RRP certification cost: firm fees and renovator training

What EPA charges for firm certification

EPA's firm certification page lists $300 for renovation firm certification or recertification, and $20 for a Tribal firm. A replacement certificate is $15. A firm that wants a lead-based paint activities or combined certification pays $550. EPA says firm certifications last five years and that processing takes a week or two.

These figures are for the federal program. If your job is in a state, Tribe, or territory that runs its own program, that program sets its own fees and terms. EPA notes that a firm working in more than one state may need both EPA and state certification, so count each one in your budget.

• Federal firm certification or recertification: $300.
• Tribal firm: $20.
• Replacement certificate: $15.
• Lead-based paint activities or combined application: $550.
• Authorized state or Tribal programs: check that program's fee.

How renovator course prices work

EPA does not list a set price for renovator training. Accredited providers set their own, so ask several. You can find them with EPA's training search. The course must be accredited by EPA or an EPA-authorized program, so check that before you compare prices.

The federal initial course is 8 hours, including 2 hours of hands-on learning. The refresher is 4 hours. A hands-on refresher gives 5 years and a refresher without hands-on training gives 3 years, so a cheaper online course may not cost less per year. Our refresher expiration guide explains the dates.

Example: compare two quotes by dividing each price by the years of certification it gives. Then add travel and time away from work. Remember that after an online refresher, the next one must include hands-on training.

The costs people forget

The fee is often not the largest cost. Plan for a day away from paid work for each initial course, plus supplies for the job site: plastic sheeting, tape, signs, cleaning cloths, verification cards, and a HEPA vacuum if your tools or cleanup call for one. Your training provider can explain what each practice requires.

A lapse has its own cost. EPA says a renovator whose certificate has expired must retake the 8-hour course. Until someone is certified, the firm needs a different certified renovator assigned to any covered job. Setting early reminders is cheap in comparison. Our firm and renovator guide explains which credential each deadline belongs to.

• Firm fee, and any state fee.
• Initial course for each renovator, plus time away from work.
• Refreshers across the years you plan to work.
• Job-site supplies.
• On-the-job training time and records.
• Storing records for at least 3 years.

Questions contractors ask

Do I pay for each worker? Not necessarily. Workers can be certified renovators or receive on-the-job training from one. The firm needs at least one certified renovator assigned to each covered job. See our worker training records guide.

Does the firm fee cover the course? No. They are separate. A training course does not complete the business application.

What does skipping certification cost? Section 745.87 treats failing to comply as a violation, and violators may face civil and criminal sanctions. Penalty maximums are adjusted over time and actual amounts depend on the case, so this guide does not quote one. Ask your lawyer about your own facts. Our inspection guide covers how to prepare.

Can a sole proprietor skip the firm fee? No. EPA states that firm certification includes sole proprietorships.