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Certification
 Performance of Lead-Based Paint Activities

The Asbestos and Lead Unit (A&LS), in the Department of Health and Family Services, administers the certification (licensure) required to perform lead-based paint activities in Wisconsin.  There are 2 types of certification - individual and the company.  Lead-based paint activities include lead hazard reduction, lead investigation, and work that disturbs lead-based paint.

The following are web pages and information designed to guide the applicant or consumer on certification in Wisconsin.

Individual

• Requirements - The Lead Hazard Reduction and Investigation Certification Table created by A&LS, briefly lists the required course(s), fees, and prior experience.  Also, the State of Wisconsin web site offers useful information.

• Training - An individual must first complete a training course before applying for certification.  This is a list of Wisconsin training providers.

• Affiliation - An individual must be working for or planning to work with a Wisconsin Certified Company.  If an individual plans to work for a company that is not certified, then he will need to complete the Certification Application - Company.  

• Application - Complete the Certification Application - Individual.  An individual must be affiliated with a lead company when applying for certification.

Acceptable photo identification - The applicant is required to submit one of the identifications listed on this web page.

• Exam - The Exam only applies to individuals applying for: Lead Abatement Supervisor, Inspector, Hazard Investigator, and Risk Assessor certification.  An applicant has up to three attempts to pass the exam during a six-month period.  If an applicant does not pass the exam within the six-month period, an appropriate initial training class must be retaken.

Study Guide - Topics covered on the exam are available for the Risk Assessor, Hazard Investigator, Inspector, and Supervisor Exam.

• Processing - Once a completed application is submitted to A&LS, it will be processed in 10 working days.  Applications are processed in the order they are received.  Hand delivered applications will not be processed at that time.  Incomplete application materials will not be processed.

• Certification Card - An explanation and diagram of the certification card is provided.  This page is useful for the certified individual and those verifying certification.

Company

• Types of Lead Company - A company can apply for either of the following lead company certifications:

  • Lead Abatement Company or

  • Lead-Safe Company - This is currently an optional certification intended to provide a marketing tool for companies that work lead-safe but do not conduct lead abatement.  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is working on regulations that are expected to require all companies to have trained and certified lead-safe staff and to be certified before performing paint-disturbing work in pre-1978 dwellings and child-occupied facilities.

• Requirements - 

  • Use certified individual.  Agree to employ or contract with only appropriately certified individuals to perform or supervise regulated activities when certification is required (whether by regulation or terms of a contract or order).

  • Follow work practice standards.  Agree that all employees or subcontractors will follow applicable work practice standards.

  • Demonstrate knowledge.  For certification as a lead company, and owner, officer or employee who is authorized to act on behalf of the owner must demonstrate knowledge of applicable lead-based paint regulations and protocols.  This is done by:

    • Being certified as a lead abatement supervisor, hazard investigator, inspector, project designer or risk assessor (See Lead Hazard Reduction and Investigation Certification Table for more information about the lead certification) or

    • When certification is impracticable (all work is done under contracts with certified persons), by correctly completing and submitting a lead company regulatory work sheet.

• Application - Complete the Certification Application - Company.

• Processing - Once a completed application is submitted to A&LS, it will be processed in 10 working days (Exception: a renewal application received at least 10 working days before its August 1 expiration date will be processed prior to the expiration date).  Initial application materials will not be processed.

• Certified Company - County List - A lead company can opt to be listed on this web site if the company serves in more than one county.  To qualify to be listed in each of the Certified Company - County List, please read the following:

  • Lead abatement contractor directory - A certified lead company must have at least one certified lead abatement supervisor.

  • Lead investigator directory - A lead company must have at least one individual certified in a lead investigation discipline.

  • Lead-safe company directory - A company must either qualify for listing in the lead abatement contractor directory or be a certified lead-safe company with at least one certified lead-safe worker, lead abatement worker, or lead abatement supervisor.

Last Revised: October 20, 2009