• Determine Eligibility
• Get Training
• Take Exam
• Apply to CDHS

There are experience and education requirements for qualification for some of the certification specialties. You can determine your eligibility for each of the types of certification by reviewing the eligibility page. If you have further questions about your eligibility, you can contact CDHS at 1-800-597-LEAD(5323) (outside California: 510-620-5694).

2. Training

Everyone who wishes to be lead certified must first take training from a CDHS-accredited training provider. The type of training you need depends on the type of certification you want.

• Choosing a certification specialty
• Training requirements for each specialty
• List of courses - Includes training provider locations, what they are approved to teach, and links to their sites for scheduling and pricing information.
• Printer-friendly list of courses (PDF 87K)

Each accredited lead-related construction course includes an end-of-course exam. In addition to that exam, there is also a separate state qualifying exam for the following specialties:

• Supervisor (given in English or Spanish
• Inspector/Assessor
• Project Monitor
• Project Designer

The state qualifying exam is administered by Cooperative Personnel Services. Visit their website, or call (916) 263-3644 for scheduling, exam application, and pricing information. The current fee for a regularly scheduled exam is $184.00 ($192.00 starting May 1, 2007). Other fees apply for non-regularly scheduled exams. Click here for more information about the exam, including study guides.

4. Application for Certification

This is the final step in the certification process. For new certifications, you should send an application CDHS/CLPPB containing:

• Application Form (optional for Workers)
• Proof of Experience (except Workers)
• Proof of Training, via the CDHS Course Completion Form
• Education documentation (except Workers and Supervisors)
• Photo (print or digital)
• Fee - $75.00 (check or money order) for each specialty.