EPA Lead-Safe Renovator (RRP) Practice Test 2026
Firms paid to disturb paint in homes and child-occupied facilities built before 1978 must be EPA lead-safe certified and use certified renovators. Renovators qualify by finishing an 8-hour course from an accredited training provider, then take a refresher course before their certificate expires. This independent practice covers the RRP rule in 40 CFR 745, Subpart E.
Quick answer
Pass mark: EPA does not publish a question bank or a test format. The accredited training provider runs the course and issues the course completion certificate. It is run by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule (40 CFR 745, Subpart E), or an EPA-authorized state or tribal program. Practise here for free with 75 questions, each with the answer and an explanation. Checked against official sources on October 22, 2026.
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Question 1 of 25
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Answer: D. 1978
The rule applies to paid work that disturbs paint in housing and child-occupied facilities built before 1978, when lead paint was banned for homes.
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Question 2 of 25
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Answer: A. Anyone paid to do work that disturbs paint in pre-1978 homes or child-occupied facilities
EPA says anyone paid to perform work that disturbs paint in pre-1978 housing and child-occupied facilities must be certified, including sole proprietors.
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Question 3 of 25
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Answer: C. Generally no, though EPA recommends lead-safe practices
The RRP rule generally does not apply to homeowners working on their own pre-1978 homes, but EPA still recommends lead-safe work practices.
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Question 4 of 25
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Answer: A. The rule can apply, because renting the home changes the situation
EPA says the rule applies to homeowners who rent out all or part of the home, run a child care center in it, or flip houses for profit.
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Question 5 of 25
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Answer: B. At least 3 hours a day, with at least 6 hours a week
Subpart E defines a child-occupied facility using visits of at least 3 hours a day and at least 6 hours a week by the same child under 6.
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Question 6 of 25
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Answer: C. At least 60 hours a year
Besides the daily and weekly visit times, the combined annual visits must last at least 60 hours for a building to be a child-occupied facility.
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Question 7 of 25
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Answer: A. 6 square feet or less
Minor repair and maintenance inside means disturbing 6 square feet or less of painted surface per room, without prohibited practices or window replacement.
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Question 8 of 25
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Answer: B. 20 square feet or less
For exterior work, minor repair and maintenance means disturbing 20 square feet or less of painted surface, and window replacement never qualifies.
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Question 9 of 25
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Answer: A. No, window replacement is never minor repair under the rule
The minor repair exception does not cover window replacement or demolition of painted surfaces, so the full rule applies.
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Question 10 of 25
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Answer: D. When a child under 6 lives or is expected to live there
EPA's guide says housing for elderly or disabled persons is excluded unless a child under age 6 resides or is expected to reside there.
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Question 11 of 25
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Answer: D. A zero-bedroom dwelling such as a studio apartment
Zero-bedroom dwellings, such as studios and dormitories, are excluded unless a child under age 6 resides or is expected to reside there.
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Question 12 of 25
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Answer: A. The RRP work practices do not apply to those parts
Components that a certified inspector or risk assessor, or a certified renovator with an EPA-recognized test kit or lab test, finds lead-free are excluded.
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Question 13 of 25
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Answer: B. Cleaning and cleaning verification
Emergency work may skip some steps to the extent needed to respond, but it is not exempt from cleaning and cleaning verification.
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Question 14 of 25
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Answer: C. They may need both EPA and state certification
EPA runs the program unless a state or tribe is authorized, so contractors working across states may need both EPA and state certification.
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Question 15 of 25
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Answer: B. It applies to EPA, or to its authorized state, and pays the fee
Firms must apply to EPA for certification, online through EPA's CDX system, unless an authorized state or tribe runs the program.
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Question 16 of 25
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Answer: A. 5 years
EPA's firm certification page and section 745.89 say a firm certification lasts five years from the date the application is approved.
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Question 17 of 25
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Answer: A. At least 90 days before it expires
If a complete application and fee arrive at least 90 days before expiry, the firm's current certification stays in effect until EPA decides.
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Question 18 of 25
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Answer: C. A certified renovator
Each certified firm must assign a certified renovator to every renovation, and that person carries out the certified renovator duties.
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Question 19 of 25
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Answer: A. On-the-job training from a certified renovator for the tasks they do
Firms must make sure everyone who disturbs paint is a certified renovator or has been trained by one in the lead-safe practices for their tasks.
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Question 20 of 25
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Answer: D. 8 hours, including 2 hours of hands-on learning
EPA says initial certification requires an 8-hour training course that includes 2 hours of hands-on learning.
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Question 21 of 25
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Answer: A. A training provider accredited by EPA or an authorized state or tribe
Training providers must be accredited by EPA or by an authorized state or tribal program to teach the certified renovator course.
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Question 22 of 25
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Answer: C. The course completion certificate from the accredited course
EPA says renovators become certified when they finish an accredited course, and the course completion certificate is their credential.
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Question 23 of 25
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Answer: A. 4 hours
To stay certified, renovators take a 4-hour refresher course before their current certification expires.
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Question 24 of 25
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Answer: D. 3 years
EPA says renovators who take the online refresher without hands-on training are certified for three years.
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Question 25 of 25
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Answer: C. 5 years
Renovators who take a refresher course with hands-on training are certified for five years from course completion.
Keyboard: 1–4 to answer, Enter for the next question.
The real test: EPA does not publish a question bank or a test format. The accredited training provider runs the course and issues the course completion certificate.
What to know before the test
- Anyone paid to do work that disturbs paint in housing or child-occupied facilities built before 1978 must be certified, including sole proprietors.
- The initial certified renovator course is 8 hours, with 2 hours of hands-on learning. The course completion certificate is the renovator's credential.
- A 4-hour refresher keeps you certified. With hands-on training you are certified for 5 years; with the online refresher, for 3 years. If you let it expire, you must retake the 8-hour course.
- Firms must also apply for firm certification, which lasts 5 years. Apply at least 90 days before it expires to keep working while EPA decides.
- Before work starts, give the owner and occupants the Renovate Right pamphlet, no more than 60 days before, or mail it at least 7 days before with a certificate of mailing.
- Interior containment extends at least 6 feet beyond the work area, and exterior containment at least 10 feet. Open-flame burning is prohibited.
- A certified renovator must do cleaning verification, and the firm must keep its records for 3 years after the job.
Frequently asked questions
Who needs EPA RRP certification?
Firms, including sole proprietors, landlords and property managers, that are paid to disturb paint in pre-1978 homes or child-occupied facilities. The firm needs firm certification and must assign a certified renovator to each job.
How do I become a certified renovator?
Finish an 8-hour initial course, with 2 hours of hands-on learning, from a training provider accredited by EPA or an authorized state or tribe. Your course completion certificate is your proof.
How long does RRP renovator certification last?
Usually 5 years. A refresher with hands-on training renews it for 5 years, and the online refresher for 3 years. Take the refresher before your certificate expires, or you must retake the 8-hour course.
Is there a published RRP exam format?
EPA does not publish a question bank or exam format for the renovator course. Your accredited training provider runs the course and checks what you learned.
Do some states run their own RRP program?
Yes. EPA runs the program unless a state or tribe is authorized to run its own. Check EPA's list, because you may need state certification as well.
Is this the real RRP course test?
No. This is independent practice written from EPA's RRP rule and guidance. It is not connected to EPA or any training provider.
Sources
- EPA: Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Program
- EPA: RRP renovator training
- EPA: RRP firm certification
- EPA: RRP information for contractors
- EPA: Small Entity Compliance Guide to Renovate Right (2026)
- EPA: The Lead-Safe Certified Guide to Renovate Right (pamphlet)
- 40 CFR Part 745, Subpart E: Residential property renovation
- EPA: Apply for RRP firm certification