizenship or qualified-alien attestation and identification. TDEC may cancel an incomplete application if missing information is not supplied within 30 days.
Practice scope
Certification covers lead-based paint inspections and abatement clearance sampling in target housing and child-occupied facilities. Owner-occupied dwelling exceptions remain subject to Rule .01(1)(b).
Suspension
An individual has a suspended certification in this discipline.
Term
Certification normally lasts three years from the last day of the calendar month of issuance unless revoked, suspended, or renewal is refused.
Training
Unless otherwise specified in writing by the Commissioner, complete required refresher training to renew the suspended accreditation under Rule .01(5)(h)1.
Written order
The Commissioner may specify a different restoration requirement in writing; an unidentified examination slot is an applicant condition.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2024-06-05.

Lead-Based Paint Risk Assessor Certification

Separate risk-assessment discipline certification that also authorizes lead-based paint inspections under Rule .01(6)(b)1; included because the controlling rule expressly authorizes this credential to perform the requested profession.

Licensing authority: Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, Commissioner · Application information

Certification on EPA or EPA authorized credentials, including discretionary written reciprocity
EPA National Certification Examination for Lead-Based Paint Risk Assessors
Application
Submit a complete signed CN-1297 application, appropriate fees, a standard color passport photograph, and EVEA citizenship or qualified-alien attestation and identification. TDEC may cancel an incomplete application if missing information is not supplied within 30 days.
Commissioner discretion
Based on review of submitted documents, the Commissioner may require the appropriate refresher training and national certification examination before Tennessee certification.
Existing certification
Submit a legible copy of a valid certification in the requested discipline issued by EPA or an EPA-authorized state or Indian tribe; it is applicant evidence, not another jurisdiction examination leaf.
Practice scope
Certification covers lead-based paint inspections and abatement clearance sampling in target housing and child-occupied facilities. Owner-occupied dwelling exceptions remain subject to Rule .01(1)(b).
Term
Certification normally lasts three years from the last day of the calendar month of issuance unless revoked, suspended, or renewal is refused.
Written reciprocity
The Commissioner may grant individual certification under a written reciprocal arrangement, subject to completing the application and corresponding fees under Rule .01(11); an arrangement is not automatic permission to practice.
Initial certification by examination
EPA National Certification Examination for Lead-Based Paint Risk Assessors
Application
Submit a complete signed CN-1297 application, appropriate fees, a standard color passport photograph, and EVEA citizenship or qualified-alien attestation and identification. TDEC may cancel an incomplete application if missing information is not supplied within 30 days.
Application exam demand
CN-1297 page 3 states: "RISK ASSESSOR: Successful completion of an accredited training course for inspectors and risk assessors; Pass the third party certification exam for the inspectors and risk assessors and have a Bachelor's degree with one year of experience in a related field (e.g. lead, asbestos, or environmental remediation work or construction);" The controlling Rule .01(5)(b)1(ii) specifies the national certification exam in the appropriate discipline, while .01(5)(b)1(iii)(II) requires inspector training. The additional inspector certification exam demanded by the lower-ranked application is preserved here as an applicant condition under the contract source-precedence rule.
Education experience
Meet one of Rule .01(5)(b)1(iii)(II) alternatives: bachelor degree plus one year related experience; associate degree plus two years; qualifying industrial hygienist, engineer, architect, or related engineering/health/environmental certification; or high-school diploma/equivalent plus at least three years related experience.
Exam window
Pass the appropriate national certification exam and obtain certification within six months of course completion; at most three exam attempts are permitted within that six-month period. Otherwise retake the appropriate accredited course before reapplying.
Inspector training
Successfully complete accredited inspector training as well as risk-assessor training.
Practice scope
Certification covers lead-based paint inspections and abatement clearance sampling in target housing and child-occupied facilities. Owner-occupied dwelling exceptions remain subject to Rule .01(1)(b).
Term
Certification normally lasts three years from the last day of the calendar month of issuance unless revoked, suspended, or renewal is refused.
Training
Complete an accredited initial course in the appropriate discipline, including the provider course exam, and receive the course completion certificate. The provider course assessment is a training qualification, not a separate identified state certification examination.
Federal military servicemember or spouse certification recognition
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit proof of military orders; a spouse submits a marriage certificate; submit the notarized affidavit required by 50 U.S.C. 4025a(c), including identity, completeness, understanding and compliance with Tennessee requirements and scope, and good standing in every jurisdiction in which a license is or was held.
Background check
The licensing authority may conduct a background check under 50 U.S.C. 4025a(d).
Compact
50 U.S.C. 4025a(e) substitutes any applicable interstate-compact requirements for this federal pathway.
Current law
The December 23, 2024 amendment supplies the controlling application requirements. The state rule cites the original January 5, 2023 law; the current federal text governs federal portability.
Eligibility
A servicemember or spouse relocates residence to Tennessee due to military orders and holds a covered professional certification for the same scope of practice.
Good standing
The covered certification must be in good standing, not revoked or disciplined, not under an unprofessional-conduct investigation, and not voluntarily surrendered during such an investigation.
Recognition
This pathway recognizes the existing covered certification for Tennessee practice; it does not require a new national certification examination. Tennessee standards and discipline apply.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2024-12-23.

Routine three year recertification
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit a complete signed CN-1297 application, appropriate fees, a standard color passport photograph, and EVEA citizenship or qualified-alien attestation and identification. TDEC may cancel an incomplete application if missing information is not supplied within 30 days.
Both refreshers
Rule .01(5)(c)3 requires timely completion of both inspector and risk-assessor refresher courses.
Exam requirement
Rule .01(5)(c) sets the complete routine recertification requirements without a national certification reexamination.
Filing
Submit the completed recertification application, legible refresher-course certificate, photo and fee at least 60 days before expiration.
Practice scope
Certification covers lead-based paint inspections and abatement clearance sampling in target housing and child-occupied facilities. Owner-occupied dwelling exceptions remain subject to Rule .01(1)(b).
Prior certification
Previously certified by the Commissioner in this discipline.
Refresher
Complete the appropriate accredited refresher training within the year preceding certification expiration. The refresher course test and hands-on skills assessment are course qualifications, not separately identified state certification examinations.
Term
Certification normally lasts three years from the last day of the calendar month of issuance unless revoked, suspended, or renewal is refused.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2024-06-05.

Reapplication after revocation
EPA National Certification Examination for Lead-Based Paint Risk Assessors
Application
Submit a complete signed CN-1297 application, appropriate fees, a standard color passport photograph, and EVEA citizenship or qualified-alien attestation and identification. TDEC may cancel an incomplete application if missing information is not supplied within 30 days.
Application exam demand
CN-1297 page 3 states: "RISK ASSESSOR: Successful completion of an accredited training course for inspectors and risk assessors; Pass the third party certification exam for the inspectors and risk assessors and have a Bachelor's degree with one year of experience in a related field (e.g. lead, asbestos, or environmental remediation work or construction);" The controlling Rule .01(5)(b)1(ii) specifies the national certification exam in the appropriate discipline, while .01(5)(b)1(iii)(II) requires inspector training. The additional inspector certification exam demanded by the lower-ranked application is preserved here as an applicant condition under the contract source-precedence rule.
Education experience
Meet one of Rule .01(5)(b)1(iii)(II) alternatives: bachelor degree plus one year related experience; associate degree plus two years; qualifying industrial hygienist, engineer, architect, or related engineering/health/environmental certification; or high-school diploma/equivalent plus at least three years related experience.
Exam window
Pass the appropriate national certification exam and obtain certification within six months of course completion; at most three exam attempts are permitted within that six-month period. Otherwise retake the appropriate accredited course before reapplying.
Inspector training
Successfully complete accredited inspector training as well as risk-assessor training.
Practice scope
Certification covers lead-based paint inspections and abatement clearance sampling in target housing and child-occupied facilities. Owner-occupied dwelling exceptions remain subject to Rule .01(1)(b).
Revocation
Unless otherwise specified in writing by the Commissioner, a revoked individual must take any required initial training courses and reapply for certification.
Term
Certification normally lasts three years from the last day of the calendar month of issuance unless revoked, suspended, or renewal is refused.
Training
Complete an accredited initial course in the appropriate discipline, including the provider course exam, and receive the course completion certificate. The provider course assessment is a training qualification, not a separate identified state certification examination.
Restoration of suspended individual certification
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit a complete signed CN-1297 application, appropriate fees, a standard color passport photograph, and EVEA citizenship or qualified-alien attestation and identification. TDEC may cancel an incomplete application if missing information is not supplied within 30 days.
Practice scope
Certification covers lead-based paint inspections and abatement clearance sampling in target housing and child-occupied facilities. Owner-occupied dwelling exceptions remain subject to Rule .01(1)(b).
Suspension
An individual has a suspended certification in this discipline.
Term
Certification normally lasts three years from the last day of the calendar month of issuance unless revoked, suspended, or renewal is refused.
Training
Unless otherwise specified in writing by the Commissioner, complete required refresher training to renew the suspended accreditation under Rule .01(5)(h)1.
Written order
The Commissioner may specify a different restoration requirement in writing; an unidentified examination slot is an applicant condition.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2024-06-05.

EPA Lead-Based Paint Inspector Certification Exam

Provider
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); scheduled online or by phone through Meazure Learning
Format
Discipline-specific third-party certification exam, taken online or in person after EPA issues an exam letter; no more than three attempts within 6 months of receiving the course completion certificate
Exam fee
$70 for each attempt (EPA certification examination fee)
Examination outline
  • Lead-based Paint Inspector Study Topics — Initial Request for Inspection
    • Defining the scope of work
    • Roles and responsibilities of an Inspector
    • Difference between inspection and risk assessment
    • Difference between XRF and paint chip sampling
    • Importance of State and local requirements
    • HUD and EPA notification and disclosure regulations
    • Health effects of lead in adults and children
    • Routes of lead exposure
    • Places where lead can be found inside and outside the home
    • EPA recommended steps for reducing lead in drinking water
    • Scope and goals of HUD and EPA lead regulations and guidelines
    • Responsibilities of Public and Indian Housing Authorities
    • Information about property needed to provide proposal for inspection
    • Information about property needed to determine number of units to inspect
    • Basic building and construction technology
    • Liability issues involved in lead inspections
  • Lead-based Paint Inspector Study Topics — Preparation for Inspection
    • Inspection scheduling
    • Licensing and transportation of XRF
    • How an XRF analyzer works
    • Inspector and occupant safety during XRF use
    • XRF calibration checks
    • Equipment and forms needed for sampling
    • OSHA regulations applicable to lead and respiratory protection
    • Types of dosimeters
  • Lead-based Paint Inspector Study Topics — Pre-inspection Meeting
    • Lead uses
    • How to determine common construction history
    • Calculation of number of units to inspect using HUD tables
    • Random selection of units using HUD protocols
  • Lead-based Paint Inspector Study Topics — The Inspection
    • Inventory of painted surfaces
    • Testing locations in single family and multi-family dwellings
    • Number of tests per testing combination and component type
    • Field documentation: sample location, sketches, and HUD forms
    • How to take XRF readings
    • Performance characteristic sheets (PCS)
    • XRF substrate corrections
    • Interpretation of XRF readings
    • Why POS, NEG and INCONCLUSIVE ranges vary among XRF analyzers
    • Data collection from XRF testing
    • HUD decision guidelines for paint chip sampling
    • Collection of paint chip samples (ppm and mg/cm2)
    • Laboratory and chain of custody forms
    • Sample labeling
    • Methods for analysis of lead
    • Interpretation of lab results
    • Use of chemical spot-test kits
    • Soil sampling methods
    • Dust sampling methods
  • Lead-based Paint Inspector Study Topics — Inspection Report
    • How to summarize inspection results
    • Contents of inspection report
    • Recommendations an Inspector can make
    • Inspection record retention requirements
  • Lead-based Paint Inspector Study Topics — Clearance Testing
    • The final visual inspection of hazard control activities
    • Why pre-abatement wipe and soil samples are collected
    • Why dust samples are collected for clearance
    • The number and location of clearance wipe samples
    • How to perform clearance wipe sampling
    • Calculation of wipe sample results (ug/ft2)
    • Wipe sampling clearance standards
    • What happens when a wipe test fails
    • Compositing clearance wipe and soil samples
Examination sources

EPA National Certification Examination for Lead-Based Paint Risk Assessors

Provider
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); scheduled online or by phone through Meazure Learning
Format
Discipline-specific third-party certification exam, taken online or in person after EPA issues an exam letter; no more than three attempts within 6 months of receiving the course completion certificate
Exam fee
$70 for each attempt (EPA certification examination fee)
Examination outline
  • Lead-based Paint Risk Assessor Study Topics — Initial Request for Lead Services
    • Types of lead evaluation protocol(s)
    • Roles and responsibilities of a Risk Assessor
    • Difference between inspection and risk assessment
    • Classification of EBL child
    • Use of EBL questionnaire
    • HUD and EPA notification and disclosure requirements
    • Health effects of lead in children and adults
    • Places where lead can be found
    • Scope and goals of HUD and EPA regulations and guidelines
    • Importance of State and local regulations
  • Lead-based Paint Risk Assessor Study Topics — Proposal to Perform Risk Assessment
    • Liability issues as they relate to risk assessment
    • Types of insurance relevant to risk assessment
    • Information about property needed to provide proposal for risk assessment
    • Information about property needed to determine number of samples/units
    • Estimating costs for lead evaluation work
  • Lead-based Paint Risk Assessor Study Topics — Preparation for Risk Assessment
    • Risk assessment staffing
    • OSHA regulations applicable to lead and respiratory protection
  • Lead-based Paint Risk Assessor Study Topics — Walkthrough
    • Background information about lead uses and sources
    • Basic building construction and architecture
    • Conditions when lead paint is considered a hazard
    • HUD categories of paint condition and deterioration
    • Causes of lead hazards
  • Lead-based Paint Risk Assessor Study Topics — Conduct Sampling
    • Field documentation: testing location, sketches, HUD forms
    • Selection of dust sampling location(s)
    • Single surface and composite dust sampling procedures/equipment
    • Calculation of dust concentration in ug/ft2
    • EPA/HUD hazard levels for lead in dust
    • Spike and blank dust samples
    • Selection of soil sample locations
    • Soil sampling procedures/equipment
    • EPA/HUD hazard levels for lead in soil
    • Water sampling procedures
    • EPA drinking water lead standards and lead reduction steps
    • Selection of paint sample locations
    • Use of XRF analyzer and safety issues
    • Performance characteristics sheets (PCS)
    • Paint chip sample collection procedures
    • Laboratory methods and accreditation programs for lead
    • Calculation of ppm and mg/cm2 for lead in paint
  • Lead-based Paint Risk Assessor Study Topics — Lead Hazard Screen
    • Number of paint samples to collect during screen
    • Composite dust sampling for a screen
    • Why composite are more stringent than single surface dust standards
    • Interpretation of results of a screen
  • Lead-based Paint Risk Assessor Study Topics — Assessing Multi-Family (MF) Dwellings
    • Targeted, worst-case and random sampling of MF dwellings
    • Elements of a management plan for MF dwellings
    • Interpretation of sampling results from MF dwellings
  • Lead-based Paint Risk Assessor Study Topics — Risk Assessment Report
    • Parts of the HUD standard risk assessment report
    • Hazard control action alternatives/costs
    • RCRA regulations for hazardous waste disposal
    • Record retention requirements
  • Lead-based Paint Risk Assessor Study Topics — Ongoing Monitoring
    • Elements involved in ongoing lead hazard monitoring
    • Schedules for reevaluation
  • Lead-based Paint Risk Assessor Study Topics — Clearance Testing
    • The final visual inspection of hazard control activities
    • The number and location of clearance wipe samples
Examination sources