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EPA Lead Inspector Practice Test

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An individual whose training course ended with a proficiency test is re-certified on which cycle?

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The inspector's role and certification 21

  • A trainee has not passed the exam and received a certificate within 6 months of the course completion certificate. What comes next? Answer: Retake the inspector course before reapplying. Source: 40 CFR 745.226(b)(7)
  • A training hour, as Subpart L defines it, holds at least how many minutes of actual learning? Answer: 50 minutes. Source: 40 CFR 745.223
  • According to EPA's page, what does a lead-based paint inspection not tell the owner? Answer: Whether the building has lead hazards now, or how to deal with them. Source: EPA, Lead Abatement, Inspection and Risk Assessment
  • After an abatement, who may perform the visual inspection and the dust sampling? Answer: Only a certified inspector or risk assessor. Source: 40 CFR 745.227(e)(8)
  • An individual whose training course ended with a proficiency test is re-certified on which cycle? Answer: Every 5 years. Source: 40 CFR 745.226(e)(1)
  • An inspector whose course ended with a course test and a hands-on assessment must be re-certified how often? Answer: Every 3 years. Source: 40 CFR 745.226(e)(1)
  • Besides conducting inspections, what does the definition of a certified inspector say the inspector does? Answer: Samples dust and soil for lead for abatement-related testing. Source: 40 CFR 745.223
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The inspector's role and certification, continued

  • Beyond the course and the exam, what experience or education does the rule require of an inspector? Answer: None. Source: 40 CFR 745.226(b)(1)(iii)
  • How does an individual apply to EPA for certification as an inspector? Answer: By an electronic application. Source: 40 CFR 745.226(a)(1)
  • How long does an inspector's course completion certificate serve as interim certification? Answer: 6 months. Source: 40 CFR 745.226(b)(4)
  • How many times may a person take the certification exam within 6 months of receiving a course completion certificate? Answer: No more than three times. Source: 40 CFR 745.226(b)(6)
  • In the Subpart L definitions, what is an inspection? Answer: A surface-by-surface investigation for lead-based paint, with a report of the results. Source: 40 CFR 745.223
  • Under the grounds for suspension, what must an inspector have at a job site while doing work that requires certification? Answer: Proof of certification. Source: 40 CFR 745.226(g)(1)
  • What is the minimum length of an accredited inspector course? Answer: 24 training hours, with at least 8 hands-on. Source: 40 CFR 745.225(c)(6)(i)
  • What is the minimum length of the inspector refresher course? Answer: 8 training hours. Source: 40 CFR 745.225(e)(2)
  • What must a certified inspector complete to be re-certified? Answer: The accredited refresher course for the discipline. Source: 40 CFR 745.226(e)(2)
  • What must a student do to pass a course that uses a course test? Answer: Complete the hands-on assessment and pass the course test. Source: 40 CFR 745.225(c)(7)
  • Which act is a listed ground for EPA to suspend, revoke or modify an individual's certification? Answer: Letting another person use the individual's certificate. Source: 40 CFR 745.226(g)(1)
  • Which activity does the rule reserve to a certified risk assessor, so that an inspector certificate alone does not cover it? Answer: A lead hazard screen. Source: 40 CFR 745.227(c)(1)
  • Which inspector course topic must be taught in the hands-on portion of the course? Answer: Paint, dust and soil sampling methodologies. Source: 40 CFR 745.225(d)(1)
  • Who may conduct a lead-based paint inspection under the federal work practice standards? Answer: Only a person certified as an inspector or a risk assessor. Source: 40 CFR 745.227(b)(1)

Lead and its health effects 13

  • About what share of United States homes built before 1978 still hold some lead-based paint, according to EPA's page? Answer: About three-quarters. Source: EPA, Lead Abatement, Inspection and Risk Assessment
  • By which routes does EPA's page say lead is harmful? Answer: When it is inhaled or swallowed. Source: EPA, Learn About Lead
  • How do children's growing bodies take up lead compared with adults, according to EPA's page? Answer: They absorb more lead than adults. Source: EPA, Learn About Lead
  • In the Subpart L definitions, an elevated blood lead level (EBL) is a confirmed concentration of what figure for a single venous test? Answer: 20 µg/dl. Source: 40 CFR 745.223
  • The Subpart L definition of an EBL also covers 15 to 19 µg/dl in two consecutive tests taken how far apart? Answer: 3 to 4 months. Source: 40 CFR 745.223
  • To which age group does EPA's page say lead is especially dangerous? Answer: Children six years old and younger. Source: EPA, Learn About Lead
  • What did the federal government ban in 1978, according to EPA's page? Answer: The sale of lead-based paint for use in homes, childcare facilities and preschools. Source: EPA, Lead Abatement, Inspection and Risk Assessment
  • What does EPA's page say about a safe level of lead in children? Answer: No safe level in children has been identified. Source: EPA, Learn About Lead
  • What does EPA's page say about lead-based paint that is in good condition? Answer: Generally it is not a hazard. Source: EPA, Lead Abatement, Inspection and Risk Assessment
  • What does EPA's page say happens to lead in the environment over time? Answer: It lingers and does not break down or disappear. Source: EPA, Learn About Lead
  • Where does EPA's page say lead is stored as it builds up in the body over time? Answer: In bones, along with calcium. Source: EPA, Learn About Lead
  • Which surfaces does EPA's page single out as producing chips and dust from old or worn lead-based paint? Answer: Surfaces under constant friction, like doors or window sills. Source: EPA, Lead Abatement, Inspection and Risk Assessment
  • Why may babies and young children have higher exposure to lead, according to EPA's page? Answer: They often put hands, toys and other objects into their mouths. Source: EPA, Learn About Lead

Federal, state and local rules 22

  • A certified inspector's written determination takes a renovation outside the renovation rule when it finds what, and the firm holds a copy? Answer: The affected components are free of paint at or above 1.0 mg/cm² or 0.5% by weight. Source: 40 CFR 745.82(a)(1)
  • A child-occupied facility is visited regularly by the same child under what age? Answer: 6 years. Source: 40 CFR 745.223
  • A firm that performs or offers to perform inspections under the federal program must hold what? Answer: Certification of the firm by EPA. Source: 40 CFR 745.226(f)(1)
  • An authorized State program's certification rules must set procedures for which kind of exam? Answer: A third-party certification exam. Source: 40 CFR 745.325(c)
  • An owner does lead-based paint activities in a dwelling they own. When does Subpart L apply to that owner? Answer: When people outside the owner's immediate family occupy the dwelling during the work. Source: 40 CFR 745.220(b)
  • Breaking a requirement of the Subpart L certification or work practice sections is a prohibited act under which law? Answer: The Toxic Substances Control Act. Source: 40 CFR 745.235(a)
  • The disclosure rule excepts short-term leases of at most how many days, where no renewal or extension can occur? Answer: 100 days. Source: 40 CFR 745.101(c)
  • Does Subpart L require an owner to have a lead-based paint inspection done? Answer: No; it requires no owner or occupant to undertake any particular activity. Source: 40 CFR 745.220(d)
  • EPA authorizes a State lead program only on finding that it gives adequate enforcement and is what else? Answer: At least as protective of human health and the environment as the federal program. Source: 40 CFR 745.324(e)(2)
  • For a building to be a child-occupied facility, each day's visit by the child must last at least how long? Answer: 3 hours. Source: 40 CFR 745.223
  • For a building to be a child-occupied facility, the child's combined annual visits must last at least how long? Answer: 60 hours. Source: 40 CFR 745.223
  • For certification, occupant protection and clearance requirements, 745.65(d) points to Subpart L and to which other regulations? Answer: HUD's regulations at 24 CFR part 35, subpart R. Source: 40 CFR 745.65(d)
  • Housing for the elderly, as defined, is reserved for households with one or more persons of what age at first occupancy? Answer: 62 or more. Source: 40 CFR 745.223
  • In target housing and child-occupied facilities, which three activities are "lead-based paint activities"? Answer: Inspection, risk assessment and abatement. Source: 40 CFR 745.223
  • No child under 6 lives or is expected to live in any of these. Which one falls outside the definition of target housing? Answer: A 0-bedroom dwelling built in 1965. Source: 40 CFR 745.223
  • Since which date must all lead-based paint activities follow the work practice standards of 745.227? Answer: March 1, 2000. Source: 40 CFR 745.227(a)(1)
  • Target housing is housing constructed before which year? Answer: 1978. Source: 40 CFR 745.223
  • Under the disclosure rule, a lease of target housing is exempt when the housing has been found lead-based paint free by whom? Answer: A certified inspector. Source: 40 CFR 745.101(b)
  • Under the disclosure rule, how long does a seller allow a purchaser to conduct an inspection or risk assessment, unless both agree in writing to another period? Answer: 10 days. Source: 40 CFR 745.110(a)
  • What must a seller or lessor of target housing give the purchaser or lessee under the disclosure rule? Answer: An EPA-approved lead hazard information pamphlet. Source: 40 CFR 745.107(a)
  • What sanctions does Subpart L name for violators? Answer: Civil and criminal sanctions under section 16 of TSCA, for each violation. Source: 40 CFR 745.235(e)
  • Where does the federal Subpart L program apply? Answer: Only in States or Indian Country without an authorized State or Tribal program. Source: 40 CFR 745.220(b)

Inspection methods: rooms and components 15

  • A multi-family dwelling is a structure that holds what? Answer: More than one separate residential dwelling unit. Source: 40 CFR 745.223
  • A tested surface is found to be lead-based paint. Where else is lead-based paint present under 745.227(h)(1)? Answer: On any like surface in the same room equivalent with a similar painting history. Source: 40 CFR 745.227(h)(1)
  • Building components are told apart from one another by which three things? Answer: Form, function and location. Source: 40 CFR 745.223
  • How does Part 745 treat a screened-in porch that is used as a living area? Answer: It is a room. Source: 40 CFR 745.63
  • How must the locations tested in an inspection be selected? Answer: According to documented methodologies. Source: 40 CFR 745.227(b)(2)
  • In a multi-family dwelling, which common areas does an inspection cover? Answer: Every common area. Source: 40 CFR 745.227(b)(2)
  • In a residential dwelling, which components does an inspection test for lead-based paint? Answer: Each interior and exterior component with a distinct painting history. Source: 40 CFR 745.227(b)(2)
  • To count as a separate room under Part 745, the built-in walls or archways must extend at least how far from an intersecting wall? Answer: 6 inches. Source: 40 CFR 745.63
  • Under the Part 745 definition of a room, which of these counts as a room separator? Answer: A built-in half wall. Source: 40 CFR 745.63
  • What is a "distinct painting history"? Answer: The history of coatings applied to a component or room, shown by its look or a record. Source: 40 CFR 745.223
  • Which components may an inspector leave untested during an inspection? Answer: Those the inspector determines were replaced after 1978 or do not contain lead-based paint. Source: 40 CFR 745.227(b)(2)
  • Which of these does the Subpart L definition list as a building component? Answer: A window sash. Source: 40 CFR 745.223
  • Which of these is a common area under the Subpart L definition? Answer: A hallway open to all occupants. Source: 40 CFR 745.223
  • Which source does 745.227(a)(3) name for documented methodologies? Answer: The HUD Guidelines for the Evaluation and Control of Lead-Based Paint Hazards in Housing. Source: 40 CFR 745.227(a)(3)
  • Which wording matches deteriorated paint in the Subpart L definitions? Answer: Paint that is cracking, flaking, chipping, peeling or separating from the substrate. Source: 40 CFR 745.223

Paint, dust and soil sampling 19

  • A composite dust sample must consist of at least how many subsamples? Answer: Two. Source: 40 CFR 745.227(g)
  • A dust-lead result given in micrograms per square foot expresses which measure? Answer: Loading. Source: 40 CFR 745.63
  • A paint chip result is reported by weight. At what figure is the paint lead-based paint? Answer: 0.5% by weight. Source: 40 CFR 745.227(h)(1)
  • A soil-lead result given in parts per million by weight expresses which measure? Answer: Concentration. Source: 40 CFR 745.63
  • A wipe sample, as Part 745 defines it, is collected by wiping what? Answer: A representative surface of known area. Source: 40 CFR 745.63
  • Adequate quality control, as defined, ensures which three qualities of samples? Answer: Authenticity, integrity and accuracy. Source: 40 CFR 745.223
  • By what other name does Part 745 say the window trough is sometimes known? Answer: The window well. Source: 40 CFR 745.63
  • The dripline is the area within how many feet of the perimeter of a building? Answer: 3 feet. Source: 40 CFR 745.63
  • In which activities does 745.227(g) allow composite dust sampling? Answer: Lead hazard screens, risk assessments and abatements. Source: 40 CFR 745.227(g)
  • Lead-based paint contains lead equal to or above what loading, measured by area? Answer: 1.0 mg/cm². Source: 40 CFR 745.227(h)(1)
  • On a typical double-hung window with a storm window, where is the window trough? Answer: Between the interior window sill and the frame of the storm window. Source: 40 CFR 745.63
  • What are "documented methodologies" in the Subpart L definitions? Answer: Methods or protocols used to sample for lead in paint, dust and soil. Source: 40 CFR 745.223
  • What is the interior window sill, as Part 745 defines it? Answer: The part of the horizontal window ledge that protrudes into the room. Source: 40 CFR 745.63
  • What must the documented methodologies used to analyze paint incorporate? Answer: Adequate quality control procedures. Source: 40 CFR 745.227(b)(3)
  • Where is the mid-yard, as Part 745 defines it? Answer: About midway between the building's dripline and the nearest property boundary. Source: 40 CFR 745.63
  • Where must collected paint chip samples be analyzed? Answer: At a laboratory EPA recognizes under TSCA section 405(b). Source: 40 CFR 745.227(f)
  • Which composite dust sample breaks the rule in 745.227(g)? Answer: One that mixes a floor subsample with a window sill subsample. Source: 40 CFR 745.227(g)
  • Which sign marks a play area under the Part 745 definition? Answer: Play equipment such as a sandbox or swing set. Source: 40 CFR 745.63
  • Who may collect paint chip, dust or soil samples under the work practice standards? Answer: Persons certified as an inspector or risk assessor. Source: 40 CFR 745.227(f)

Action levels and testing 28

  • A chewable lead-based painted surface is a paint-lead hazard when it shows what? Answer: Evidence of teeth marks. Source: 40 CFR 745.65(a)
  • A composite floor sample holds four subsamples and the floor action level is 5 µg/ft². At or above what result does it fail? Answer: 2.5 µg/ft². Source: 40 CFR 745.227(e)(8)(vii)
  • A dwelling has three rooms and no hallways or stairwells. How many rooms are sampled after an abatement without containment? Answer: All three. Source: 40 CFR 745.227(e)(8)(v)
  • A single-surface dust sample taken after abatement equals the action level. What follows? Answer: The components the sample represents are recleaned and retested. Source: 40 CFR 745.227(e)(8)(vii)
  • After an abatement with containment, floor dust samples come from no fewer than how many rooms, hallways or stairwells inside the containment area? Answer: Four. Source: 40 CFR 745.227(e)(8)(v)
  • After an abatement with containment, where is one further floor dust sample taken? Answer: Outside the containment area. Source: 40 CFR 745.227(e)(8)(v)
  • After an abatement with no containment, how many dust samples are taken in each selected room? Answer: Two. Source: 40 CFR 745.227(e)(8)(v)
  • After an abatement, what comes before any dust sampling? Answer: A visual inspection for deteriorated paint and visible dust, debris or residue. Source: 40 CFR 745.227(e)(8)(i)
  • After an exterior paint abatement, what does the rule require of the inspector? Answer: A visual inspection, including for paint chips on the dripline or by the foundation. Source: 40 CFR 745.227(e)(8)(v)
  • Bare soil in a play area is a soil-lead hazard at or above what total lead figure? Answer: 400 parts per million. Source: 40 CFR 745.65(c)
  • Bare soil in the rest of the yard, outside play areas, is a soil-lead hazard at or above what average figure? Answer: 1,200 parts per million. Source: 40 CFR 745.65(c)
  • In which setting may random sampling be used for post-abatement testing? Answer: A multi-family dwelling with similarly constructed and maintained dwellings. Source: 40 CFR 745.227(e)(9)
  • Lead-based paint on a friction surface is a paint-lead hazard when dust on which surface meets the dust-lead hazard level? Answer: The nearest horizontal surface underneath the friction surface. Source: 40 CFR 745.65(a)
  • On an interior wall, "paint in poor condition" means more than how much deteriorated paint? Answer: 2 square feet. Source: 40 CFR 745.223
  • On or after January 12, 2026, what is the dust-lead action level for floors? Answer: 5 µg/ft². Source: 40 CFR 745.227(e)(8)(viii)
  • On or after January 12, 2026, what is the dust-lead action level for interior window sills? Answer: 40 µg/ft². Source: 40 CFR 745.227(e)(8)(viii)
  • On or after January 12, 2026, what is the dust-lead action level for window troughs? Answer: 100 µg/ft². Source: 40 CFR 745.227(e)(8)(viii)
  • On or after January 12, 2026, what makes surface dust on a floor a dust-lead hazard? Answer: Any reportable level of lead in a wipe sample. Source: 40 CFR 745.65(b)
  • On which date did the action levels of 5, 40 and 100 µg/ft² replace 10, 100 and 400 µg/ft²? Answer: January 12, 2026. Source: 40 CFR 745.227(e)(8)(viii)
  • One sampled unit in a multi-family dwelling has a dust-lead hazard on its floors. What does the rule say of the floors in the unsampled units? Answer: A dust-lead hazard is present on them too. Source: 40 CFR 745.227(h)(3)
  • Post-abatement dust samples are taken at least how long after the final cleanup is complete? Answer: 1 hour. Source: 40 CFR 745.227(e)(8)(iv)
  • Random sampling must select enough dwellings to give what level of confidence? Answer: 95 percent. Source: 40 CFR 745.227(e)(9)
  • Using the Part 745 weighted arithmetic mean, what is the mean of a single-surface sample at 20 µg/ft², a two-subsample composite at 50 µg/ft² and a three-subsample composite at 40 µg/ft²? Answer: 40 µg/ft². Source: 40 CFR 745.63
  • What did EPA call action levels before it adopted that term? Answer: Clearance levels. Source: 40 CFR 745.223
  • What is a "reportable level" under Part 745? Answer: The lowest result a recognized laboratory reports with confidence, with no "less than" qualifier. Source: 40 CFR 745.63
  • When random sampling is used, who must not know which dwellings will be selected? Answer: The certified individuals who abate or clean the dwellings. Source: 40 CFR 745.227(e)(9)
  • Which of these is the Part 745 example of an impact surface? Answer: Certain parts of door frames. Source: 40 CFR 745.63
  • Which surface is not considered chewable under Part 745? Answer: A hard metal substrate that a young child's bite cannot dent. Source: 40 CFR 745.63

The inspection report 12

  • Along with each testing method and device, which data must the inspection report include? Answer: Quality control data. Source: 40 CFR 745.227(b)(4)
  • An inspection took three visits on three different days. Which dates must the report show? Answer: The date of each inspection. Source: 40 CFR 745.227(b)(4)
  • An inspector employed by a certified firm writes the report. What must it give about the firm? Answer: The firm's name, address and telephone number. Source: 40 CFR 745.227(b)(4)
  • If an XRF device is used, what must the inspection report record about it? Answer: Its serial number. Source: 40 CFR 745.227(b)(4)
  • In what terms must the inspection report express its results? Answer: In terms appropriate to the sampling method used. Source: 40 CFR 745.227(b)(4)
  • What must the report give for each certified inspector who conducted testing? Answer: Name, signature and certification number. Source: 40 CFR 745.227(b)(4)
  • Which detail does the inspection report list where it applies, as in a multi-family building? Answer: Apartment numbers. Source: 40 CFR 745.227(b)(4)
  • Which fact about the building must the inspection report give? Answer: Its date of construction. Source: 40 CFR 745.227(b)(4)
  • Which item belongs in a risk assessment report but is not on the list for an inspection report? Answer: Interim control and abatement options for each hazard. Source: 40 CFR 745.227(d)(11)
  • Which locations must the inspection report list? Answer: The specific location of each painted component tested. Source: 40 CFR 745.227(b)(4)
  • Who prepares the inspection report? Answer: The certified inspector or risk assessor. Source: 40 CFR 745.227(b)(4)
  • Whose name, address and telephone number must the inspection report give, besides those of any certified firm? Answer: Each owner of the dwelling or facility. Source: 40 CFR 745.227(b)(4)

Recordkeeping 8

  • A seller of target housing holds an inspection report on the property. What does the disclosure rule require? Answer: Provide it to the purchaser before the purchaser is obligated under the contract. Source: 40 CFR 745.107(a)
  • For how long must an accredited training program keep its records of lead-based paint activities courses? Answer: At least 3 years and 6 months. Source: 40 CFR 745.225(i)(2)
  • For how long must an inspection report be kept? Answer: No fewer than 3 years. Source: 40 CFR 745.227(i)
  • To whom must the firm or individual give copies of the report? Answer: The building owner who contracted for the services. Source: 40 CFR 745.227(i)
  • What is a refusal to permit access to records required by 745.227? Answer: A prohibited act under sections 15 and 409 of TSCA. Source: 40 CFR 745.235(b)
  • Which date must an initial inspector course completion certificate carry, besides the dates of course completion and test passage? Answer: The expiration date of interim certification. Source: 40 CFR 745.225(c)(8)
  • Which failure is a listed ground for EPA to suspend, revoke or modify a firm's certification? Answer: Failing to maintain required records. Source: 40 CFR 745.226(h)(1)
  • Who must keep the inspection report for the retention period? Answer: The certified firm or individual who prepared it. Source: 40 CFR 745.227(i)

How this list was compiled: 40 CFR Part 745 (Lead-Based Paint Poisoning Prevention in Certain Residential Structures), Subparts D, E, F, L and Q, read at ecfr.gov/current/title-40/part-745 in the eCFR text up to date as of October 7, 2026, and two U.S. Environmental Protection Agency pages: Learn About Lead (epa.gov/lead/learn-about-lead) and Lead Abatement, Inspection and Risk Assessment (epa.gov/lead/lead-abatement-inspection-and-risk-assessment) Licence: Questions, choices and explanations are our own wording. The rule text and the EPA pages are U.S. government works in the public domain.

How it works

This unofficial EPA lead inspector practice test holds 138 questions on the lead-based paint inspector's job, written from 40 CFR Part 745 and two EPA lead pages, read October 9, 2026. Each answer names its section.

Read the full guide

What the questions cover

Eight topics follow the inspector course list in 40 CFR 745.225(d)(1): the inspector's role, lead and its health effects, the federal and state rules, choosing rooms and components, paint, dust and soil sampling, action levels and testing, the inspection report and recordkeeping. The bank does not cover how to operate an XRF analyzer.

Practice only, with no pass mark

Section 745.226 prints no question count, time limit or pass mark for the certification exam. Exam mode draws 40 questions, which is this site's choice, and shows a score with no pass or fail.

  • Keep the two jobs apart: an inspection finds lead-based paint surface by surface, and a risk assessment finds hazards and gives options.
  • Learn the dust-lead action levels in force since January 12, 2026: 5 for floors, 40 for interior window sills, 100 for window troughs, in µg/ft².

Questions and answers

Is this the EPA lead inspector exam?

No. It is unofficial practice, not affiliated with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or any state lead program, written from the federal rule and EPA's pages. No question comes from a certification exam.

How do you become a certified lead inspector?

Under 40 CFR 745.226(b), complete an accredited inspector course, pass the certification exam and apply to EPA. The rule asks inspectors for no further education or experience. A state with its own authorized program sets its own steps.

How long is the lead inspector course?

40 CFR 745.225(c)(6) sets a minimum of 24 training hours for the inspector course, with at least 8 hours of hands-on training. The inspector refresher course lasts at least 8 training hours.

How many times can you take the lead inspector exam?

No more than three times within 6 months of receiving the course completion certificate, under 40 CFR 745.226(b)(6). Someone who has not passed and been certified by then retakes the course before reapplying.

Does the federal lead inspector rule apply in every state?

No. Under 40 CFR 745.220(b) it applies only where no state or tribal program is authorized. An authorized state certifies its own inspectors and may ask more than the federal rule, so check with your state's lead program.