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Texas Lead-Based Paint Inspector — Requirements & Free Practice

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Lead Inspector Certification

Individual certification to conduct lead inspections of target housing and child-occupied facilities.

Licensing authority: Texas Department of State Health Services · Application information

Alternative military licensing — current license
State certification examination for lead inspectors
Competency
DSHS may accept alternate competency evidence including experience and verified training. No specifically named national exam is adopted by the generic competency clause.
Department Waiver
DSHS reviews credentials and may waive any prerequisite under §55.004(b) and §1.91(e). The ordinary identified inspector examination is retained subject to this discretion; a particular applicant may receive a waiver.
Eligibility
Military service member, military spouse or military veteran holding a current, similar-scope license in another state and in good standing.
Processing
Complete application, status documentation and verification of licensing history; expedited processing within ten business days and state licensing-fee exemption.
Provisional Authorization
DSHS promptly issues a provisional license pending review or issues the permanent license; provisional validity ends upon decision or after 180 days.
Alternative military licensing — recent texas license
State certification examination for lead inspectors
Competency
DSHS may accept alternate competency evidence including experience and verified training. No specifically named national exam is adopted by the generic competency clause.
Department Waiver
DSHS reviews credentials and may waive any prerequisite under §55.004(b) and §1.91(e). The ordinary identified inspector examination is retained subject to this discretion; a particular applicant may receive a waiver.
Eligibility
Military service member, military spouse or military veteran who held the same Texas inspector license within the preceding five years.
Processing
Complete application, status documentation and verification of licensing history; expedited processing within ten business days and state licensing-fee exemption.
Provisional Authorization
DSHS promptly issues a provisional license pending review or issues the permanent license; provisional validity ends upon decision or after 180 days.
Renewal with active duty military deadline relief
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit a complete signed renewal application with all documentation and fee, satisfy current qualification requirements and final orders. Submit at least 30 days before expiration to assure timely review.
Deadline Relief
Two additional years to complete continuing education and other renewal requirements under §55.003; untimely-renewal penalties are exempt when the department is satisfied that military service caused the delay.
Licensing Fees
The state application and examination fee waiver in §55.009 applies to military applicants.
Refresher
Successfully complete an inspector refresher from a Texas-accredited provider no sooner than 180 days before expiration; submit its certificate. The training course test is a training condition.
Status
Texas license holder serving as a military service member.
Term
Renewal is for two years. A timely and sufficient application by expiration keeps the existing certification in effect pending the department decision.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2015-09-01.

Initial certification with verified military training credit
State certification examination for lead inspectors
Application
Submit the complete signed inspector application and certification fee within six months of passing the state exam.
Delayed Application
Under §295.206(c)(9)(A), an application later than six months after passing also requires inspector refresher training and submission within six months of that refresher. After three years from passing, the applicant is again subject to original certification requirements. Section 295.205(c)(22) also states a one-year refresher submission period; both are stated for the applicant, while the stricter inspector-specific six-month rule governs this route.
Exam Registration
Submit the department examination-registration form and course certificate, receive confirmation for the examination and date, and pay $50 per attempt unless exempt.
Fee Exemption
State application and examination fees waived under §55.009; third-party charges remain payable.
Firm Authorization
A person operating as a business entity must also obtain Lead Firm certification; that business credential is separate from this individual inspector certification.
Passing Score
At least 70% correct; no more than three attempts within six months of the appropriate course. Retake the original course if no passing score is achieved within six months.
Status
Military service member or military veteran.
Training
Successfully complete a lead inspector course from a Texas-accredited provider and obtain the course certificate. The course test and hands-on training assessments are training conditions, rather than a separately registered certification examination.
Training Credit
Verified relevant military service, training or education must be credited toward non-examination licensing requirements. Restricted out-of-state licenses and unacceptable criminal history are excluded under §55.007(c).
Initial certification by examination
State certification examination for lead inspectors
Application
Submit the complete signed inspector application and certification fee within six months of passing the state exam.
Delayed Application
Under §295.206(c)(9)(A), an application later than six months after passing also requires inspector refresher training and submission within six months of that refresher. After three years from passing, the applicant is again subject to original certification requirements. Section 295.205(c)(22) also states a one-year refresher submission period; both are stated for the applicant, while the stricter inspector-specific six-month rule governs this route.
Exam Registration
Submit the department examination-registration form and course certificate, receive confirmation for the examination and date, and pay $50 per attempt unless exempt.
Firm Authorization
A person operating as a business entity must also obtain Lead Firm certification; that business credential is separate from this individual inspector certification.
Passing Score
At least 70% correct; no more than three attempts within six months of the appropriate course. Retake the original course if no passing score is achieved within six months.
Training
Successfully complete a lead inspector course from a Texas-accredited provider and obtain the course certificate. The course test and hands-on training assessments are training conditions, rather than a separately registered certification examination.
Renewal expired 90 days or less
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit a complete signed renewal application with all documentation and fee, satisfy current qualification requirements and final orders. Submit at least 30 days before expiration to assure timely review.
Expiration
Expired 90 days or less; no practice while expired.
Late Fee
One and one-half times the normal renewal fee, subject to applicable exemptions.
Refresher
Successfully complete an inspector refresher from a Texas-accredited provider no sooner than 180 days before expiration; submit its certificate. The training course test is a training condition.
Term
Renewal is for two years. A timely and sufficient application by expiration keeps the existing certification in effect pending the department decision.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2005-01-01.

Renewal expired more than 90 days but less than one year
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit a complete signed renewal application with all documentation and fee, satisfy current qualification requirements and final orders. Submit at least 30 days before expiration to assure timely review.
Expiration
Expired more than 90 days but less than one year; no practice while expired.
Late Fee
Twice the normal renewal fee, subject to applicable exemptions.
Refresher
Successfully complete an inspector refresher from a Texas-accredited provider no sooner than 180 days before expiration; submit its certificate. The training course test is a training condition.
Term
Renewal is for two years. A timely and sufficient application by expiration keeps the existing certification in effect pending the department decision.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2005-01-01.

Reapplication after decertification
State certification examination for lead inspectors
Application
Submit the complete signed inspector application and certification fee within six months of passing the state exam.
Delayed Application
Under §295.206(c)(9)(A), an application later than six months after passing also requires inspector refresher training and submission within six months of that refresher. After three years from passing, the applicant is again subject to original certification requirements. Section 295.205(c)(22) also states a one-year refresher submission period; both are stated for the applicant, while the stricter inspector-specific six-month rule governs this route.
Exam Registration
Submit the department examination-registration form and course certificate, receive confirmation for the examination and date, and pay $50 per attempt unless exempt.
Firm Authorization
A person operating as a business entity must also obtain Lead Firm certification; that business credential is separate from this individual inspector certification.
Passing Score
At least 70% correct; no more than three attempts within six months of the appropriate course. Retake the original course if no passing score is achieved within six months.
Training
Successfully complete a lead inspector course from a Texas-accredited provider and obtain the course certificate. The course test and hands-on training assessments are training conditions, rather than a separately registered certification examination.
Waiting Period
Not eligible to reapply until three years after decertification; thereafter satisfy current original inspector certification requirements.
Reapplication after suspension
State certification examination for lead inspectors
Application
Submit the complete signed inspector application and certification fee within six months of passing the state exam.
Delayed Application
Under §295.206(c)(9)(A), an application later than six months after passing also requires inspector refresher training and submission within six months of that refresher. After three years from passing, the applicant is again subject to original certification requirements. Section 295.205(c)(22) also states a one-year refresher submission period; both are stated for the applicant, while the stricter inspector-specific six-month rule governs this route.
Exam Registration
Submit the department examination-registration form and course certificate, receive confirmation for the examination and date, and pay $50 per attempt unless exempt.
Firm Authorization
A person operating as a business entity must also obtain Lead Firm certification; that business credential is separate from this individual inspector certification.
Passing Score
At least 70% correct; no more than three attempts within six months of the appropriate course. Retake the original course if no passing score is achieved within six months.
Training
Successfully complete a lead inspector course from a Texas-accredited provider and obtain the course certificate. The course test and hands-on training assessments are training conditions, rather than a separately registered certification examination.
Waiting Period
Not eligible to reapply until one year after suspension; thereafter satisfy current original inspector certification requirements.
Initial certification by reciprocity
State certification examination for lead inspectors
Application
Submit the reciprocal application and appropriate fee before beginning Texas activities.
License
Hold a valid, verifiable, good-standing lead-inspector certification or license from an EPA-authorized or EPA-operated state certification program; the applicant bears the proof burden.
Resident Requirements
Section 295.215(b) requires all certification requirements imposed on a Texas resident. The same state inspector examination therefore remains a leaf; prior out-of-state licensing and training are applicant evidence, not adoption of the EPA national examination.
Rules Acknowledgment
Sign the statement that the applicant has read and understands §§295.201–295.220 and agrees to the standards in §§295.212 and 295.213.
Renewal of unexpired certification
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit a complete signed renewal application with all documentation and fee, satisfy current qualification requirements and final orders. Submit at least 30 days before expiration to assure timely review.
Refresher
Successfully complete an inspector refresher from a Texas-accredited provider no sooner than 180 days before expiration; submit its certificate. The training course test is a training condition.
Term
Renewal is for two years. A timely and sufficient application by expiration keeps the existing certification in effect pending the department decision.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2005-01-01.

Recertification after expiration of one year or more
State certification examination for lead inspectors
Application
Submit the complete signed inspector application and certification fee within six months of passing the state exam.
Delayed Application
Under §295.206(c)(9)(A), an application later than six months after passing also requires inspector refresher training and submission within six months of that refresher. After three years from passing, the applicant is again subject to original certification requirements. Section 295.205(c)(22) also states a one-year refresher submission period; both are stated for the applicant, while the stricter inspector-specific six-month rule governs this route.
Exam Registration
Submit the department examination-registration form and course certificate, receive confirmation for the examination and date, and pay $50 per attempt unless exempt.
Expiration
Certification expired one year or more cannot be renewed; satisfy current original-certification requirements, including the inspector examination.
Firm Authorization
A person operating as a business entity must also obtain Lead Firm certification; that business credential is separate from this individual inspector certification.
Passing Score
At least 70% correct; no more than three attempts within six months of the appropriate course. Retake the original course if no passing score is achieved within six months.
Training
Successfully complete a lead inspector course from a Texas-accredited provider and obtain the course certificate. The course test and hands-on training assessments are training conditions, rather than a separately registered certification examination.
Renewal by returning out of state practitioner
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Fee
Twice the normal renewal fee, subject to applicable exemptions.
Previous Texas Certification
Previously certified in Texas, subsequently moved away, currently certified and in practice elsewhere for the two years immediately before applying.
Reexamination
§295.205(h)(3) authorizes a new certification without applicable reexamination.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2005-01-01.

Fee-exempt Lead Inspector Certification — DSHS employees

Certification restricted to required Department of State Health Services duties; it must be returned and closed when the qualifying employment or duty ends.

Licensing authority: department of state health services · Application information

Initial certification by examination
State certification examination for lead inspectors
Application
Submit the complete signed inspector application and certification fee within six months of passing the state exam.
Delayed Application
Under §295.206(c)(9)(A), an application later than six months after passing also requires inspector refresher training and submission within six months of that refresher. After three years from passing, the applicant is again subject to original certification requirements. Section 295.205(c)(22) also states a one-year refresher submission period; both are stated for the applicant, while the stricter inspector-specific six-month rule governs this route.
Departmental Restriction
Must be a DSHS employee required to perform the activity as an employment duty. Certification and examination fees are exempt; authorization is only for required departmental duties. Return and close the credentials immediately when employment or the qualifying duty ends.
Exam Registration
Submit the department examination-registration form and course certificate, receive confirmation for the examination and date, and pay $50 per attempt unless exempt.
Firm Authorization
A person operating as a business entity must also obtain Lead Firm certification; that business credential is separate from this individual inspector certification.
Passing Score
At least 70% correct; no more than three attempts within six months of the appropriate course. Retake the original course if no passing score is achieved within six months.
Training
Successfully complete a lead inspector course from a Texas-accredited provider and obtain the course certificate. The course test and hands-on training assessments are training conditions, rather than a separately registered certification examination.
Renewal expired 90 days or less
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit a complete signed renewal application with all documentation and fee, satisfy current qualification requirements and final orders. Submit at least 30 days before expiration to assure timely review.
Departmental Restriction
Must be a DSHS employee required to perform the activity as an employment duty. Certification and examination fees are exempt; authorization is only for required departmental duties. Return and close the credentials immediately when employment or the qualifying duty ends.
Expiration
Expired 90 days or less; no practice while expired.
Late Fee
One and one-half times the normal renewal fee, subject to applicable exemptions.
Refresher
Successfully complete an inspector refresher from a Texas-accredited provider no sooner than 180 days before expiration; submit its certificate. The training course test is a training condition.
Term
Renewal is for two years. A timely and sufficient application by expiration keeps the existing certification in effect pending the department decision.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2005-01-01.

Renewal expired more than 90 days but less than one year
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit a complete signed renewal application with all documentation and fee, satisfy current qualification requirements and final orders. Submit at least 30 days before expiration to assure timely review.
Departmental Restriction
Must be a DSHS employee required to perform the activity as an employment duty. Certification and examination fees are exempt; authorization is only for required departmental duties. Return and close the credentials immediately when employment or the qualifying duty ends.
Expiration
Expired more than 90 days but less than one year; no practice while expired.
Late Fee
Twice the normal renewal fee, subject to applicable exemptions.
Refresher
Successfully complete an inspector refresher from a Texas-accredited provider no sooner than 180 days before expiration; submit its certificate. The training course test is a training condition.
Term
Renewal is for two years. A timely and sufficient application by expiration keeps the existing certification in effect pending the department decision.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2005-01-01.

Reapplication after decertification
State certification examination for lead inspectors
Application
Submit the complete signed inspector application and certification fee within six months of passing the state exam.
Delayed Application
Under §295.206(c)(9)(A), an application later than six months after passing also requires inspector refresher training and submission within six months of that refresher. After three years from passing, the applicant is again subject to original certification requirements. Section 295.205(c)(22) also states a one-year refresher submission period; both are stated for the applicant, while the stricter inspector-specific six-month rule governs this route.
Departmental Restriction
Must be a DSHS employee required to perform the activity as an employment duty. Certification and examination fees are exempt; authorization is only for required departmental duties. Return and close the credentials immediately when employment or the qualifying duty ends.
Exam Registration
Submit the department examination-registration form and course certificate, receive confirmation for the examination and date, and pay $50 per attempt unless exempt.
Firm Authorization
A person operating as a business entity must also obtain Lead Firm certification; that business credential is separate from this individual inspector certification.
Passing Score
At least 70% correct; no more than three attempts within six months of the appropriate course. Retake the original course if no passing score is achieved within six months.
Training
Successfully complete a lead inspector course from a Texas-accredited provider and obtain the course certificate. The course test and hands-on training assessments are training conditions, rather than a separately registered certification examination.
Waiting Period
Not eligible to reapply until three years after decertification; thereafter satisfy current original inspector certification requirements.
Reapplication after suspension
State certification examination for lead inspectors
Application
Submit the complete signed inspector application and certification fee within six months of passing the state exam.
Delayed Application
Under §295.206(c)(9)(A), an application later than six months after passing also requires inspector refresher training and submission within six months of that refresher. After three years from passing, the applicant is again subject to original certification requirements. Section 295.205(c)(22) also states a one-year refresher submission period; both are stated for the applicant, while the stricter inspector-specific six-month rule governs this route.
Departmental Restriction
Must be a DSHS employee required to perform the activity as an employment duty. Certification and examination fees are exempt; authorization is only for required departmental duties. Return and close the credentials immediately when employment or the qualifying duty ends.
Exam Registration
Submit the department examination-registration form and course certificate, receive confirmation for the examination and date, and pay $50 per attempt unless exempt.
Firm Authorization
A person operating as a business entity must also obtain Lead Firm certification; that business credential is separate from this individual inspector certification.
Passing Score
At least 70% correct; no more than three attempts within six months of the appropriate course. Retake the original course if no passing score is achieved within six months.
Training
Successfully complete a lead inspector course from a Texas-accredited provider and obtain the course certificate. The course test and hands-on training assessments are training conditions, rather than a separately registered certification examination.
Waiting Period
Not eligible to reapply until one year after suspension; thereafter satisfy current original inspector certification requirements.
Initial certification by reciprocity
State certification examination for lead inspectors
Application
Submit the reciprocal application and appropriate fee before beginning Texas activities.
Departmental Restriction
Must be a DSHS employee required to perform the activity as an employment duty. Certification and examination fees are exempt; authorization is only for required departmental duties. Return and close the credentials immediately when employment or the qualifying duty ends.
License
Hold a valid, verifiable, good-standing lead-inspector certification or license from an EPA-authorized or EPA-operated state certification program; the applicant bears the proof burden.
Resident Requirements
Section 295.215(b) requires all certification requirements imposed on a Texas resident. The same state inspector examination therefore remains a leaf; prior out-of-state licensing and training are applicant evidence, not adoption of the EPA national examination.
Rules Acknowledgment
Sign the statement that the applicant has read and understands §§295.201–295.220 and agrees to the standards in §§295.212 and 295.213.
Renewal of unexpired certification
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit a complete signed renewal application with all documentation and fee, satisfy current qualification requirements and final orders. Submit at least 30 days before expiration to assure timely review.
Departmental Restriction
Must be a DSHS employee required to perform the activity as an employment duty. Certification and examination fees are exempt; authorization is only for required departmental duties. Return and close the credentials immediately when employment or the qualifying duty ends.
Refresher
Successfully complete an inspector refresher from a Texas-accredited provider no sooner than 180 days before expiration; submit its certificate. The training course test is a training condition.
Term
Renewal is for two years. A timely and sufficient application by expiration keeps the existing certification in effect pending the department decision.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2005-01-01.

Recertification after expiration of one year or more
State certification examination for lead inspectors
Application
Submit the complete signed inspector application and certification fee within six months of passing the state exam.
Delayed Application
Under §295.206(c)(9)(A), an application later than six months after passing also requires inspector refresher training and submission within six months of that refresher. After three years from passing, the applicant is again subject to original certification requirements. Section 295.205(c)(22) also states a one-year refresher submission period; both are stated for the applicant, while the stricter inspector-specific six-month rule governs this route.
Departmental Restriction
Must be a DSHS employee required to perform the activity as an employment duty. Certification and examination fees are exempt; authorization is only for required departmental duties. Return and close the credentials immediately when employment or the qualifying duty ends.
Exam Registration
Submit the department examination-registration form and course certificate, receive confirmation for the examination and date, and pay $50 per attempt unless exempt.
Expiration
Certification expired one year or more cannot be renewed; satisfy current original-certification requirements, including the inspector examination.
Firm Authorization
A person operating as a business entity must also obtain Lead Firm certification; that business credential is separate from this individual inspector certification.
Passing Score
At least 70% correct; no more than three attempts within six months of the appropriate course. Retake the original course if no passing score is achieved within six months.
Training
Successfully complete a lead inspector course from a Texas-accredited provider and obtain the course certificate. The course test and hands-on training assessments are training conditions, rather than a separately registered certification examination.
Renewal by returning out of state practitioner
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Departmental Restriction
Must be a DSHS employee required to perform the activity as an employment duty. Certification and examination fees are exempt; authorization is only for required departmental duties. Return and close the credentials immediately when employment or the qualifying duty ends.
Fee
Twice the normal renewal fee, subject to applicable exemptions.
Previous Texas Certification
Previously certified in Texas, subsequently moved away, currently certified and in practice elsewhere for the two years immediately before applying.
Reexamination
§295.205(h)(3) authorizes a new certification without applicable reexamination.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2005-01-01.

Provisional License — Military Applicants

Temporary authorization pending military alternative licensing or recognition of an out-of-state license; expires on the stated decision or after 180 days.

Licensing authority: Texas Department of State Health Services · Application information

Provisional license pending alternative military licensing — current license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the complete alternative licensing application and status and licensing-history evidence.
Duration
Pending the permanent-license review; expires upon approval or denial or on day 180 after issue, whichever occurs first. Not renewable.
Eligibility
Military service member, military spouse or military veteran holding a current, similar-scope license in another state and in good standing.
Examination
This provisional authorization follows receipt of the alternative-license application; the underlying permanent-license examination and any waiver belong to that separate route.
Fee
DSHS does not charge a provisional-license fee; applicant pays applicable third-party charges.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2025-09-01.

Provisional license pending alternative military licensing — recent texas license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the complete alternative licensing application and status and licensing-history evidence.
Duration
Pending the permanent-license review; expires upon approval or denial or on day 180 after issue, whichever occurs first. Not renewable.
Eligibility
Military service member, military spouse or military veteran who held the same Texas inspector license within the preceding five years.
Examination
This provisional authorization follows receipt of the alternative-license application; the underlying permanent-license examination and any waiver belong to that separate route.
Fee
DSHS does not charge a provisional-license fee; applicant pays applicable third-party charges.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2025-09-01.

Provisional license pending recognition of an out of state military license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Documents
Submit the prescribed application, relocation military orders, spouse marriage license if applicable, and the notarized affidavit prescribed by §55.0041(b).
Duration
Expires when DSHS issues or denies confirmation, or on day 180 after provisional issue, whichever occurs first.
Eligibility
Military service member or military spouse holding a current, similar-scope out-of-state license in good standing, with military relocation to Texas.
Recognition
§55.0041(a) permits qualifying practice without obtaining the ordinary Texas license. The recognition is an exemption, not another Texas inspector certification identity.
Statutory Versions
The official code displays both 2025 additions numbered §55.0041(b-1). One provides ten-business-day recognition notice; the other provides provisional issuance while confirmation is pending. Both are preserved as conditions, rather than treating either as repealed.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2025-09-01.

State certification examination for lead inspectors

Provider
Texas Department of State Health Services
Format
Written question packet and answer sheet
Passing score
At least 70% correct
Exam fee
$50 per attempt; statutory military and qualifying DSHS-employee fee exemptions apply
Practice scope

Inferred from the examination name; the authority has not published an examination outline.

  • Texas Occupations Code Chapter 1955 — Lead-Based Paint Abatement
  • Texas Health and Safety Code §§12.0111 and 12.0112 — Licensing Fees and Term of License
  • Texas Environmental Lead Reduction Rules — 25 TAC Chapter 295, Subchapter I
Examination sources