EPA Lead Risk Assessor Exam Focused
Review Most Tested Topics & Questions)
Questions with 100% Correct Answers
2025
Overview of the EPA Lead Risk Assessor Exam The EPA Lead Risk
Assessor Exam is a key component of certification under the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Lead-Based Paint
Activities program, governed by Title X of the Housing and
Community Development Act of 1992 and 40 CFR Part 745. This
certification qualifies individuals to conduct comprehensive
lead hazard investigations in pre-1978 "target housing" (most
residential dwellings) and child-occupied facilities, including on-
site inspections, dust/soil/water sampling, hazard identification,
and development of control options (e.g., abatement plans).
Risk assessors can also perform inspections, lead hazard
screens, and post-abatement clearance testing.The exam is
administered by third-party proctors (e.g., through EPA-
authorized states like Pennsylvania or New Jersey, or national
providers like PSI). It's multiple-choice, closed-book, and
requires a passing score of 70%. As of November 2025, no
major changes have been announced, but EPA emphasizes
updates to HUD guidelines for HUD-assisted housing. Always
,verify with your state's authorized program or EPA Regional
Office, as 50+ states/Tribes administer their own versions.Steps
to Become a Certified Lead Risk AssessorCertification is issued
by EPA (in non-authorized areas) or authorized states/Tribes.
The process typically takes 1–3 months post-training.Meet
Answers include explanations.Role & Regulations (20%)What is
the minimum concentration of lead in paint to be considered
lead-based paint (LBP) under HUD/EPA?
a. 0.5 mg/cm²
b. 1.0 mg/cm² – HUD/EPA definition for LBP; equivalent to 0.5%
by weight. c. 2.0 mg/cm²
d. 5.0 mg/cm²
Which federal agency sets the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL)
for lead in construction at 50 µg/m³?
a. EPA
b. HUD
c. OSHA – Regulates worker exposure under 29 CFR 1926.62.
d. CDC
, A certified Risk Assessor may conduct a risk assessment on a
property their firm will abate if they:
a. Get written client approval
b. Notify the client in writing of the conflict – Avoids bias; per
EPA conflict rules.
c. Charge extra fees
d. Avoid sampling entirely
Health Effects & Sources (15%)What percentage of childhood
lead exposure comes from drinking water?
a. 10%
b. 20% – Primary sources are paint/dust; water is secondary but
critical.
c. 30%
d. 50%
The 2025 CDC blood lead reference value triggering
intervention is:
a. ≥3 µg/dL
Review Most Tested Topics & Questions)
Questions with 100% Correct Answers
2025
Overview of the EPA Lead Risk Assessor Exam The EPA Lead Risk
Assessor Exam is a key component of certification under the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Lead-Based Paint
Activities program, governed by Title X of the Housing and
Community Development Act of 1992 and 40 CFR Part 745. This
certification qualifies individuals to conduct comprehensive
lead hazard investigations in pre-1978 "target housing" (most
residential dwellings) and child-occupied facilities, including on-
site inspections, dust/soil/water sampling, hazard identification,
and development of control options (e.g., abatement plans).
Risk assessors can also perform inspections, lead hazard
screens, and post-abatement clearance testing.The exam is
administered by third-party proctors (e.g., through EPA-
authorized states like Pennsylvania or New Jersey, or national
providers like PSI). It's multiple-choice, closed-book, and
requires a passing score of 70%. As of November 2025, no
major changes have been announced, but EPA emphasizes
updates to HUD guidelines for HUD-assisted housing. Always
,verify with your state's authorized program or EPA Regional
Office, as 50+ states/Tribes administer their own versions.Steps
to Become a Certified Lead Risk AssessorCertification is issued
by EPA (in non-authorized areas) or authorized states/Tribes.
The process typically takes 1–3 months post-training.Meet
Answers include explanations.Role & Regulations (20%)What is
the minimum concentration of lead in paint to be considered
lead-based paint (LBP) under HUD/EPA?
a. 0.5 mg/cm²
b. 1.0 mg/cm² – HUD/EPA definition for LBP; equivalent to 0.5%
by weight. c. 2.0 mg/cm²
d. 5.0 mg/cm²
Which federal agency sets the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL)
for lead in construction at 50 µg/m³?
a. EPA
b. HUD
c. OSHA – Regulates worker exposure under 29 CFR 1926.62.
d. CDC
, A certified Risk Assessor may conduct a risk assessment on a
property their firm will abate if they:
a. Get written client approval
b. Notify the client in writing of the conflict – Avoids bias; per
EPA conflict rules.
c. Charge extra fees
d. Avoid sampling entirely
Health Effects & Sources (15%)What percentage of childhood
lead exposure comes from drinking water?
a. 10%
b. 20% – Primary sources are paint/dust; water is secondary but
critical.
c. 30%
d. 50%
The 2025 CDC blood lead reference value triggering
intervention is:
a. ≥3 µg/dL