If your work involves inspecting, assessing, or addressing lead-based paint hazards in pre-1978 homes or child-occupied facilities, you need Lead-Based Paint Activities Certification.
This page is designed for inspectors, risk assessors, abatement professionals and clearance inspectors who play a critical role in identifying and eliminating lead hazards.
Learn about the certification requirements, the application process and how to maintain compliance while protecting public health and create safer environments.
LBPA certification applications
Paths to LBPA certification
To offer, bid or work in Lead-Based Paint Activities (LBPA) in Washington state, both individual and firm certification is needed.
There are three different paths to LBPA program certification:
- Firm LBPA Certification — for firms or businesses in Washington state that are inspecting, assessing or abating lead-based paint hazards
- Individual LBPA Certification — for individuals in Washington state that are inspecting, assessing or abating lead-based paint hazards
- Individual LBPA certification from the EPA or another authorized state — an individual who is currently certified with the EPA or another state must file for reciprocity
To apply for a Firm LBPA Certification, you need:
- Have an employee or owner with Individual LBPA certification
- The individual performing the work must be Washington state certified
- The certificate must not be within six months of expiration
- Active business licenses and registrations, including:
- Washington State Department of Revenue account
- Washington State Business License
- Washington State Secretary of State registration (if applicable)
- LNI Contractor License (if applicable)
Steps to apply
- Download and complete the Firm LBPA Application (PDF)
- Collect the following documents:
a. Completed Firm LBPA Application
b. Copies of Washington state issued Individual Certifications for the employee(s) performing the work
c. $25 check or money order payable to the Washington State Department of Commerce - Mail to:
Department of Commerce
Lead-Based Paint Programs
PO Box 48301
Olympia, WA 98504-8301 - Once the certificate is complete, it will be e-mailed to you.
To apply for individual LBPA certification or recertification, you must:
- Take a training course for the specific discipline with a Washington State-accredited training provider.
- Fill out an application and supply the Department of Commerce with a digital photograph.
- Pass the required test for specific disciplines:
- Lead Abatement Worker
- Lead Abatement Supervisor
- Lead Inspector
- Lead Risk Assessor
- In most cases, individuals must work for or own a certified firm. Contact our office for exceptions.
Steps to apply
- Download and complete the correct form:
a. LBPA Application for Individual Certification (PDF)
b. LBPA Application for Individual Recertification (PDF) - Mail the following:
a. Completed LBPA Application for Individual Certification OR Individual Recertification
b. $25 check or money order payable to the Washington State Department of Commerce
c. Mail to:
Department of Commerce
Lead-Based Paint Programs
PO Box 48301
Olympia, WA 98504-8301 - Email a digital photograph to cynthia.sanderson@commerce.wa.gov. This photograph will be used to create your badge. Badges will be mailed to you.
- Wait for a call to schedule your exam. This step does not apply to recertification.
- Complete and pass the exam. This step does not apply to recertification.
- Once the certificate is complete, it will be e-mailed to you.
If your individual LBPA certification was not issued by Washington state, you need to apply for Washington state LBPA Certification.
Individual LBPA certification via Reciprocity
- Fill out an application and supply the Department of Commerce with a digital photograph.
- Individuals must work for or own a Washington state certified LBPA firm. Contact our office for exceptions.
Steps to apply
- Download and complete this form: Individual LBPA Application for Reciprocity (PDF)
- Mail the following:
a. Completed Individual LBPA Application for Reciprocity (PDF)
b. $25 check or money order payable to the Washington State Department of Commerce
c. Mail to:
Department of Commerce
Lead-Based Paint Programs
PO Box 48301
Olympia, WA 98504-8301 - Email a digital photograph to cynthia.sanderson@commerce.wa.gov. This photograph will be used to create your badge. Badges will be mailed to you.
- Once the certificate is complete, it will be e-mailed to you.