Free District Lead Law Exam Practice Questions

Sample Practice Questions

Try these 10 sample questions from the District Lead Law Exam practice bank. Each includes the answer and explanation. Continue with the interactive practice above to review the full question set.

1. 1A child frequently plays on a floor in an older home and then puts unwashed fingers in the mouth. Which exposure pathway is most important to control?

   1. A. Ingestion of lead-contaminated dust
   2. B. Skin absorption of intact paint
   3. C. Inhalation of water vapor
   4. D. Contact with unpainted glass

   Answer: A

   Explanation: DOEE identifies hand-to-mouth ingestion of lead dust from floors and window sills as the leading exposure pathway for young children.

   Reference: Sources of Lead Exposure — Sources of Lead Exposure

2. 2Which statement accurately states the District statutory definition of an elevated blood lead level?

   1. A. At least 5 µg/dL, or a more stringent level established by CDC or adopted by the Mayor
   2. B. At least 10 µg/dL with no authority for a lower standard
   3. C. At least 20 µg/dL only after symptoms appear
   4. D. At least 40 µg/dL only for construction workers

   Answer: A

   Explanation: D.C. Official Code § 8-231.01(13) states: "Elevated blood lead level" means at least 5 µg/dL, "or such more stringent standard as may be established" by CDC or adopted by the Mayor.

   Reference: § 8–231.01. Definitions. | D.C. Law Library — D.C. Official Code § 8-231.01(13)

3. 3If no DOEE Order applies, who may perform an ordinary post-abatement clearance examination?

   1. A. A certified lead project designer or supervisor
   2. B. A dust sampling technician, lead-based paint inspector, or risk assessor
   3. C. A certified abatement worker or renovator
   4. D. A trained maintenance worker or property manager

   Answer: B

   Explanation: When no Order applies, 20 DCMR § 3316.11(b) says "the clearance examination may be performed by a dust sampling technician" and continues by naming a lead-based paint inspector or risk assessor as the other permitted professionals.

   Reference: Dc Lead Regulations (2013) — 20 DCMR § 3316.11(b), page 28

4. 4During a pre-work survey, a supervisor finds an old painted double-hung window that is opened daily. What mechanism can generate lead dust there?

   1. A. Impact against the window stop
   2. B. Friction between painted window components
   3. C. Abrasive contact during surface preparation
   4. D. Heat applied during coating removal

   Answer: B

   Explanation: DOEE explains that opening and closing old windows creates friction between painted components and generates lead dust.

   Reference: Sources of Lead Exposure — Sources of Lead Exposure

5. 5Under District lead law, which pair falls within the defined term person at risk?

   1. A. A child under age six and a pregnant woman
   2. B. A child under age twelve and any landlord
   3. C. Any tenant and any maintenance worker
   4. D. A child under age eighteen and a property manager

   Answer: A

   Explanation: D.C. Official Code § 8-231.01(31) states: "Person at risk" means a child under age 6 or a pregnant woman.

   Reference: § 8–231.01. Definitions. | D.C. Law Library — D.C. Official Code § 8-231.01(31)

6. 6What training must an initial District Lead Abatement Supervisor applicant complete?

   1. A. An accredited initial supervisor course
   2. B. An accredited initial inspector course
   3. C. An accredited initial risk-assessor course
   4. D. An accredited initial project-designer course

   Answer: A

   Explanation: DOEE requires the applicant to "Successfully complete an EPA-accredited, DOEE-accredited, or accredited by an EPA-approved state initial training course."

   Reference: Individual Discipline Requirements — Page 2, Lead Abatement Supervisor Requirements

7. 7An old painted door repeatedly rubs against its frame. Why should the supervisor treat the contact point as a potential exposure source?

   1. A. The rubbing can generate lead dust from painted surfaces
   2. B. The rubbing converts lead paint into harmless oxide
   3. C. The rubbing seals loose paint under the door
   4. D. The rubbing removes only non-lead pigments

   Answer: A

   Explanation: DOEE notes that old doors can generate lead particles when painted components grind or bump against other surfaces.

   Reference: Sources of Lead Exposure — Sources of Lead Exposure

8. 8Which construction-date threshold triggers the District presumption of lead-based paint in a dwelling unit or child-occupied facility?

   1. A. Constructed before 1960
   2. B. Constructed before 1978
   3. C. Constructed before 1988
   4. D. Constructed before 1992

   Answer: B

   Explanation: The Code defines presumed lead-based paint as "paint or other surface coating affixed to a component in or on a dwelling unit or child-occupied facility, constructed prior to 1978."

   Reference: § 8–231.01. Definitions. | D.C. Law Library — D.C. Official Code § 8-231.01(32)

9. 9Which experience qualifies through the abatement-worker pathway for District supervisor certification?

   1. A. At least 6 months as an uncertified painter
   2. B. At least 1 year as a certified lead-based paint abatement worker
   3. C. At least 2 years as a dust sample courier
   4. D. At least 4 years as a property owner

   Answer: B

   Explanation: 20 DCMR § 3307.5(a) requires "At least one (1) year of experience as a certified lead-based paint abatement worker."

   Reference: Dc Lead Regulations (2013) — 20 DCMR § 3307.5(a), page 11

10. 10Which source does DOEE describe as the most significant current source of lead exposure?

    1. A. Lead-contaminated drinking water
    2. B. Old paint in poorly maintained homes
    3. C. Lead-contaminated residential soil
    4. D. Lead-containing imported consumer goods

    Answer: B

    Explanation: DOEE states that old paint in homes that have not been well maintained is the most significant current source of lead exposure.

    Reference: Sources of Lead Exposure — Sources of Lead Exposure