Who has to recertify in 2026.
Under EPA's Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule (40 CFR Part 745, Subpart E), individual Certified Renovators are credentialed for five years from the date they passed initial training. A renovator who completed initial training in 2021 needs a refresher course in 2026 to remain certified.
This is separate from the firm's certification — also a five-year cycle — which is renewed by application and fee, without a course.
What the refresher covers.
The refresher course is significantly shorter than initial training. EPA-accredited training providers offer two pathways:
- Refresher with hands-on (4 hours). Required for renovators whose certification has already expired, and recommended for anyone who has been out of the field for a stretch.
- Refresher without hands-on (4 hours). Available to renovators who recertify before their certification expires and meet EPA's eligibility criteria.
Both versions update the renovator on changes to work-practice standards, dust-wipe clearance thresholds (see below), recordkeeping and enforcement.
What the 2024 dust-lead update means for your work.
EPA's 2024 update to the dust-lead reportable level — effective January 2025 — tightened the post-renovation clearance thresholds:
- Floors: 5 µg/ft² (from 10 µg/ft²)
- Window sills: 40 µg/ft² (from 100 µg/ft²)
- Window troughs: 100 µg/ft² (from 400 µg/ft²)
If your last RRP project predates these numbers, expect the 2026 refresher to emphasize tighter clean-up protocols and more conservative work practices.
Documents to keep on file.
Per EPA, the firm must retain renovation records — including renovator certification, training records, pre-renovation pamphlet acknowledgments, and post-job documentation — for three years. We recommend keeping a clean copy of the renovator certificate alongside the firm's certificate in your project binder.
If you've let certification lapse.
An expired renovator cannot supervise RRP-applicable work until they recertify. If your project schedule depends on a specific renovator, plan the refresher at least 30 days ahead of your nearest expiration — accredited courses fill up.
For the authoritative source, see EPA's RRP program page.