CALIFORNIA LEAD INSPECTOR/ASSESSOR CERTIFICATION
EXAM 200 PRACTICE QUESTIONS & ANSWERS | 2026
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SECTION 1: LEAD FUNDAMENTALS & BASIC SCIENCE (Questions 1-30)
Question 1
What is the atomic symbol for lead and what is the origin of its Latin name?
Pb; plumbum meaning "liquid silver"
Ld; leadum meaning "heavy metal"
Pl; plumbum meaning "soft metal"
Pb; plumbum meaning "gray metal"
Rationale: The atomic symbol for lead is Pb, derived from the Latin word "plumbum" which
means "liquid silver." This is a fundamental question on the exam .
Question 2
What form of lead is most commonly used in the United States?
Paints & Coatings
Lead Acid Batteries
Ammunition
Plumbing pipes
, Rationale: Lead Acid Batteries are the #1 form of lead used in the U.S., followed by
Ammunition (#2) and Paints & Coatings (#3) .
Question 3
Why was lead added to paint historically?
To reduce cost
Durability
To add color
To increase drying time
Rationale: Lead was added to paint primarily for durability. Other qualities include
preventing mold growth & corrosion, soundproofing, and quick drying .
Question 4
What is white lead?
A modern form of lead used in paint after 1978
The major form of lead used in paint before 1950
A synthetic lead compound used in batteries
A lead-based pigment used only in industrial coatings
, Rationale: White lead was the major form of lead used in paint before 1950. It was the only
white paint used in European paintings until the 19th century, known for its heavy
consistency and fastest drying properties .
Question 5
What does "Presumed Lead-Based Paint" refer to?
Residential structures built after 1978
Residential structures built prior to January 1, 1978 (Target Housing)
Any building with visible paint deterioration
Commercial buildings only
Rationale: Presumed Lead-Based Paint refers to residential structures built prior to January
1, 1978, which are also called Target Housing .
Question 6
According to the EPA, homes built prior to 1940 have what percent chance of containing
lead-based paint?
25%
66%
86%
50%
, Rationale: According to EPA data, homes built prior to 1940 have approximately 86%
chance of containing lead-based paint .
Question 7
According to the EPA, homes built between 1940-1959 have what percent chance of
containing lead-based paint?
25%
66%
86%
50%
Rationale: Homes built between 1940-1959 have approximately 66% chance of containing
lead-based paint .
Question 8
According to the EPA, homes built between 1960-1978 have what percent chance of
containing lead-based paint?
25%
66%
86%
50%
EXAM 200 PRACTICE QUESTIONS & ANSWERS | 2026
UPDATE INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
SECTION 1: LEAD FUNDAMENTALS & BASIC SCIENCE (Questions 1-30)
Question 1
What is the atomic symbol for lead and what is the origin of its Latin name?
Pb; plumbum meaning "liquid silver"
Ld; leadum meaning "heavy metal"
Pl; plumbum meaning "soft metal"
Pb; plumbum meaning "gray metal"
Rationale: The atomic symbol for lead is Pb, derived from the Latin word "plumbum" which
means "liquid silver." This is a fundamental question on the exam .
Question 2
What form of lead is most commonly used in the United States?
Paints & Coatings
Lead Acid Batteries
Ammunition
Plumbing pipes
, Rationale: Lead Acid Batteries are the #1 form of lead used in the U.S., followed by
Ammunition (#2) and Paints & Coatings (#3) .
Question 3
Why was lead added to paint historically?
To reduce cost
Durability
To add color
To increase drying time
Rationale: Lead was added to paint primarily for durability. Other qualities include
preventing mold growth & corrosion, soundproofing, and quick drying .
Question 4
What is white lead?
A modern form of lead used in paint after 1978
The major form of lead used in paint before 1950
A synthetic lead compound used in batteries
A lead-based pigment used only in industrial coatings
, Rationale: White lead was the major form of lead used in paint before 1950. It was the only
white paint used in European paintings until the 19th century, known for its heavy
consistency and fastest drying properties .
Question 5
What does "Presumed Lead-Based Paint" refer to?
Residential structures built after 1978
Residential structures built prior to January 1, 1978 (Target Housing)
Any building with visible paint deterioration
Commercial buildings only
Rationale: Presumed Lead-Based Paint refers to residential structures built prior to January
1, 1978, which are also called Target Housing .
Question 6
According to the EPA, homes built prior to 1940 have what percent chance of containing
lead-based paint?
25%
66%
86%
50%
, Rationale: According to EPA data, homes built prior to 1940 have approximately 86%
chance of containing lead-based paint .
Question 7
According to the EPA, homes built between 1940-1959 have what percent chance of
containing lead-based paint?
25%
66%
86%
50%
Rationale: Homes built between 1940-1959 have approximately 66% chance of containing
lead-based paint .
Question 8
According to the EPA, homes built between 1960-1978 have what percent chance of
containing lead-based paint?
25%
66%
86%
50%
