United States

Environmental Protection

Agency

Office of Chemical

Safety and Pollution

Prevention

EPA 747-B-99-002

April 2009

https://www.epa.gov/lead

Application and 

Instructions for 

Individuals 

Applying for Certification to Conduct

Lead-Based Paint Activities
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Form Approved OMB No. 2070-0155 Expires 10/31/11

EPA Form 8500-27 (Rev 09/04) Page 1 of 4

APPLICATION FOR INDIVIDUALS

U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY TO CONDUCT LEAD-BASED PAINT ACTIVITIES

Important: Consult the instructions provided for individuals applying for certification to conduct lead-based paint activities to 

complete this form. Firms should use the Application for Firms instead of this form. Please type or print responses in black or 

blue ink only.

A. General Information (All applicants)

Select one of the following application types:

Initial certification application

Re-certification application

Adding jurisdiction[s] to certification/amending certification

Replacement of a badge

Replacement of a certificate

Replacement of a badge and certificate

Indicate the discipline(s) for which you seek certification or re-certification and all EPA-run jurisdiction(s) in which you intend to 

perform lead-based paint activities. For discipline-specific responsibilities, please see the instructions. An EPA-run jurisdiction 

includes an EPA-run state, U.S. territory, or all Indian tribal land(s) in any one EPA Region. You will be eligible for certification to 

work only in those EPA-run jurisdiction(s) you specify below. Attach additional sheets of paper, as necessary.

The fee you must pay depends on the number of disciplines and EPA-run jurisdiction(s) in which you plan to conduct lead-based 

paint activities. See the fees schedule in the instructions to determine your fee. The total fee listed below should include fees 

calculated on any additional sheets.

I=Initial

R=Refresher Inspector Supervisor

Risk 

Assessor

Project 

Designer

Abatement

Worker Fee

I R I R I R I R I R

1st EPA-run jurisdiction* (pay base certification 

fee only)

 $ 

2nd EPA-run jurisdiction*

 $ 

 Check here if you are listing additional EPA-run jurisdiction[s]

List each additional jurisdiction as necessary. (Each additional jurisdiction is $35 per discipline, per jurisdiction) $

Certification exam fee ($70 each) (Does not apply to project designers, abatement workers, or applicants applying under Section C). $ 

Total Fee: $ 

*See the definition of EPA-run jurisdiction[s] and the fee examples in the instructions.

For current listing of EPA-run jurisdictions, see www.epa.gov/lead, or call 1-800-424-LEAD. 

B. Applicant Information (All applicants)

 Check here if you are an employee of a Federally-recognized Indian Tribe.

 Mr. Mrs. Ms. Name: 

Last First Middle 

Previous and/or Maiden Name(s), if applicable: 

Business Phone #: ext. Home Phone #: 

*In the event that we cannot reach you, please list another contact name and number (optional): 

Home Address: 

Street Address, Suite Number (Please no P.O. Box) City State Zip Code

Company Name and Address: 

Name Street Address, Suite Number City State Zip Code

Applicant’s E-mail Address (optional): 

To which address should correspondence or badge be sent? Home Company Other (please attach)

Official Use Only

For information on EPA and other 

Lead Programs, see: 

http://www.epa.gov/lead
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EPA Form 8500-27 (Rev 09/04) Page 2 of 4

Date of Birth: Race/Ethnicity (optional): 

Month/Day/Year

Country of Legal Residence: Gender: Male Female

Height: Weight: Eye Color: Hair Color: 

Feet Inches Pounds

Submit two identical passport photographs of you alone, recent enough to be a good 

likeness (normally taken within the last 6 months). As shown in the example to the right, 

photographs should be 2 x 2 inches in size with an image of your head and shoulders taking 

up the majority of the area. Photographs must be clear, front view, full face, taken in normal 

street clothing without a hat or dark glasses in front of a white or off-white background. 

Retouched, digital, and profile images are not acceptable.

C. Reciprocity (Initial Certification applicants only) 

Do you hold a current lead-based paint certification

issued by an EPA-authorized state, U.S. Territory, or Indian tribe? Yes No

If you answered Yes, please complete Section C and skip Sections D and E. Also, attach a 

copy of your valid certificate and license. If you answered No, please skip Section C and 

complete Sections D and E.

Inspector: State/Tribe: Expiration Date: 

Supervisor: State/Tribe: Expiration Date: 

Risk Assessor: State/Tribe: Expiration Date: 

Project Designer: State/Tribe: Expiration Date: 

Abatement Worker: State/Tribe: Expiration Date: 

D. Training (Initial and Re-certification applicants)

Answer the following items about the lead-based paint training course you received for each discipline for which you are seeking 

certification or re-certification. Attach additional sheets of paper as necessary.

Discipline: 

Name of Training Program: 

Name of organization that taught course

Training Program Address:

Street Address, Suite Number City State Zip Code

Training Program Phone #: ext. Date Training Completed: 

Month/Day/Year

If training was conducted in a language other than English, please specify language: 

Training Certificate Identification Number: 

Please check the type of test you took: Course test(s) and/or hands-on assessment or Proficiency test

2”

2”

Submit two recent

identical passport photos
CERTIFICATION APPLICATION FOR INDIVIDUALS (CONTINUED) Form Approved OMB No. 2070-0155 Expires 10/31/11

EPA Form 8500-27 (Rev 09/04) Page 3 of 4

E. Experience and Education (Initial Certification for Supervisor, Project Designer, or Risk Assessor only) 

If applying for Inspector or Worker, go to Section F.

For each discipline, check the combination you are using below:

Supervisor: (A or B must be checked.)

A. 1 year experience as certified lead abatement worker B. 2 years experience in building trades or related field*

*Examples of related fields include lead, asbestos, environmental remediation work, or construction. 

Project Designer (A or B must be checked.)

A. Bachelors degree in engineering, architecture, or 

related profession, AND

1 year experience in building construction and design 

or related field*

B. 4 years experience in building construction and design 

or related field* 

*Examples of related fields include lead, asbestos, environmental remediation work, or construction. 

Risk Assessor: (A, B, C or D must be checked.)

A. Bachelors degree AND

1 year experience in related field*

B. $VVRFLDWHVGHJUHH$1'

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C&Hrtification as industrial hygienist, professional 

engineer, registered architect, OR

Certification in related engineering/health/environment 

field (e.g., safety professional, environmental scientist)

D. High School/GED AND

3 years experience in related field*

*Examples of related fields include lead, asbestos, environmental remediation work, or construction. 

For experience combinations checked above, answer each of the following (Attach additional sheets of paper, as necessary):

Requested Discipline: Current Occupation Title: Company Name: 

Dates employed: Documentation attached: Resume Reference Letter Summary of work

For education checked above, answer each of the following (Attach additional sheets of paper, as necessary):

School: Major/Course of study: Degree: Year: 

Documentation attached: Diploma Transcript

F. Lead-Based Paint Activity Violations (All applicants)

Do you have any past, present, or pending lead-based paint activity violations Yes No

If yes, please attach a written explanation.

G. Additional Information (All applicants)

Use the following space for any additional information or comments that you feel are relevant and want EPA to consider with your 

application. Attach additional sheets of paper, as necessary. 
CERTIFICATION APPLICATION FOR INDIVIDUALS (CONTINUED) Form Approved OMB No. 2070-0155 Expires 10/31/11

EPA Form 8500-27 (Rev 09/04) Page 4 of 4

H. Signature (All applicants)

Please sign your name and write the date in the blanks below if you understand and agree with the following statement: 

I hereby attest and affirm that the information included on this application, including any attachments, is true and 

accurate to the best of my belief and knowledge. I acknowledge that any certification issued pursuant to this 

application, including any attachments, will be subject to revocation if issuance was based on incorrect or inadequate 

information that materially affected the decision to issue the certification. I also attest and affirm that I will maintain my 

certification(s) according to 40 CFR § 745.226, follow work practice standards according to 40 CFR § 745.227, and 

conduct lead-based paint activities only in those disciplines and geographical areas in which I have received 

certification.

Date Signed

Applicant’s Signature

(Please sign legibly within the boundaries of the box above.)

Before you mail your application and certification fee, make sure that you have:

Filled out all applicable sections of the application

Signed and dated the application

Made a copy of your application for your files

Enclosed two identical passport photos of yourself

Enclosed a copy of your course completion certificate(s) Enclosed documentation of your education, experience, and 

professional certification(s), if necessary

Enclosed any other documentation needed -- see the instructions for more information

Enclosed the appropriate certification fee(s)(check or money order) 

Printed “Lead Program User Fees” on the check or money order

Submitted $70 certification exam fee if applying for initial certification for Inspector, Supervisor, or Risk Assessor 

For more information, see the fees section in the instructions 

Mail the original completed application, supporting materials, and the certification fee to: 

U.S. EPA

Lead User Fees 

P.O. Box 979072

St. Louis, MO 63197-9000

Privacy Act Statement: This statement is provided pursuant to the Privacy Act of 1974, 5 U.S.C. §552a. The authority for collecting this information is 40 C.F.R. Part 745, and 

15 U.S.C. §§2682 and 2684. The information collected on this form will be used to establish the applicant’s eligibility for certification to conduct lead based paint activities in 

target housing and child occupied facilities. Disclosure of this information is voluntary, however, the failure to provide this information may delay or prevent an applicant’s 

certification. This information may be disclosed in appropriate and limited circumstances to: EPA employees, contractors, grantees or others when performing duties that are 

compatible with the purpose for which this information is collected and when this information is necessary to complete the task; a member of Congress in response to a 

request made with your consent and on your behalf; to appropriate law enforcement agencies responsible for investigating, enforcing, prosecuting or implementing specific 

statutes, codes or regulations and this information is relevant to that responsibility; an appropriate adjudicative body when such disclosure is compatible with the purpose for 

which this information is collected and the EPA or the United States has an interest in the proceeding; and the Department of the Treasury, the General Services 

Administration, the General Accounting Office and other Federal, State, and Local Agencies for authorized activities related to this information.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR INDIVIDUALS APPLYING FOR CERTIFICATION

TO CONDUCT LEAD-BASED PAINT ACTIVITIES

You may apply to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to be certified or re-certified to conduct 

lead-based paint activities as an Inspector, Supervisor, Risk Assessor, Project Designer, or 

Abatement Worker in states, U.S. territories, and all Indian tribal land(s) in any one EPA Region where 

EPA implements the lead-based paint certification program. If EPA does not administer the certification

program in an area where you wish to work, you must apply directly to that state, territory, or Indian tribe 

for certification.

These instructions supplement EPA form 8500-28 (Rev 09/04), Application for Individuals to Conduct 

Lead-Based Paint Activities. Please note that you must use a separate application form for each 

application type. For example, if you are applying for initial and re-certification in two disciplines, you must 

use two separate application forms. 

Responsibilities of Certified Disciplines

Discipline Responsibilities

Inspector • Inspection

• Post-abatement clearance

Supervisor • Occupant protection plan

• Abatement report

• Oversee abatement activities

Risk Assessor • Inspection

• Lead hazard screen

• Risk assessment

• Post-abatement clearance

Project Designer • Occupant protection plan

• Abatement report

Abatement Worker • Conduct abatement activities
How to Apply for Initial Certification

If You Are Currently Certified

To apply for certification from EPA if you are currently certified by an authorized state, U.S. territory, 

or Indian tribe, you must:

• Complete, sign, and date EPA form 8500-28 (Rev 09/04). 

• Enclose a copy of your valid certificate from an authorized state, U.S. territory, or Indian tribe, 

highlighting the certification expiration date, if applicable.

• Submit two identical passport photographs of you alone. Photographs must be:

o Recent enough to be a good likeness (taken within the last 6 months);

o Clear with a front view of your face taking up the majority of the area (hats or dark glasses 

are not acceptable);

o Focused on your head and shoulders; and

o Printed from film with dimensions of 2 x 2 inches. Retouched, digital, and profile images 

are not acceptable.

• Calculate the appropriate fee using the fees schedule provided. 

• Print “Lead Program User Fees” on the check or money order for the fee and mail it with your 

application to the address at the bottom of this page. 

If You Are Not Currently Certified

To apply for certification from EPA if you have successfully completed an EPA-accredited training 

course, you must:

• Complete, sign, and date EPA form 8500-28 (Rev 09/04). 

• Submit two identical passport photographs of you alone. Photographs must be:

o Recent enough to be a good likeness (taken within the last 6 months);

o Clear with a front view of your face taking up the majority of the area (hats or dark glasses 

are not acceptable);

o Focused on your head and shoulders; and

o Printed from film with dimensions of 2 x 2 inches.

Retouched, digital, and profile images are not acceptable.

• Calculate the appropriate fee using the fees schedule provided. 

• Print “Lead Program User Fees” on the check or money order for the fee and mail it with your 

application to the address below: 

U.S. EPA

Lead User Fees

P.O. Box 979072

St. Louis, MO 63197-9000

Certification of Tribal Employees 

Individuals seeking certification or re-certification under the tribal fee allowance must currently be in the 

employment of a Federally-recognized Indian Tribe. In Section B check the tribal employment box and in 

the company name and address field provide the name and address of the tribal government you are 

currently working for to verify employment.
Discipline-specific Requirements 

The information you must submit depends on the discipline(s) for which you seek certification. The 

following table identifies these requirements.

Discipline Application Sections Required Documentation 

Inspector A, B, C or D, F, G, and 

H 

• Valid inspector course completion certificate (Section D) or 

valid certificate and license (Section C) 

Supervisor A, B, C or D and E, F, 

G, H 

• Valid supervisor course completion certificate (Section D) 

or valid existing certificate and license (Section C)

• Resume(s), letters of reference, etc. 

Risk Assessor* A, B, C or D and E, F, 

G, H 

• Inspector course and valid risk assessor course 

completion certificates (Section D) or valid certificate and 

license (Section C)

• Resume(s), letters of reference, etc.

• Official high school diploma or college transcript

• Professional certification(s)

Project Designer A, B, C or D and E, F, 

G, H 

• Supervisor course and valid project designer course 

completion certificates (Section D) or valid certificate and 

license (Section C)

• Resume(s), letters of reference, etc.

• Official college transcript 

Abatement Worker A, B, C or D, F, G, and 

H 

• Valid worker course completion certificate (Section D) or 

valid certificate and license (Section C) 

How to Apply for Re-certification

If you completed an accredited training course with a course test and, if applicable, a hands-on 

assessment, you must be re-certified every three (3) years. If you completed an accredited course that 

included a proficiency test, you must be re-certified every five (5) years (all disciplines except Project 

Designer).

You may take a refresher course accredited by either EPA or an EPA-authorized training program. To 

ensure that you will be re-certified before your current certification expires, you should submit your recertification application well before your expiration date.

For re-certification, complete all sections except for sections C (Reciprocity) and E (Experience and 

Education) of the application and follow the mailing instructions described in the “initial accreditation” 

section of these instructions. Also submit two recent, identical passport photographs that meet the criteria 

outlined on the application.

Amended Application

Amended applications must be sent to the following address:

U.S. EPA

P.O. Box 14417

Washington, DC 20044-4417
Replacement of an Identification Badge or Certificate

To replace an identification badge or certificate, complete only sections A (General Information), B 

(Applicant Information), and H (Signature) of the application and follow the mailing instructions described 

in the “initial accreditation” section of these instructions. For badge replacement only, also submit two 

recent, identical passport photographs that meet the criteria outlined on the application.

Incomplete Application

If your application is incomplete, EPA will not process your application. If any components of your 

application are missing, your application will become inactive for a period not to exceed 30 days until the 

application is made complete. If you do not complete your application, EPA will return the application 

package. You may apply again with a complete package. Please call 1-800-424-LEAD to see if your 

application is complete.

Fees

The fee for applying for certification, re-certification, and other requests is listed on the following page. It is 

important that you: 

• Calculate the fee based on the number of disciplines and number of EPA-run jurisdiction(s) in which 

you plan to work.

• Submit one $35 fee for all Indian tribal land(s) in any one EPA Region, if you are applying for 

certification in multiple Indian tribal lands. 

• Include a list of the disciplines and EPA-run jurisdiction(s) with your fee, if you are applying for 

certification in more than one discipline. 

• Write your total fee amount in section A of the application, even if you attach additional sheets of 

paper listing additional EPA-run jurisdictions. 

• Include the certification exam fee (if applicable) with the certification fee, for more efficient processing. 

• Make the check or money order payable to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Other methods 

of payment include wire transfer, electronic funds transfer, and, for government payers only, on-line 

payment agency collection (OPAC). 
Fees Schedule

Description Initial Certification Fee

Re-certification Fee

[every 3 or 5 years, see 40 

CFR 745.226(e)(1)]

Individual, all disciplines except 

abatement worker (inspector, 

supervisor, risk assessor, project 

designer)

$410 $410

Individual Abatement Worker $310 $310

Tribal Individual, all disciplines $10 $10

Certification examination Fee* $70 for each attempt 

Multi-jurisdictional Certification Fee** $35 per discipline for each additional EPA-run jurisdiction*** 

Replacement Identification Badge $15 

Replacement Certificate $15 

*Does not apply to project designers, abatement workers, or applicants applying under section C of the application (reciprocity). 

**Multi-jurisdictional certification applies to an applicant applying in more than one EPA-run jurisdiction.

***An EPA-run jurisdiction includes an EPA-run state, a U.S. territory, or all Indian tribal land(s) in any one EPA Region. (For current 

listing of EPA-run jurisdictions, see www.epa.gov/lead or call 1-800-424-LEAD.) 

Fee Examples

1) If applying for initial Risk Assessor certification in one state:

Initial Risk Assessor certification fee $ 410 

Certification exam fee for Risk Assessor $ 70

Total Amount Due: $ 480

2) If applying for initial Risk Assessor and initial Abatement Worker certifications in two states:

Initial Risk Assessor certification Fee $ 410 

Certification exam fee for Risk Assessor $ 70

Initial Worker certification fee (no exam fee) $ 310

One additional state fee* (2 disciplines) $ 70

Total Amount Due: $ 860

3) If applying for initial Project Designer and initial Supervisor certifications in two states and all Indian 

tribes in one EPA Region: 

Initial Project Designer certification fee (no exam fee) $ 410 

Initial Supervisor certification fee $ 410 

Certification exam fee for Supervisor $ 70

One additional state fee* (2 disciplines) $ 70

All Indian tribes in one EPA Region fee* (2 disciplines) $ 70

Total Amount Due: $ 1,030

*Each certification request includes the fee for one EPA-run jurisdiction.
EPA’s Certification Fees Refund Policy

Individuals having submitted an application and associated fees for certification or recertification who wish 

to withdraw their application prior to Agency approval will receive a fee refund based upon the schedule 

listed below. Individuals who request a refund more than 10 days after the Agency receives the 

application will not receive a 100 percent refund.

Number of Days 

Following Agency 

Receipt of Application

Percent Reimbursable 

(based upon total fees 

submitted for a particular 

discipline)

up to 10 days 100%

11 to 60 days 75%

61 to 120 days 50%

121 or more days 25%

Note: Refunds will only be made after EPA verifies fee receipt and deposit by the U.S. Treasury.

Individuals must notify the Agency in writing in order to qualify for a refund. The date of withdrawal is the 

date on which the Agency received the withdrawal notification.

EPA will not refund fees after granting an applicant certification or re-certification. Refunds are granted 

only on a per discipline basis. Therefore, an individual must withdraw an application for a particular 

discipline in all EPA-run jurisdiction(s) included on the application. If your application is disapproved, EPA 

will not refund fees.

Refunds are not available for certification examination fees or for the replacement of an identification 

badge or certificate.
Application Process

EPA processes applications on a first-come first-served basis. Your course completion certificate will 

serve as interim certification for six months. If the application process is not completed within 6 months of 

your course completion, the initial training must be retaken and the application process restarted including 

paying the certification fee again. To make sure to allow enough time for your application to be processed, 

you should submit your application for certification to EPA within 30 days of completing your initial training 

course. If you are applying for supervisor, inspector, or risk assessor certification, you must pass a 3rd 

party exam and receive certification from EPA before the expiration date on your interim certification. If 

you do not complete these activities before the expiration date, you cannot conduct lead-based paint 

activities.

If you are applying for re-certification, your application should be submitted well before your certification 

expires in order to allow time for processing. You do not need to take the certification exam again to be recertified.

If a firm is assisting in completing applications for individuals who are applying for certification, 

please be aware of the following:

• Individual must have an address and phone number different from the firm’s. 

• Individual must sign and date the application. 

• Individual’s name, social security number, and discipline should appear on the front of the application 

fee payment (check or money order), even if it is hand-written, if the firm pays for the individual. 

• EPA forwards all correspondence to individuals who have signed the application attesting to their 

willingness to comply with the work practice standards found at 40 CFR §745.227. 

• EPA forwards copies of the individual’s approval letter and certificate to the firm upon written request 

of the applicant; however, the approval letter, identification badge, and certificate remain the property 

of the individual. 

The flowchart on the following page depicts the application process for individual certification.
Application Process for Individual Certification

Paperwork Reduction Act Notice: The annual public burden for this collection of information is estimated to be 1 hour for inspectors, risk assessors and 

supervisors, and 0.5 hours for workers and project designers per response, including the time needed for reading the instructions and completing the 

necessary information contained in this form. Send comments regarding the burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, 

including suggestions for reducing the burden to: Director, Collection Strategies Division, Office of Environmental Information (OEI), U.S. Environmental 

Protection Agency (Mail Code 2822), 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20460. Include OMB number 2070-0155 in any 

correspondence. Do not send the completed form or requested information to this address. The actual information or form should be submitted in 

accordance with the instructions accompanying the form, or as specified in the corresponding regulations.