Licensing Information for Lead Inspection Professionals

Licensed Environmental Lead Inspectors, Environmental Lead Assessors, and Lead Inspectors-in-training have different licensing requirements and are authorized to perform different types of lead inspections and assessments.

Requirements

Specific training, licensing, and work requirements for lead inspection professionals are available in the state regulations.

Certified Environmental Lead Laboratories

Lead inspection professionals that require testing of environmental samples of lead in paint, dust, soil, and water must use a certified environmental lead laboratory.

Types of Licensed Professionals

Licensed Lead Renovation Firm 

Lead Renovation Firms are the licensed entities responsible for the Renovation, Repair, and Painting Rule's record keeping requirements, including distribution of the Rhode Island version of the Renovate Right pamphlet. They are also responsible for ensuring that a certified Lead Renovator, working for the firm, remains on site at all times during work activities. Firms must renew their license every five years by completing a four-hour review course. 

Lead Renovation Firms are able to do Lead Hazard Control work and RRP work. Lead Renovation Firms are not allowed to perform lead hazard reduction work. 

All lead hazard reduction work must be performed by a licensed lead contractor. Lead contractors unless dually licensed are not allowed to perform lead hazard control or RRP work. Learn more about who can do the work in pre-1978 buildings. 

Rhode Island Licensed Environmental Lead Inspector

Rhode Island Licensed Environmental Lead Inspectors can conduct Comprehensive Environmental Lead Inspections, Clearance Inspections, Lead Hazard Mitigation Inspections, and Annual Reinspections. Inspectors can issue Partial, Conditional, or Full Lead-Safe Certificates and Certificates of Lead Conformance for units that meet the inspection requirements. They can also conduct Limited Environmental Lead Inspections to look for lead in paint, drinking water, interior dust, or exterior soil.

Environmental Lead Assessor

Environmental Lead Assessors are certified to conduct lead assessments and cite properties for environmental lead hazards within the jurisdiction of their municipal or state employers. They must have authority to enforce housing, occupational health, child welfare, and/or environmental standards under federal, state, and/or local laws or regulations. more

Lead Inspector-in-Training

Lead inspector-in-training have successfully completed a certified Lead Inspector training course, passed the Lead Inspector Department examination, and obtained a license to conduct a supervised apprenticeship to meet the requirements for a Lead Inspector license. They cannot complete any type of inspection and cannot issue certificates.