North Carolina's Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) certification ensures safe handling of lead-based paint in pre-1978 homes and child-occupied facilities. Managed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) Health Hazards Control Unit (HHCU), the process involves accredited training followed by state application. As an authorized program since 2025, NC aligns with EPA standards but requires state-specific certification for paid work. Homeowners doing DIY are exempt. Details as of October 2025; contact HHCU at 919-707-5950 for updates.
1. Who needs RRP certification in North Carolina?
Firms offering, performing, or claiming to perform RRP activities for compensation in pre-1978 target housing or child-occupied facilities must be NC-certified. This includes companies, partnerships, sole proprietorships, and nonprofits. Individuals (renovators and dust sampling technicians) working under certified firms also need certification. Owner-occupied DIY renovations are exempt, but hired work requires certified pros.
2. What are the training requirements for RRP certification?
Initial certification requires an 8-hour accredited in-person course (no online/hybrid) covering lead hazards, safe practices, and EPA rules. Refresher training is 4 hours every 5 years. Courses are offered in English and Spanish by approved providers like Brunswick Community College, Fayetteville Technical Community College, and proActive Safety Services. Find providers via the NCDHHS training directory. Out-of-state or pre-2010 NC courses may qualify with approval; post-2010 must be NC-accredited.
3. What are the steps for individual renovator certification?
- Complete an 8-hour initial accredited renovator training course from an approved provider.
- Gather documents: Training certificate, passport-style color photo, and a sponsoring NC-certified renovation firm number (or apply simultaneously).
- Submit the original Lead Renovator Certification Application to HHCU (no faxes/copies).
- Upon approval, receive a certification letter; added to public database.
For dust sampling technicians, use the similar 8-hour DST course and application.
4. What are the steps for firm (renovation firm) certification?
- Ensure at least one certified renovator supervises work.
- Complete firm-specific training if needed (renovators handle this).
- Submit the original Lead Renovation Firm Certification Application to HHCU, including proof of renovator certifications.
- Applications can be bundled with individual ones; receive firm letter and certificate with number (e.g., RRP2125).
Firms performing abatement need separate LHMP certification.
5. What are the fees and processing time?
NC does not charge fees for RRP firm or individual certification applications. Processing times vary; submit originals to avoid delays—expect 4-6 weeks based on EPA norms, but confirm with HHCU. Training costs depend on providers (typically $200-$300; contact directly).
6. How do I renew my RRP certification?
Individuals renew every 5 years by completing a 4-hour refresher course and submitting an updated application with the refresher certificate and photo. Firms renew similarly, ensuring ongoing certified staff. No fees apply; stay current to avoid lapsed status and fines.
7. What documents verify certification, and where can I find certified pros?
Individuals show HHCU certification letters or photo ID cards; firms provide letters and certificates. Search the public database for certified firms and professionals. Before work, provide the EPA's "Renovate Right" pamphlet.
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