Can every refresher be online without hands-on training?

No. After a refresher without hands-on training, the next refresher must include hands-on training (40 CFR 745.90(a)(4) and 745.225(e)(2)).

What happens if the certificate expires?

The person must re-take the initial renovator course to become certified again (40 CFR 745.90(a)(4)).

Does the renovator need the certificate on site?

Yes. Copies of the initial course completion certificate and the most recent refresher certificate must be at the work site (40 CFR 745.90(b)(7)).

US · Expiry & renewal tracking

Keep every certified renovator's RRP certificate current

A certified renovator must complete an accredited refresher course within 5 years of the initial course; a refresher with hands-on training certifies for 5 years, one without for 3 years (40 CFR 745.90(a)(4)). If the deadline is missed, the renovator must retake the initial course before being assigned to a renovation.

Under EPA's lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) rules, a person becomes a certified renovator by completing a renovator course accredited by EPA under 40 CFR 745.225, or by a State or Tribal program authorized by EPA. The course completion certificate is the proof of certification (40 CFR 745.90(a)(1)), and it must show the expiration date of the certification (40 CFR 745.225(c)(8)).

To stay certified, the renovator must complete an accredited refresher course within 5 years of completing the initial course. Otherwise, the initial course must be taken again. A refresher course with hands-on training gives 5 years of certification; one without hands-on training gives 3 years, and the next refresher must then include hands-on training (40 CFR 745.90(a)(4)). Renovators must take a refresher with hands-on training at least every other recertification (40 CFR 745.225(e)(2)).

Each renovation done by a certified firm must have a certified renovator assigned (40 CFR 745.89(d)(2)). The renovator must be physically present when warning signs are posted, while the work area containment is set up and while the work area is cleaned, and must be available on site or by telephone at all times during the renovation (40 CFR 745.90(b)(3) and (5)).

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At a glance

Rule	40 CFR 745.90, EPA lead Renovation, Repair and Painting rule
Proof	Course completion certificate from an accredited training provider
Refresher due	Within 5 years of the initial course
Refresher with hands-on training	Certified for 5 years
Refresher without hands-on training	Certified for 3 years; next refresher must be hands-on
Missed the deadline	Re-take the initial course
On site	Copies of the initial and the most recent refresher certificates

The same refresher rule applies to certified dust sampling technicians (40 CFR 745.90(a)(4)).

Who is responsible?

The renovator keeps the certification current and must carry copies of the initial and most recent refresher course completion certificates at the work site (40 CFR 745.90(b)(7)). The firm must make sure a certified renovator is assigned to each renovation (40 CFR 745.89(d)).

If the deadline passes

If the refresher course is not completed in time, the person must re-take the initial course to become certified again (40 CFR 745.90(a)(4)). Until then, the firm cannot assign that person as the certified renovator on a renovation (40 CFR 745.89(d)(2)).

Tracking it with ExpirySuite

Add each certified renovator and record the expiration date shown on their latest course completion certificate.
Note whether the last refresher included hands-on training, because that decides whether the next certificate runs 3 or 5 years.
Reminders arrive 60, 30, 14, 7 and 1 day before the due date and on the due date itself.
Assign a responsible person (for example your site or training manager) so the right person gets the reminder.
If a date passes, managers get overdue reminders 3, 7 and 14 days later.
Ask the renovator to upload the new course completion certificate through a secure upload link, valid for 14 days; no account is needed.

Frequently asked questions

How often must a certified renovator take a refresher?: Within 5 years of the initial course. A refresher with hands-on training certifies for 5 years; one without hands-on training certifies for 3 years (40 CFR 745.90(a)(4)).
Can every refresher be online without hands-on training?: No. After a refresher without hands-on training, the next refresher must include hands-on training (40 CFR 745.90(a)(4) and 745.225(e)(2)).
What happens if the certificate expires?: The person must re-take the initial renovator course to become certified again (40 CFR 745.90(a)(4)).
Does the renovator need the certificate on site?: Yes. Copies of the initial course completion certificate and the most recent refresher certificate must be at the work site (40 CFR 745.90(b)(7)).

Sources

Last checked: Sep 30, 2026 · This page summarises official sources for general information and is not legal advice. Check the linked sources for current rules and fees.

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Email alerts at 60, 30, 14, 7 and 1 day before each EPA certified renovator (RRP) (US) expires, plus overdue escalation to managers.

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