EPA Lead Risk Assessor Exam Study Guide (2026/2027) | QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
FULLY SOLVED 100%
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Lead Risk Assessor Certification Examination | Core
Domains: Lead-Based Paint Regulations (TSCA Title IV), Risk Assessment Methods, Inspection
Protocols, Sampling Techniques, Report Writing, Clearance Standards, Occupant Protection,
State/Federal Regulations, and Legal Responsibilities | EPA-RRP Program Focus | Certification-Aligned
Format
Exam Structure
The EPA Lead Risk Assessor certification exam for the 2026/2027 cycle is typically structured as follows:
● 50–60 multiple-choice questions
● 2–3 hour time limit
● Closed-book proctored exam
● Minimum passing score: 70% (may vary by training provider)
● Based on EPA curriculum requirements and 40 CFR Part 745 regulations
Introduction
This EPA Lead Risk Assessor Exam Study Guide for the 2026/2027 certification cycle reflects the latest
EPA regulations, HUD guidelines, and industry best practices for lead-based paint risk assessment. The
guide emphasizes regulatory compliance, accurate sampling methodologies, and proper risk assessment
protocols for protecting public health.
Answer Format
All correct regulatory answers and procedural solutions must be presented in bold and green, followed
by clear explanations referencing specific EPA regulations, HUD guidelines, and industry standards for
lead risk assessment.
1. Under EPA regulations, what defines "lead-based paint"?
A. Paint with any detectable lead
B. Paint with lead levels ≥ 0.5% by weight
C. Paint with lead levels ≥ 0.5% by weight or 5,000 ppm
, D. Paint applied before 1978
Per 40 CFR §745.63, lead-based paint is defined as paint or other surface coatings that contain lead
equal to or in excess of 1.0 mg/cm², **or** 0.5% by weight (5,000 parts per million). Both thresholds
are legally equivalent.
2. Which federal law authorizes EPA’s lead-based paint program?
A. Clean Air Act
B. Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
C. Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Title IV
D. Safe Drinking Water Act
TSCA Title IV, also known as the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992,
mandates EPA’s lead risk assessment, inspection, and abatement regulations under 40 CFR Part 745.
3. What is the primary purpose of a lead-based paint risk assessment?
A. To identify all painted surfaces in a home
B. To remove all lead-based paint
C. To evaluate the presence, type, severity, and location of lead-based paint hazards
D. To certify a home as lead-free
A risk assessment (per EPA/HUD guidelines) identifies lead hazards—such as deteriorating paint,
dust, or soil—not just the presence of lead-based paint. It includes sampling and prioritizes actions
based on exposure risk (EPA 745-B-19-001).
4. Which of the following is a valid method for collecting lead dust samples?
A. Wiping with a dry cloth
, B. Using a household vacuum
C. Using a EPA-recognized wipe sampling method (e.g., ASTM E1727)
D. Visual inspection only
Dust samples must be collected using standardized, EPA-recognized protocols such as ASTM E1727,
which specifies wipe size, pressure, and lab analysis to ensure reliability and legal defensibility.
5. What is the current HUD/EPA hazard standard for lead in floor dust (as of 2026)?
A. 100 µg/ft²
B. 40 µg/ft²
C. 10 µg/ft²
D. 5 µg/ft²
As of January 2024, EPA and HUD lowered the hazard standard for floor dust from 40 µg/ft² to 10
µg/ft² (40 CFR §745.63). This applies to risk assessments and clearance testing.
6. When must a Lead Hazard Screen be conducted instead of a full Risk Assessment?
A. Always required for HUD properties
B. When the property is >10,000 sq ft
C. Never—it is an optional, limited evaluation, not a regulatory substitute
D. Only in rental housing
A Lead Hazard Screen is a less comprehensive option that samples only floors, window sills, and
soil—but it **does not satisfy** regulatory requirements for federally assisted housing or
child-occupied facilities. Only a full Risk Assessment meets EPA/HUD standards for compliance.
FULLY SOLVED 100%
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Lead Risk Assessor Certification Examination | Core
Domains: Lead-Based Paint Regulations (TSCA Title IV), Risk Assessment Methods, Inspection
Protocols, Sampling Techniques, Report Writing, Clearance Standards, Occupant Protection,
State/Federal Regulations, and Legal Responsibilities | EPA-RRP Program Focus | Certification-Aligned
Format
Exam Structure
The EPA Lead Risk Assessor certification exam for the 2026/2027 cycle is typically structured as follows:
● 50–60 multiple-choice questions
● 2–3 hour time limit
● Closed-book proctored exam
● Minimum passing score: 70% (may vary by training provider)
● Based on EPA curriculum requirements and 40 CFR Part 745 regulations
Introduction
This EPA Lead Risk Assessor Exam Study Guide for the 2026/2027 certification cycle reflects the latest
EPA regulations, HUD guidelines, and industry best practices for lead-based paint risk assessment. The
guide emphasizes regulatory compliance, accurate sampling methodologies, and proper risk assessment
protocols for protecting public health.
Answer Format
All correct regulatory answers and procedural solutions must be presented in bold and green, followed
by clear explanations referencing specific EPA regulations, HUD guidelines, and industry standards for
lead risk assessment.
1. Under EPA regulations, what defines "lead-based paint"?
A. Paint with any detectable lead
B. Paint with lead levels ≥ 0.5% by weight
C. Paint with lead levels ≥ 0.5% by weight or 5,000 ppm
, D. Paint applied before 1978
Per 40 CFR §745.63, lead-based paint is defined as paint or other surface coatings that contain lead
equal to or in excess of 1.0 mg/cm², **or** 0.5% by weight (5,000 parts per million). Both thresholds
are legally equivalent.
2. Which federal law authorizes EPA’s lead-based paint program?
A. Clean Air Act
B. Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
C. Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Title IV
D. Safe Drinking Water Act
TSCA Title IV, also known as the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992,
mandates EPA’s lead risk assessment, inspection, and abatement regulations under 40 CFR Part 745.
3. What is the primary purpose of a lead-based paint risk assessment?
A. To identify all painted surfaces in a home
B. To remove all lead-based paint
C. To evaluate the presence, type, severity, and location of lead-based paint hazards
D. To certify a home as lead-free
A risk assessment (per EPA/HUD guidelines) identifies lead hazards—such as deteriorating paint,
dust, or soil—not just the presence of lead-based paint. It includes sampling and prioritizes actions
based on exposure risk (EPA 745-B-19-001).
4. Which of the following is a valid method for collecting lead dust samples?
A. Wiping with a dry cloth
, B. Using a household vacuum
C. Using a EPA-recognized wipe sampling method (e.g., ASTM E1727)
D. Visual inspection only
Dust samples must be collected using standardized, EPA-recognized protocols such as ASTM E1727,
which specifies wipe size, pressure, and lab analysis to ensure reliability and legal defensibility.
5. What is the current HUD/EPA hazard standard for lead in floor dust (as of 2026)?
A. 100 µg/ft²
B. 40 µg/ft²
C. 10 µg/ft²
D. 5 µg/ft²
As of January 2024, EPA and HUD lowered the hazard standard for floor dust from 40 µg/ft² to 10
µg/ft² (40 CFR §745.63). This applies to risk assessments and clearance testing.
6. When must a Lead Hazard Screen be conducted instead of a full Risk Assessment?
A. Always required for HUD properties
B. When the property is >10,000 sq ft
C. Never—it is an optional, limited evaluation, not a regulatory substitute
D. Only in rental housing
A Lead Hazard Screen is a less comprehensive option that samples only floors, window sills, and
soil—but it **does not satisfy** regulatory requirements for federally assisted housing or
child-occupied facilities. Only a full Risk Assessment meets EPA/HUD standards for compliance.
