OpenExamsFREE PRACTICE — ANY EXAM

Wisconsin Lead-Based Paint Inspector — Requirements & Free Practice

US-WI · License preparation

100 free questions · Answer explanations · No signup required

Choose what to practice

Start with an exam below. Your examination requirements depend on your application pathway. View licensing requirements

Loading selected examination banks…

Licenses, application pathways and examination requirements

Each license and applicant pathway has its own requirements and exemptions. Choosing practice questions does not determine your eligibility.

Lead Inspector

Certification to conduct clearance, lead-free inspections, and full or partial lead inspections; affiliation with a certified lead company is required.

Licensing authority: Wisconsin Department of Health Services · Application information

Continuation after DHS lifts a summary suspension
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Eligibility
DHS must permit continuation of the regulated activity within ten working days or initiate revocation proceedings. If proceedings are initiated, an informal hearing on continued suspension occurs within twenty working days unless waived.
Ongoing validity
Continue only within the underlying inspector certification’s validity and scope; expiration requires the applicable recertification or initial route.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Certification based on current EPA or EPA authorized state or tribal certification
Wisconsin Lead Inspector Certification Examination
Age
Be at least 18 years old (DHS 163.10(3)(a)2).
Application
Submit a complete signed application, required training documentation, recent photograph when not submitted by the trainer, Social Security number or applicable sworn no-number statement, and required fees. Certification can be denied for the statutory tax, unemployment-insurance, or child-support delinquencies (DHS 163.10(5); Wis. Stat. §§ 254.115 and 250.041).
Certification fee
Inspector certification fee is $325; examination registration is $75. Government-employment and qualifying veteran certification-fee exemptions are subject to the official documentation and statutory eligibility requirements.
Company
Be affiliated through ownership, employment, or contract with a Wisconsin-certified lead company when conducting regulated activities (DHS 163.10(1)).
Current certification
Submit a notarized true copy of current EPA or EPA-authorized state or tribal certification (DHS 163.10(5)(f)).
Exam timing
Interim applicants must take the next reasonably accessible examination and pass within three attempts during six months after training. DHS 163.10(7)(a) measures the interim term from the most recent required training course. The lower-ranked Lead Inspector credential page instead says: "You must pass a state certification exam within six months after completing the first training course."
Military equivalency
Relevant military education, training, instruction, or experience counts when DHS determines it is substantially equivalent to the required qualification (Wis. Stat. § 254.176(3m)).
Prior examination
DHS instructs: "If you've already passed the exam and gotten certified in a different state, provide documentation with your application form." The rule retains its inspector certification examination requirement; the page identifies no particular EPA examination and makes no express blanket waiver. Another jurisdiction’s examination is applicant documentation, not a leaf of this Wisconsin route.
Scope exception
The narrowly defined assumed-lead, lead-safe renovation partial inspection in DHS 163.10(1)(e) is exempt from inspector certification and requires written disclosure; this is a practice exception, not an alternative inspector credential.
Training
Complete approved initial one-day lead sampling training followed by two-day lead inspection training (DHS 163.11(2)(b)2).
Training origin
DHS must find EPA- or EPA-authorized state/tribal-accredited training comparable. Submit the out-of-state training history, the most recent diploma as a notarized true copy or directly from the trainer, photo identification, a recent photograph, and the additional $25 processing fee as directed by DHS.
Xrf training
DHS 163.10(3)(a)3 and (3)(d) require XRF manufacturer training before inspector certification, with sampling-technician certification pending that training. DHS’s lower-ranked current certification instructions state: "Applicants for lead risk assessor or inspector don't have to complete x-ray fluorescence (XRF) device training before qualifying for certification." The DHS XRF page states: "You don't need to provide XRF training records when applying for certification as a lead risk assessor or inspector." The rule controls this survey; the applicant must also consider the stated DHS implementation practice and applicable XRF operating requirements.
Initial certification with approved out of state training
Wisconsin Lead Inspector Certification Examination
Age
Be at least 18 years old (DHS 163.10(3)(a)2).
Application
Submit a complete signed application, required training documentation, recent photograph when not submitted by the trainer, Social Security number or applicable sworn no-number statement, and required fees. Certification can be denied for the statutory tax, unemployment-insurance, or child-support delinquencies (DHS 163.10(5); Wis. Stat. §§ 254.115 and 250.041).
Certification fee
Inspector certification fee is $325; examination registration is $75. Government-employment and qualifying veteran certification-fee exemptions are subject to the official documentation and statutory eligibility requirements.
Company
Be affiliated through ownership, employment, or contract with a Wisconsin-certified lead company when conducting regulated activities (DHS 163.10(1)).
Exam timing
Interim applicants must take the next reasonably accessible examination and pass within three attempts during six months after training. DHS 163.10(7)(a) measures the interim term from the most recent required training course. The lower-ranked Lead Inspector credential page instead says: "You must pass a state certification exam within six months after completing the first training course."
Military equivalency
Relevant military education, training, instruction, or experience counts when DHS determines it is substantially equivalent to the required qualification (Wis. Stat. § 254.176(3m)).
Scope exception
The narrowly defined assumed-lead, lead-safe renovation partial inspection in DHS 163.10(1)(e) is exempt from inspector certification and requires written disclosure; this is a practice exception, not an alternative inspector credential.
Training
Complete approved initial one-day lead sampling training followed by two-day lead inspection training (DHS 163.11(2)(b)2).
Training origin
DHS must find EPA- or EPA-authorized state/tribal-accredited training comparable. Submit the out-of-state training history, the most recent diploma as a notarized true copy or directly from the trainer, photo identification, a recent photograph, and the additional $25 processing fee as directed by DHS.
Xrf training
DHS 163.10(3)(a)3 and (3)(d) require XRF manufacturer training before inspector certification, with sampling-technician certification pending that training. DHS’s lower-ranked current certification instructions state: "Applicants for lead risk assessor or inspector don't have to complete x-ray fluorescence (XRF) device training before qualifying for certification." The DHS XRF page states: "You don't need to provide XRF training records when applying for certification as a lead risk assessor or inspector." The rule controls this survey; the applicant must also consider the stated DHS implementation practice and applicable XRF operating requirements.
Initial certification with Wisconsin accredited training
Wisconsin Lead Inspector Certification Examination
Age
Be at least 18 years old (DHS 163.10(3)(a)2).
Application
Submit a complete signed application, required training documentation, recent photograph when not submitted by the trainer, Social Security number or applicable sworn no-number statement, and required fees. Certification can be denied for the statutory tax, unemployment-insurance, or child-support delinquencies (DHS 163.10(5); Wis. Stat. §§ 254.115 and 250.041).
Certification fee
Inspector certification fee is $325; examination registration is $75. Government-employment and qualifying veteran certification-fee exemptions are subject to the official documentation and statutory eligibility requirements.
Company
Be affiliated through ownership, employment, or contract with a Wisconsin-certified lead company when conducting regulated activities (DHS 163.10(1)).
Exam timing
Interim applicants must take the next reasonably accessible examination and pass within three attempts during six months after training. DHS 163.10(7)(a) measures the interim term from the most recent required training course. The lower-ranked Lead Inspector credential page instead says: "You must pass a state certification exam within six months after completing the first training course."
Military equivalency
Relevant military education, training, instruction, or experience counts when DHS determines it is substantially equivalent to the required qualification (Wis. Stat. § 254.176(3m)).
Scope exception
The narrowly defined assumed-lead, lead-safe renovation partial inspection in DHS 163.10(1)(e) is exempt from inspector certification and requires written disclosure; this is a practice exception, not an alternative inspector credential.
Training
Complete approved initial one-day lead sampling training followed by two-day lead inspection training (DHS 163.11(2)(b)2).
Training origin
Complete Wisconsin-accredited training; provide the initial certification application and documentation.
Xrf training
DHS 163.10(3)(a)3 and (3)(d) require XRF manufacturer training before inspector certification, with sampling-technician certification pending that training. DHS’s lower-ranked current certification instructions state: "Applicants for lead risk assessor or inspector don't have to complete x-ray fluorescence (XRF) device training before qualifying for certification." The DHS XRF page states: "You don't need to provide XRF training records when applying for certification as a lead risk assessor or inspector." The rule controls this survey; the applicant must also consider the stated DHS implementation practice and applicable XRF operating requirements.
Conversion of interim certification to initial certification
Wisconsin Lead Inspector Certification Examination
Age
Be at least 18 years old (DHS 163.10(3)(a)2).
Application
Submit a complete signed application, required training documentation, recent photograph when not submitted by the trainer, Social Security number or applicable sworn no-number statement, and required fees. Certification can be denied for the statutory tax, unemployment-insurance, or child-support delinquencies (DHS 163.10(5); Wis. Stat. §§ 254.115 and 250.041).
Certification fee
Inspector certification fee is $325; examination registration is $75. Government-employment and qualifying veteran certification-fee exemptions are subject to the official documentation and statutory eligibility requirements.
Company
Be affiliated through ownership, employment, or contract with a Wisconsin-certified lead company when conducting regulated activities (DHS 163.10(1)).
Exam timing
Interim applicants must take the next reasonably accessible examination and pass within three attempts during six months after training. DHS 163.10(7)(a) measures the interim term from the most recent required training course. The lower-ranked Lead Inspector credential page instead says: "You must pass a state certification exam within six months after completing the first training course."
Interim status
Hold interim inspector certification; on passing the certification examination DHS issues a revised initial certification card for the balance of the term.
Military equivalency
Relevant military education, training, instruction, or experience counts when DHS determines it is substantially equivalent to the required qualification (Wis. Stat. § 254.176(3m)).
Scope exception
The narrowly defined assumed-lead, lead-safe renovation partial inspection in DHS 163.10(1)(e) is exempt from inspector certification and requires written disclosure; this is a practice exception, not an alternative inspector credential.
Training
Complete approved initial one-day lead sampling training followed by two-day lead inspection training (DHS 163.11(2)(b)2).
Xrf training
DHS 163.10(3)(a)3 and (3)(d) require XRF manufacturer training before inspector certification, with sampling-technician certification pending that training. DHS’s lower-ranked current certification instructions state: "Applicants for lead risk assessor or inspector don't have to complete x-ray fluorescence (XRF) device training before qualifying for certification." The DHS XRF page states: "You don't need to provide XRF training records when applying for certification as a lead risk assessor or inspector." The rule controls this survey; the applicant must also consider the stated DHS implementation practice and applicable XRF operating requirements.
Initial certification after certification has lapsed for twelve months or more
Wisconsin Lead Inspector Certification Examination
Age
Be at least 18 years old (DHS 163.10(3)(a)2).
Application
Submit a complete signed application, required training documentation, recent photograph when not submitted by the trainer, Social Security number or applicable sworn no-number statement, and required fees. Certification can be denied for the statutory tax, unemployment-insurance, or child-support delinquencies (DHS 163.10(5); Wis. Stat. §§ 254.115 and 250.041).
Certification fee
Inspector certification fee is $325; examination registration is $75. Government-employment and qualifying veteran certification-fee exemptions are subject to the official documentation and statutory eligibility requirements.
Company
Be affiliated through ownership, employment, or contract with a Wisconsin-certified lead company when conducting regulated activities (DHS 163.10(1)).
Exam timing
Interim applicants must take the next reasonably accessible examination and pass within three attempts during six months after training. DHS 163.10(7)(a) measures the interim term from the most recent required training course. The lower-ranked Lead Inspector credential page instead says: "You must pass a state certification exam within six months after completing the first training course."
Lapse
Apply under the initial-certification provisions when inspector certification has lapsed for twelve months or more. Repeat initial training as applicable under DHS 163.11(3)(a)2.b; the DHS initial-certification note applies the initial route at the twelve-month boundary.
Military equivalency
Relevant military education, training, instruction, or experience counts when DHS determines it is substantially equivalent to the required qualification (Wis. Stat. § 254.176(3m)).
Scope exception
The narrowly defined assumed-lead, lead-safe renovation partial inspection in DHS 163.10(1)(e) is exempt from inspector certification and requires written disclosure; this is a practice exception, not an alternative inspector credential.
Training
Complete approved initial one-day lead sampling training followed by two-day lead inspection training (DHS 163.11(2)(b)2).
Xrf training
DHS 163.10(3)(a)3 and (3)(d) require XRF manufacturer training before inspector certification, with sampling-technician certification pending that training. DHS’s lower-ranked current certification instructions state: "Applicants for lead risk assessor or inspector don't have to complete x-ray fluorescence (XRF) device training before qualifying for certification." The DHS XRF page states: "You don't need to provide XRF training records when applying for certification as a lead risk assessor or inspector." The rule controls this survey; the applicant must also consider the stated DHS implementation practice and applicable XRF operating requirements.
One time one year recertification to align certification and training dates
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application documents
Submit a completed signed application, a recent clearly identifiable photograph when not already supplied by the trainer, and required training diplomas not previously provided.
Card
Do not conduct regulated activity after expiration until DHS recertifies the individual.
Compliance
Be in compliance with Chapter DHS 163, current with required training, and submit the signed recertification application and documentation (DHS 163.10(8)(b)-(c)).
Duration
One-time one-year recertification expires on the next training due date.
Eligibility
Currently certified; previous certification was for one year and next training due date is one year after the current certification expiration date.
Fee
One-half of the current two-year certification fee, subject to applicable fee-exemption documentation.
Refresher
Complete an approved eight-hour lead inspector refresher course every two years. DHS’s inspector page states the Wisconsin one-day refresher is not currently offered: use four-hour sampling technician refresher plus two-day initial inspector training in Wisconsin, or a one-day EPA/EPA-authorized out-of-state inspector refresher. Out-of-state processing requires the additional $25 and documentation.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reapplication after denial for failure to pass the certification examination
Wisconsin Lead Inspector Certification Examination
Age
Be at least 18 years old (DHS 163.10(3)(a)2).
Application
Submit a complete signed application, required training documentation, recent photograph when not submitted by the trainer, Social Security number or applicable sworn no-number statement, and required fees. Certification can be denied for the statutory tax, unemployment-insurance, or child-support delinquencies (DHS 163.10(5); Wis. Stat. §§ 254.115 and 250.041).
Certification fee
Inspector certification fee is $325; examination registration is $75. Government-employment and qualifying veteran certification-fee exemptions are subject to the official documentation and statutory eligibility requirements.
Company
Be affiliated through ownership, employment, or contract with a Wisconsin-certified lead company when conducting regulated activities (DHS 163.10(1)).
Exam timing
Interim applicants must take the next reasonably accessible examination and pass within three attempts during six months after training. DHS 163.10(7)(a) measures the interim term from the most recent required training course. The lower-ranked Lead Inspector credential page instead says: "You must pass a state certification exam within six months after completing the first training course."
Military equivalency
Relevant military education, training, instruction, or experience counts when DHS determines it is substantially equivalent to the required qualification (Wis. Stat. § 254.176(3m)).
Prior denial
Wait twelve months from denial and retake the initial training course before reapplying in the inspector discipline. DHS may revoke interim certification after failure within three attempts or six months.
Scope exception
The narrowly defined assumed-lead, lead-safe renovation partial inspection in DHS 163.10(1)(e) is exempt from inspector certification and requires written disclosure; this is a practice exception, not an alternative inspector credential.
Training
Complete approved initial one-day lead sampling training followed by two-day lead inspection training (DHS 163.11(2)(b)2).
Xrf training
DHS 163.10(3)(a)3 and (3)(d) require XRF manufacturer training before inspector certification, with sampling-technician certification pending that training. DHS’s lower-ranked current certification instructions state: "Applicants for lead risk assessor or inspector don't have to complete x-ray fluorescence (XRF) device training before qualifying for certification." The DHS XRF page states: "You don't need to provide XRF training records when applying for certification as a lead risk assessor or inspector." The rule controls this survey; the applicant must also consider the stated DHS implementation practice and applicable XRF operating requirements.
Recertification after expiration but before twelve months have elapsed
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application documents
Submit a completed signed application, a recent clearly identifiable photograph when not already supplied by the trainer, and required training diplomas not previously provided.
Card
Do not conduct regulated activity after expiration until DHS recertifies the individual.
Compliance
Be in compliance with Chapter DHS 163, current with required training, and submit the signed recertification application and documentation (DHS 163.10(8)(b)-(c)).
Eligibility
Certification has expired for less than twelve months; complete the refresher class and recertify within twelve months after expiration. At twelve months or more the initial-certification note requires the initial route.
Fee
Recertification is $325 for two years; qualifying governmental employment and statutory veteran fee exemptions require appropriate documentation.
Refresher
Complete an approved eight-hour lead inspector refresher course every two years. DHS’s inspector page states the Wisconsin one-day refresher is not currently offered: use four-hour sampling technician refresher plus two-day initial inspector training in Wisconsin, or a one-day EPA/EPA-authorized out-of-state inspector refresher. Out-of-state processing requires the additional $25 and documentation.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Recertification before current certification expires
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application documents
Submit a completed signed application, a recent clearly identifiable photograph when not already supplied by the trainer, and required training diplomas not previously provided.
Card
Do not conduct regulated activity after expiration until DHS recertifies the individual.
Compliance
Be in compliance with Chapter DHS 163, current with required training, and submit the signed recertification application and documentation (DHS 163.10(8)(b)-(c)).
Eligibility
Apply before inspector certification expires; DHS extends certification two years from expiration.
Fee
Recertification is $325 for two years; qualifying governmental employment and statutory veteran fee exemptions require appropriate documentation.
Refresher
Complete an approved eight-hour lead inspector refresher course every two years. DHS’s inspector page states the Wisconsin one-day refresher is not currently offered: use four-hour sampling technician refresher plus two-day initial inspector training in Wisconsin, or a one-day EPA/EPA-authorized out-of-state inspector refresher. Out-of-state processing requires the additional $25 and documentation.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Resumption after DHS ends an ordinary suspension
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Eligibility
Hold suspended inspector certification. Suspension remains in effect until DHS determines the interests of state residents are served; the person cannot independently end the suspension.
Ongoing validity
The underlying inspector certification and required training must remain current; expired certification uses the applicable recertification or initial route.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Interim Lead Inspector Certification

Interim certification while awaiting the inspector certification examination; maximum six months after the most recent required training.

Licensing authority: Wisconsin Department of Health Services · Application information

Interim certification while awaiting the certification examination
Wisconsin Lead Inspector Certification Examination
Age
Be at least 18 years old (DHS 163.10(3)(a)2).
Application
Submit a complete signed application, required training documentation, recent photograph when not submitted by the trainer, Social Security number or applicable sworn no-number statement, and required fees. Certification can be denied for the statutory tax, unemployment-insurance, or child-support delinquencies (DHS 163.10(5); Wis. Stat. §§ 254.115 and 250.041).
Certification fee
Inspector certification fee is $325; examination registration is $75. Government-employment and qualifying veteran certification-fee exemptions are subject to the official documentation and statutory eligibility requirements.
Company
Be affiliated through ownership, employment, or contract with a Wisconsin-certified lead company when conducting regulated activities (DHS 163.10(1)).
Duration
Interim certification lasts a maximum of six months after the most recent required training course. Passing changes the certification to initial; failure may cause revocation and denial.
Eligibility
Apply for inspector certification and be registered for the certification examination; DHS may grant an interim card.
Exam timing
Interim applicants must take the next reasonably accessible examination and pass within three attempts during six months after training. DHS 163.10(7)(a) measures the interim term from the most recent required training course. The lower-ranked Lead Inspector credential page instead says: "You must pass a state certification exam within six months after completing the first training course."
Military equivalency
Relevant military education, training, instruction, or experience counts when DHS determines it is substantially equivalent to the required qualification (Wis. Stat. § 254.176(3m)).
Scope exception
The narrowly defined assumed-lead, lead-safe renovation partial inspection in DHS 163.10(1)(e) is exempt from inspector certification and requires written disclosure; this is a practice exception, not an alternative inspector credential.
Training
Complete approved initial one-day lead sampling training followed by two-day lead inspection training (DHS 163.11(2)(b)2).
Xrf training
DHS 163.10(3)(a)3 and (3)(d) require XRF manufacturer training before inspector certification, with sampling-technician certification pending that training. DHS’s lower-ranked current certification instructions state: "Applicants for lead risk assessor or inspector don't have to complete x-ray fluorescence (XRF) device training before qualifying for certification." The DHS XRF page states: "You don't need to provide XRF training records when applying for certification as a lead risk assessor or inspector." The rule controls this survey; the applicant must also consider the stated DHS implementation practice and applicable XRF operating requirements.

Provisional Lead Inspector Certification

The training diploma serves as temporary certification after submission of a complete initial certification application and until DHS issues the certification card.

Licensing authority: Wisconsin Department of Health Services · Application information

Provisional certification after submission of the initial application
Wisconsin Lead Inspector Certification Examination
Age
Be at least 18 years old (DHS 163.10(3)(a)2).
Application
Submit a complete signed application, required training documentation, recent photograph when not submitted by the trainer, Social Security number or applicable sworn no-number statement, and required fees. Certification can be denied for the statutory tax, unemployment-insurance, or child-support delinquencies (DHS 163.10(5); Wis. Stat. §§ 254.115 and 250.041).
Certification fee
Inspector certification fee is $325; examination registration is $75. Government-employment and qualifying veteran certification-fee exemptions are subject to the official documentation and statutory eligibility requirements.
Company
Be affiliated through ownership, employment, or contract with a Wisconsin-certified lead company when conducting regulated activities (DHS 163.10(1)).
Eligibility
Submit a fully and accurately completed initial certification application. The training diploma serves as temporary certification until DHS issues the card; retain a copy of the diploma at the work site.
Exam condition
The underlying initial inspector route involves the state examination. Provisional status permits work while the application is being processed; it does not establish a separate examination or eliminate the initial examination requirement.
Exam timing
Interim applicants must take the next reasonably accessible examination and pass within three attempts during six months after training. DHS 163.10(7)(a) measures the interim term from the most recent required training course. The lower-ranked Lead Inspector credential page instead says: "You must pass a state certification exam within six months after completing the first training course."
Military equivalency
Relevant military education, training, instruction, or experience counts when DHS determines it is substantially equivalent to the required qualification (Wis. Stat. § 254.176(3m)).
Scope exception
The narrowly defined assumed-lead, lead-safe renovation partial inspection in DHS 163.10(1)(e) is exempt from inspector certification and requires written disclosure; this is a practice exception, not an alternative inspector credential.
Training
Complete approved initial one-day lead sampling training followed by two-day lead inspection training (DHS 163.11(2)(b)2).
Xrf training
DHS 163.10(3)(a)3 and (3)(d) require XRF manufacturer training before inspector certification, with sampling-technician certification pending that training. DHS’s lower-ranked current certification instructions state: "Applicants for lead risk assessor or inspector don't have to complete x-ray fluorescence (XRF) device training before qualifying for certification." The DHS XRF page states: "You don't need to provide XRF training records when applying for certification as a lead risk assessor or inspector." The rule controls this survey; the applicant must also consider the stated DHS implementation practice and applicable XRF operating requirements.

Wisconsin Lead Inspector Certification Examination

Provider
Wisconsin Department of Health Services
Format
Online or in person
Exam questions
75
Passing score
70%
Exam fee
$75 per attempt
Examination outline
  • Module 1: Background Information about Lead
    • Sources of Lead Exposure
    • Health Effects
  • Module 2: General Regulatory Information and DHS Certification
    • Regulations
    • DHS Certification
  • Module 3: Lead Inspections
    • Building Components and Systems
    • Testing Combinations
    • Painted Surfaces Inventory
    • Multi-Family
    • XRF Analyzers
    • Paint Chip Sampling
    • Dust Wipe Sampling
    • Analyzing Results
    • Final report
  • Module 4: Clearance
    • Visual Inspection
    • Dust Wipe Sampling
    • Sample Analysis and Interpretation
    • Reporting
Examination sources