California Lead Inspector/Assessor
Certification Practice Exam Questions
And Correct Answers (Verified Answers)
Plus Rationales 2025 Q&A | Instant
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1. What is the primary purpose of a lead-based paint inspection?
A. Identify all painted surfaces in a home
B. Determine the age of the structure
C. Identify the presence and location of lead-based paint
D. Assess the risk of lead exposure
Rationale: A lead inspection identifies the presence and location of lead-
based paint but does not assess risk.
2. Which federal regulation defines lead-based paint as containing more
than 1.0 mg/cm² or 0.5% by weight?
A. RCRA
B. TSCA Title X (Section 401)
C. OSHA 1926.62
D. HUD Guidelines
,Rationale: Title X of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) sets the
federal definition of lead-based paint.
3. Which device is commonly used for on-site lead detection?
A. Mass spectrometer
B. X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyzer
C. Gas chromatograph
D. Atomic absorption spectrometer
Rationale: XRF analyzers are portable, non-destructive devices used to
detect lead in paint.
4. What is the acceptable clearance level for lead in dust on floors
according to EPA standards?
A. 100 µg/ft²
B. 50 µg/ft²
C. 10 µg/ft²
D. 5 µg/ft²
Rationale: As of 2021, the EPA clearance level for floors is 10 µg/ft².
5. What is a lead hazard risk assessment primarily used for?
A. Determining structural integrity
B. Estimating renovation costs
C. Locating lead-based paint
D. Identifying lead hazards and exposure pathways
Rationale: Risk assessments evaluate potential exposure pathways and
hazards from lead.
6. Which of the following is NOT considered a lead hazard?
, A. Deteriorated lead-based paint
B. Intact lead-based paint on doors
C. Lead-contaminated soil
D. Lead-contaminated dust
Rationale: Intact paint on frictionless surfaces is not considered hazardous.
7. A child with a blood lead level of 10 µg/dL requires:
A. Emergency chelation
B. Hospitalization
C. Environmental investigation and education
D. No action
Rationale: 10 µg/dL meets the CDC's threshold for action involving
environmental intervention.
8. Which California agency oversees lead-related construction activities?
A. EPA
B. HUD
C. California Department of Public Health (CDPH)
D. OSHA
Rationale: CDPH administers the certification and oversight of lead-related
construction in California.
9. What must a certified lead inspector use to ensure XRF analyzer
accuracy?
A. Wet wiping the surface
B. Performing daily calibration checks
C. Lead-free test swabs
D. Visual inspections
Rationale: Calibration checks ensure the device provides accurate readings.
Certification Practice Exam Questions
And Correct Answers (Verified Answers)
Plus Rationales 2025 Q&A | Instant
Download Pdf
1. What is the primary purpose of a lead-based paint inspection?
A. Identify all painted surfaces in a home
B. Determine the age of the structure
C. Identify the presence and location of lead-based paint
D. Assess the risk of lead exposure
Rationale: A lead inspection identifies the presence and location of lead-
based paint but does not assess risk.
2. Which federal regulation defines lead-based paint as containing more
than 1.0 mg/cm² or 0.5% by weight?
A. RCRA
B. TSCA Title X (Section 401)
C. OSHA 1926.62
D. HUD Guidelines
,Rationale: Title X of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) sets the
federal definition of lead-based paint.
3. Which device is commonly used for on-site lead detection?
A. Mass spectrometer
B. X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyzer
C. Gas chromatograph
D. Atomic absorption spectrometer
Rationale: XRF analyzers are portable, non-destructive devices used to
detect lead in paint.
4. What is the acceptable clearance level for lead in dust on floors
according to EPA standards?
A. 100 µg/ft²
B. 50 µg/ft²
C. 10 µg/ft²
D. 5 µg/ft²
Rationale: As of 2021, the EPA clearance level for floors is 10 µg/ft².
5. What is a lead hazard risk assessment primarily used for?
A. Determining structural integrity
B. Estimating renovation costs
C. Locating lead-based paint
D. Identifying lead hazards and exposure pathways
Rationale: Risk assessments evaluate potential exposure pathways and
hazards from lead.
6. Which of the following is NOT considered a lead hazard?
, A. Deteriorated lead-based paint
B. Intact lead-based paint on doors
C. Lead-contaminated soil
D. Lead-contaminated dust
Rationale: Intact paint on frictionless surfaces is not considered hazardous.
7. A child with a blood lead level of 10 µg/dL requires:
A. Emergency chelation
B. Hospitalization
C. Environmental investigation and education
D. No action
Rationale: 10 µg/dL meets the CDC's threshold for action involving
environmental intervention.
8. Which California agency oversees lead-related construction activities?
A. EPA
B. HUD
C. California Department of Public Health (CDPH)
D. OSHA
Rationale: CDPH administers the certification and oversight of lead-related
construction in California.
9. What must a certified lead inspector use to ensure XRF analyzer
accuracy?
A. Wet wiping the surface
B. Performing daily calibration checks
C. Lead-free test swabs
D. Visual inspections
Rationale: Calibration checks ensure the device provides accurate readings.
