Lead Poisoning Prevention
Individual Lead Licensing

Note

The information on this page does not meet the regulatory requirements for the EPA's Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule. For the necessary information, visit EPA: Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Program Rules.

Why is licensing necessary?

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) licenses individuals who conduct the following lead disciplines:

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

This licensing ensures that individuals performing these activities are properly trained and qualified.

What are the training requirements?

For initial licensing in any lead discipline, you must complete an MDH approved initial training course for that lead discipline. If you are currently licensed in another state, you must take an MDH approved refresher training course for that lead discipline.

What are the experience or qualification requirements?

The following outlines the necessary experience and qualification requirements for the various lead licenses.

Lead Worker

• Work experience – None
• Education requirements– None
• Credential requirements – None
• Independent exam - No

Lead Supervisor

• Work experience – 1 year of experience as a lead worker OR 1 year of experience in the childhood lead poisoning prevention program of a government agency OR 2 years of experience in environmental remediation or general construction.
• Education requirements– None
• Credential requirements – None
• Lead Independent examination - Yes (passing score of 70% or better)

Lead Inspector

• Work experience – None
• Education requirements– None
• Credential requirements – None
• Lead Independent examination - Yes (passing score of 70% or better)

Lead Risk Assessor

• Work experience – High school diploma/GED and 3 years of experience in regulated lead work, asbestos abatement, environmental remediation, general construction or the childhood lead poisoning prevention program of a government agency; OR
• Education requirements– Bachelor’s degree and 1 year of experience in regulated lead work, asbestos abatement, environmental remediation, general construction or the childhood lead poisoning prevention program of a government agency OR Associate’s degree and 2 years of experience in regulated lead work, asbestos abatement, environmental remediation, general construction or the childhood lead poisoning prevention program of a government agency; OR
• Credential requirements – Designation as a certified industrial hygienist, registered professional engineer, registered architect, certified safety professional, or registered public health sanitarian.
• Lead Independent examination - Yes (passing score of 70% or better)

Lead Project Designer

• Work experience – 2 years of experience in regulated lead work, asbestos-related work, asbestos management activities, or other environmental remediation activities OR 4 years of experience in building construction, design or a related field; OR
• Education requirements– Bachelor’s degree in engineering, architecture or an environmental or safety discipline and 1 year of experience in building construction, design or a related field; OR
• Credential requirements – Designation as a certified industrial hygienist, registered professional engineer, registered architect, certified safety professional, OR registered public health sanitarian.
• Independent exam - No

Is there a fee for licensing?

The following list indicates the application fees for the various lead disciplines:

• Lead Worker - $50
• Lead Supervisor - $50
• Lead Inspector - $50
• Lead Risk Assessor - $100
• Lead Project Designer - $100

What do I need to submit to MDH for licensing?

Lead License - Apply Online for new applicants. 
Note: This is not for renewals. Please contact us if you need help on how to renew.

Licensing System Help 
Answers to common problems had while applying for a credential at the Minnesota Department of Health Licensing System.

Note: If you have been previously licensed in another state and are applying for your initial Minnesota lead license, you must submit copies of your initial training course diploma and all subsequent refresher training course diplomas.

How long is my license good for?

Your license is good for one year from the date of completion on the most recently submitted training course diploma.

I want to see if an individual's license is current. How can I do that?

Use Lead Individual License Search. 

Of interest

• EPA Releases New Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule