CERTIFICATION

On this Page:

• Legal Framework
• Certification and Eligibility Requirements
• Insurance
• Instructional Programs
• Construction Contractors Board
• Application Forms

Legal Framework

On August 29, 1996, the Environmental Protection Administration, under the authority of the amended Toxic Substances Control Act of 1992, issued a rule developed to ensure that all lead-based paint inspections, risk assessments, and abatements would be conducted by trained and certified individuals using safe and effective methods. (See EPA's Web site for more information on the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), Sections 402/404: EPA Lead Training and Certification Requirements" EXIT). On July 19, 1995, Governor Kitzhaber signed into law Oregon House Bill 2971, which provided the authorizing legislation for the development of a state Lead-Based Paint Program and of the respective responsibilities of the Department of Human Services and the Construction Contractors Board (CCB) in the certification process.

The Department of Human Services (DHS) most recently amended the rules regarding the certification of professionals to conduct lead-based paint activities in November, 2001. You may request a copy by writing to DHS, Lead-Based Paint Program, 800 NE Oregon St., Room 608, Portland, OR 97232, or by phoning the Lead Line: (971) 673-0440, or by accessing the Archives Division of the Oregon Secretary of State.

Certification and Eligibility Requirements

• Inspector
• Risk Assessor
• Supervisor
• Project Designer
• Worker

See the table of Eligibility Requirements for the requirements for the respective certifications.

In general, the steps required to obtain DHS certification in any of these preceeding categories are as follows:

1. Successfully complete a training course accredited by Department of Human Services (includes written exam).
2. Submit completed Application and fee to DHS, including documentation of experience, education and training.
3. Obtain a passing score on an eligibility examination administered by the DHS. Only the disciplines of Lead Abatement Inspector, Risk Assessor and Supervisor, require applicants to pass a state examination. Applicants need to complete and submit a Certification Examination Request Form (pdf). The form identifies the Portland examination location, examination dates, and submittal deadlines. Examinations are also available in Medford and proctored by Rogue Community College. Contact the Lead-Based Paint Program for further information. 

The following are exempt from certification by DHS:

• Employees of a regulatory agency conducting regulatory activities and who have been trained in a manner deemed by Health Services to safeguard public and environmental health.

The following are exempt from licensing by the CCB:

• A public agency whose employees perform 'in house' lead-based paint services.

• A firm or public agency that contracts with another firm or public agency to conduct lead-based paint activities on its behalf

Insurance

Even though it is not a legal requirement of DHS, the CCB requires that licensed individuals and firms be insured and bonded. Contact the CCB or visit their Web site for more information concerning the appropriate coverage and for a list of insurance companies providing liability coverage.

Instructional Programs

DHS has published rules for the accreditation of training programs for lead-based paint activities. DHS only recognizes training courses that have been provisionally accredited or accredited by DHS. At this time, the only provider offering lead-based paint courses in Oregon either provisionally accredited or accredited by DHS is the Western Regional Lead Training Center at Oregon State University. View the current WRLTC training schedule.

Construction Contractors Board

The Oregon CCB is a state agency that registers and monitors the construction trades industry in the state. In addition to obtaining certification through Health Services, every individual and every business offering lead-based paint services must also be licensed through the CCB. (Note: Both the individual and the business must be licensed separately. A sole proprietor must be licensed both individually and as a firm).

CCB Lead Individual Application

CCB Lead Business Endorsement Application

To contact the CCB for information on licensing application and fees, phone (503) 378-4621 x 4053. Fax (503) 373-2007.

Exceptions to the CCB licensing requirement are:

• A public agency whose employees perform 'in house' lead-based paint services

• A firm or public agency that contacts with another firm or public agency to conduct lead-based paint activities on its behalf

Application Forms and Instructions

Individual Lead-Based Paint Application Forms, Instructions, and Requirements (pdf)

Individual Lead-Based Paint Renewal Application (pdf)

Firm Lead-Based Paint Application (pdf)

Firm Lead-Based Paint Renewal Application (pdf)

To update information on file with the LBP program, please fill out the Firm Update Information form (pdf)

Or contact:

Lead Based Paint Program
Oregon Health Services
800 NE Oregon St., Room 608
Portland, OR 97232
Phone: (971) 673-0440
Fax: (971) 673-0457

Important Information for Applicants

A separate application and a separate fee are required for each certification, e.g., Inspector, Risk Assessor, Project designer, Supervisor and Worker. In addition to the individual, each Firm offering to perform or performing lead-based paint activities must submit an application for Firm certification.*

The Firm may be a corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship. However, the application for the Firm is in addition to and separate from the one for the individual applicant. Also, the application for the Firm must be accompanied by a fee of $85. This fee is separate from and in addition to the fee for the individual applicant. However, if all work will be done for the same firm, that firm need only be certified once.

The application for lead-based paint certification of a Firm is to be completed and signed by an officer of the Firm, or by an individual designated to sign on the firm's behalf. Submit the completed application along with the fee and a letter certifying that the Firm will: (1) only employ certified individuals of the appropriate discipline to conduct lead-based paint activities, (2) that the Firm will follow the standards for conducting lead-based paint activities as prescribed in OAR 333-069-0005 through 333-069-0090, and (3) the Firm shall maintain all records pursuant to the aforementioned rules.

If you have any questions about the application process, phone the Lead-Based Paint Program at (971) 673-0440.

* Exemptions to this requirement are as follows:

1. Public Agencies
2. Firms that contract with certified firms to provide lead-based paint services.