Frequently Asked Questions

General Licensure

What entity governs lead-based paint activities in the State of Missouri?

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, Section of Environmental Public Health, Bureau of Environmental Epidemiology, Lead Licensing Program under authority of RSMo 701.300-701.338.

Who must obtain a lead license?

A lead license is required for any person or business which intends to:

Work on a lead abatement project (Lead Abatement Worker or Supervisor);
Supervise a lead abatement project (Lead Abatement Supervisor);
Perform a full or limited lead inspection or hold him or herself out as a lead inspector (Lead Inspector);
Perform a full lead risk assessment, elevated blood lead level investigation, risk assessment, or hazard screen risk assessment (Risk Assessor);
Perform lead abatement project clearance testing (Risk Assessor or Lead Inspector);
Design lead abatement projects (Project Designer);
If you perform any lead-bearing substance activities outside of your regular place of business (Lead Abatement Contractor).

How do I apply for a lead license?

The application for a Lead Occupation License can be found here. Follow the directions on the application or see the Application Instruction sheet available at the link above. If you need further assistance, please contact the Lead Licensing Program at (888) 837-0927 or (573) 526-5873 or by email: Lead@health.mo.gov

What do I need to include in my application for individual licensure?

To apply for a lead abatement worker, supervisor, project designer, lead inspector or risk assessor license, an individual must submit to the Lead Licensing Program the following:

A completed current application;
A course completion certificate issued by a Lead Licensing Program or EPA accredited training provider for the particular license sought; (Applicants for a Risk Assessor license must also complete an accredited Lead Inspector course. Applicants for a Project Designer license must also complete an accredited Lead Abatement Supervisor course.)
A check or money order made payable to Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services in the amount listed on the application;
Two passport-sized photographs; and
Documentation as evidence of meeting education and/or experience requirements. (For Lead Inspectors and Risk Assessors, if applying for licensure under the High School diploma or GED education/experience requirement, a copy of your High School diploma or GED must be included. If applying for licensure under a degree requirement, a copy of the college diploma or transcripts must also be included.)

What do I need to include in my application for a contractor license?

To apply for a lead abatement contractor license, an entity must submit to the Lead Licensing Program the following:

A completed application form
A check or money order made out to Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services for $250
A check or money order made payable to Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services in the amount listed on the application;
A copy of the business registration with the Missouri Secretary of State's Office
Proof of liability insurance

How long does it take to process my application?

The average processing time is 10-14 business days for a lead occupation license or lead contractor license. Applicants for the Lead Inspector, Risk Assessor and Lead Abatement Supervisor licenses are required to take a written state examination after the application has been processed. The time frame for issuance of these licenses is dependent on the time it takes to schedule and complete the exam.

Can I apply for licensure before I have completed the appropriate lead training?

Current regulations do not require that training be completed prior to applying for the license. However, an application received without the training certificate will be considered incomplete. If an application is incomplete the applicant will have only thirty (30) days to provide all information to complete the application; otherwise, the application will be denied and the non-refundable fee will be forfeited.

When do I take the state exam for licensure?

After your completed application is approved, the Lead Licensing Program will send you a notice of approval with the dates, times and exam locations. State exams are given twice monthly with one exam in the St. Louis area and one exam in the Kansas City area. Registration to take the exam at these locations is recommended as schedules occasionally change. You may also call and schedule an appointment to take the exam during regular business hours at our Jefferson City office. The applicant has six months from the date of application approval to take the state exam.

What does it cost to become licensed to conduct lead-bearing substance activities?

License Category	Initial/Re-Application Fee	Renewal Fee
Lead Abatement Contractor	$250	$250
Lead Abatement Supervisor	$100	$50
Lead Abatement Worker	$100	$50
Lead Inspector	$100	$50
Lead Risk Assessor	$100	$50
Lead Abatement Project Designer	$100	$50

Where can I attend accredited lead training?

A list of DHSS accredited training providers can be found here.

How often do I need to take a refresher course?

Once you are licensed, you must complete refresher training before you renew your license. (Renewal applications must be submitted 60 days before your current license expires and must include a copy of the refresher course completion certificate.) It is recommended that refresher course be taken no more than one year prior to your license expiration date.

When does my license expire?

Two years from the date of issuance.

Is there a "grace period" after my license expires?

No. Once a license expires it is no longer valid. This means that you cannot conduct lead-bearing substance activities. If you fail to submit a renewal application prior to the expiration date, the re-application process must be followed. 19-CSR 30-70.195

Will the program forward a renewal application to me before my license expires?

The Lead Licensing Program will make every effort to send an expiration reminder to the last reported address for the applicant. The letter will give instructions for acquiring an application. However, it is ultimately the licensee’s responsibility to submit a renewal application prior to expiration.

Will the Missouri Lead Licensing program approve a license through reciprocity?

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, Lead Licensing Program (LLP), does not currently have any reciprocity agreements with other state’s programs. LLP does accept current lead-bearing substance activity certifications issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to persons applying for a Missouri license through reciprocity.

Applicants applying to become a licensed Risk Assessor, Lead Inspector, or Lead Abatement Supervisor in the State of Missouri through reciprocity are required to take the state exam administered by the Lead Licensing Program. A score of 70% or better is required.

Missouri regulations also require the company an individual is employed by, to be licensed as a Lead Abatement Contractor before services can be rendered.

If you have any questions, please contact our office at 888-837-0927

Licensed Contractor

Do I have to be licensed by the Lead Licensing Program to conduct renovation and remodeling activities in a dwelling that contains lead-based paint?

No, DHSS regulates lead abatement activities in the state of Missouri. Incidental disturbance of lead-based paint through remodeling activities or general maintenance does not meet our definition of abatement; therefore Lead Abatement Licenses are not required. However, the U.S. EPA does require companies and individuals to be certified to perform this type of work per the Renovation, Repair and Painting rule. Guidance is available from the U.S. EPA for conducting renovation and remodeling activities safely.

If I am a renovation contractor what responsibilities do I have related to lead?

At a minimum federal law requires renovators to distribute the EPA pamphlet “Renovate Right: Important Lead Hazard Information for Families, Child Care Providers, and Schools" to owners and occupants of most housing or child occupied facilities built prior to 1978 before commencing renovation activities that disrupt more than 2 square feet of paint. It is recommended that you contact the U.S. EPA for more information.

Do individuals/contractors involved in demolition of structures with components containing lead-bearing substances need to be licensed by the Lead Licensing Program?

No. Demolition of structures with components containing lead-bearing substances does not meet our definition of abatement. Therefore, the workers and their supervisor are not required to be lead licensed when demolishing (razing) a building. Licensure is required if the lead-bearing substance on the surface of the components, or the components as a whole, are being abated prior to demolition It is recommended that precautions are taken to protect workers and the public. You should check with other agencies; local, state and federal, for other requirements. Contact the Missouri Department of Natural Resources Solid Waste Program about disposal of construction and demolition debris.

Who needs to be licensed as a lead abatement contractor?

Any individual, sole proprietorship, company or corporation that conducts lead-bearing substance activities at a location other than the contractor's own place of business shall be licensed as a lead abatement contractor. This includes businesses conducting lead abatement projects, lead inspections, risk assessments, or post-abatement clearance testing.

If I am licensed as a lead abatement supervisor, do I have to be licensed as a lead abatement worker as well?

No. A licensed lead abatement supervisor can perform all of the lead abatement activities that a licensed lead abatement worker can without also being licensed as a lead abatement worker.

Who is required to submit a lead-abatement project notification?

The lead abatement contractor must submit a lead abatement project notification to the Lead Licensing Program 10 days prior to the onset of lead abatement activities. The lead abatement project notification applies to all lead abatement projects conducted in Missouri. A $25.00 fee must be submitted with the lead abatement project notification. Project notification forms are available at the Lead Licensing Program website.

How do I dispose of lead-contaminated waste and debris following abatement?

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Division of Environmental Quality, Hazardous Waste Program regulates the disposal of wastes contaminated with lead and other heavy metals. You may contact the DNR Hazardous Waste Program by telephone to find out their requirements at: 573-751-3176 or 800-361-4827. Information regarding hazardous waste disposal can be found at: https://dnr.mo.gov/waste-recycling/investigations-cleanups/hazardous-waste-treatment-storage-disposal-tsd.

When is a licensed lead abatement contractor required for construction work in residential, child day care facilities, or schools?

For any work where lead abatement is intended - either because federal rules require abatement of lead hazards or lead abatement is preferred by the owner or other funding source.

When must a lead abatement supervisor be present at the lead abatement work site?

During Work site preparation and during post abatement clean-up; at all other times that abatement work is taking place the Supervisor must be available by phone and able to be on site within two(2) hours.

Can I perform lead abatement activities on a dwelling that I own without being licensed as a lead abatement professional?

To the extent permitted by federal regulations, an individual who is an owner, a partner in a partnership owning, or a corporate officer in a corporation owning a dwelling and who is not licensed pursuant to section 701.312 may personally perform lead abatement within a dwelling that he or she owns, unless the residential dwelling is occupied by a person or persons other than the owner, or the owner's immediate family while these activities are being performed, or a child residing in the building has been identified as having an elevated blood lead level. Prior to beginning such abatement, the owner shall consult with the department regarding the most effective method of conducting such lead abatement activities and of the proper procedures in performing those activities.

Inspection and Risk Assessment

Can certified EPA Renovators take paint chip samples in Missouri for renovation projects?

In Missouri, paint chip sampling must be performed by a licensed lead-based paint inspector or risk assessor. EPA-certified Renovators who are not licensed lead-based paint inspectors or risk assessors will not be able to utilize paint chip sampling to identify lead-bearing surfaces. Alternative testing options described in the RRP rule are still available for use by certified Renovators. If you have questions or concerns, please contact the DHSS Lead Licensing Program at (573) 526-5873 or toll free 888-837-0927.

Can I collect paint chip, soil, or dust wipe samples without being licensed as a lead inspector or risk assessor?

f you are collecting paint chip, soil, or dust wipe samples in order to determine the presence or the concentration of lead in paint as part of a Lead Inspection, Lead Risk Assessment, Lead Hazard Screen, or Clearance Inspection then you must be licensed as a lead inspector or risk assessor.

Do I have to be licensed as a lead inspector or risk assessor to use an XRF?

If your intent is to use the XRF to determine the presence or the concentration of lead and to report your findings based on the XRF results, then you must be licensed as a lead inspector or risk assessor. If the XRF is an x-ray tube based model it should be registered with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Office of Radiation Control. You are required to have received training from the XRF manufacturer on safe and proper operation of the instrument.

If I am licensed as a risk assessor, do I have to be licensed as a lead inspector to conduct lead inspections?

No. A licensed lead risk assessor can perform all the activities of a lead inspector without also being licensed as a lead inspector. Licensed lead inspectors who desire to conduct risk assessment activities must become licensed as a risk assessor.

Can a lead risk assessor write lead abatement project specifications?

No. Only a licensed lead abatement supervisor or licensed lead abatement project designer may prepare specifications. A lead risk assessor recommends abatement options for identified lead hazards and recommends prioritization for addressing each hazard in a risk assessment report.

Can a licensed lead inspector or lead risk assessor conduct limited testing, screening, surveying, or evaluation for the presence of lead-based paint or lead-based paint hazards?

Yes. Partial testing for the presence of lead-based paint or lead-based paint hazards is permitted, if less than a full lead inspection or risk assessment is needed or desired. The report should reflect that testing was less than a full lead risk assessment or lead inspection.

What procedure do I follow for using an X-ray fluorescence analyzer to test for the presence of lead in paint, or for performing a lead inspection of a residential dwelling, child occupied facility?

You should follow the most current HUD Guidelines for the Evaluation and Control of Lead-Based Paint Hazards in Housing, Chapter 7, Lead-Based Paint Inspection. You should also refer to the XRF manufacturer’s recommendations. Quality control calibration checks must be performed according to the manufacturer’s specifications or results cannot be considered valid.

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