Ohio Lead Licensing and Certification Guide
ODH lead license types, training requirements, fees, and application process. Inspector, risk assessor, abatement, and clearance.
Overview
The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) licenses individuals and firms performing lead-related activities under ORC 3742 and OAC 3701-32. All licenses expire 2 years after issuance and require completion of an ODH-approved refresher course for renewal.
ODH lead licensing is separate from EPA RRP certification. See the RRP Rule overview for information on renovation certification.
License Types
Lead Inspector
What it authorizes: Performing surface-by-surface investigations to determine the presence or absence of lead-based paint using XRF or paint chip sampling. Providing a written report of inspection results.
Prerequisites: None beyond training.
Training required: ODH-approved initial lead inspector course.
Fee: $250
Who needs this: Anyone conducting lead paint inspections in Ohio. An inspector determines whether lead-based paint is present but does not assess broader lead hazards or recommend response actions (that requires a risk assessor license).
Lead Risk Assessor
What it authorizes: Everything a lead inspector can do, plus evaluating lead hazards from all sources (paint, dust, soil, water), interpreting inspection and risk assessment results, identifying hazard control strategies, and completing risk assessment reports.
Prerequisites: Must meet ONE of the following:
- Certified, licensed, or registered as an industrial hygienist, engineer, architect, or hold certification in a related field
- Bachelor’s degree plus 1 year experience in lead, asbestos, environmental remediation, or building construction
- Associate’s degree plus 2 years experience in lead, asbestos, environmental remediation, or building construction
- High school diploma or equivalent plus 3 years experience in lead, asbestos, environmental remediation, or building construction
Additionally, must be certified by the American Board of Industrial Hygiene (ABIH) as an IH or IH-in-training, OR be a registered sanitarian or sanitarian-in-training under Ohio law.
Training required: ODH-approved initial lead risk assessor course (includes inspector content).
Fee: $500
Who needs this: Environmental consultants conducting lead risk assessments, HUD-required evaluations, or any work that goes beyond simply determining whether lead-based paint is present.
Lead Abatement Contractor
What it authorizes: A business entity to perform lead abatement projects.
Prerequisites: Must employ at least one licensed lead abatement project designer or lead risk assessor.
Training required: ODH-approved initial lead abatement contractor course for at least one supervisor.
Fee: $500
Who needs this: Any company performing lead abatement (permanent elimination of lead-based paint hazards through removal, encapsulation, or enclosure).
Lead Abatement Worker
What it authorizes: Performing lead abatement activities under the supervision of a licensed abatement contractor.
Prerequisites: None beyond training.
Training required: ODH-approved initial lead abatement worker course.
Fee: $500
Note: An abatement worker may take the abatement contractor refresher course in lieu of the worker refresher course.
Lead Abatement Project Designer
What it authorizes: Designing lead abatement project specifications, including scope of work, work sequence, and performance standards.
Prerequisites: Same education and experience requirements as lead risk assessor.
Training required: ODH-approved initial lead abatement project designer course.
Fee: $500
Clearance Technician
What it authorizes: Performing clearance examinations on non-abatement lead projects ONLY. A clearance technician cannot perform clearance on abatement projects (that requires a licensed inspector or risk assessor).
Prerequisites: None beyond training.
Training required: ODH-approved initial clearance technician course.
Fee: $500
Scope limitations: A clearance technician cannot design, perform, prepare, or provide advice on lead inspections, risk assessments, abatement projects, or interim controls. This license exists primarily for clearance after RRP-type non-abatement work and for lead-safe housing compliance (such as Cleveland and Toledo rental ordinances).
Application Process
Online (Recommended)
ODH offers online applications through their Lead Program portal.
Paper Application
Download forms from the ODH Lead Program forms page. Submit with fee (check or money order payable to “Treasurer, State of Ohio”) and required documents.
Required Submittals
- Completed application form
- Recent passport-sized color photograph
- Copy of initial or most recent refresher training certificate
- Application fee
- Documentation of education and experience prerequisites (for risk assessor, project designer, and abatement contractor)
Applications are generally processed within 2-3 weeks. ODH must notify applicants of approval within 30 calendar days of receiving a complete application.
Renewal
All licenses expire 2 years after issuance. To renew:
- Complete the appropriate ODH-approved refresher course within 2 years of initial or previous refresher training
- Submit a renewal application with the renewal fee and proof of refresher training
If refresher training is not completed within the 2-year window, the initial course must be repeated. There is no grace period.
Fee Summary
| License Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Lead Inspector | $250 |
| Lead Risk Assessor | $500 |
| Lead Abatement Contractor | $500 |
| Lead Abatement Worker | $500 |
| Lead Abatement Project Designer | $500 |
| Clearance Technician | $500 |
All fees are non-refundable. All licenses are valid for 2 years.
Important Prohibitions
Under OAC 3701-32-03, the following are prohibited in Ohio:
- Performing lead activities without the appropriate license
- Using chemical test kits for lead inspections or risk assessments (XRF or lab analysis required)
- Collecting or analyzing composite dust wipe samples
- Using encapsulant products not approved by ODH for abatement
- Using laboratories not approved by ODH for lead analysis
- Performing clearance on abatement projects without an inspector or risk assessor license
Resources
- ODH Lead Licensure and Accreditation Program - Official program page
- ORC 3742 - Ohio lead law
- OAC 3701-32 - Lead licensing rules
- ODH Licensed Lead Professional Database - Search for licensed professionals
- Ohio Lead Program Overview
- EPA RRP Rule Explained - Separate federal renovation certification
Frequently Asked Questions
Who issues lead licenses in Ohio?
The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) issues all lead professional licenses under ORC 3742 and OAC 3701-32. This includes lead inspectors, lead risk assessors, lead abatement contractors, lead abatement workers, lead abatement project designers, and clearance technicians. Contact: lead@odh.ohio.gov or 614.466.1450.
How long is a lead license valid?
All Ohio lead licenses are valid for 2 years from the date of issuance. Refresher training must be completed within 2 years of initial or previous refresher training. If refresher training is not completed within 2 years, the initial course must be repeated.
What is the difference between a lead inspector and a lead risk assessor?
A lead inspector performs a surface-by-surface investigation to determine whether lead-based paint is present. A lead risk assessor does everything an inspector does but also evaluates lead hazards from all sources (paint, dust, soil, water), determines risk, and recommends response actions. Risk assessors must meet additional education and experience prerequisites that inspectors do not.
Do I need an ODH license to do RRP work?
No. RRP (Renovation, Repair, and Painting) certification is issued by U.S. EPA, not ODH. ODH licenses are for lead inspection, risk assessment, and abatement work. These are separate certifications for separate activities. If your work involves both renovation and abatement, you may need both.