The National Environmental Health
Association
National Radon Proficiency Program
Frequently Asked Questions
I have never been listed with the EPA. What do I have to do to become certified with NEHA?
If you plan to offer standard radon measurement services, you must attend a NEHA NRPP approved course and pass a NEHA NRPP exam. If you plan to use radon measurement devices that you can analyze in the field, you must provide proof of calibration for each instrument and passage of blind performance tests, and submit a QA/QC plan. Furthermore, you must agree to follow U.S. EPA Radon Measurement Standards and protocols.
If you are planning to offer standard radon mitigation services you must attend a NEHA NRPP approved course and pass the corresponding NEHA NRPP exam. Furthermore, you must agree to follow the U.S. EPA Radon Mitigation Standards.
To learn more about entry requirements go to: New Application Information.
I used to be listed with the EPA, but let my listing lapse. What do I have to do to become NEHA certified?
If you were EPA listed during calendar year 1998, you may apply for NEHA certification without having to attend a course or pass an exam.
If you were EPA listed prior to calendar year 1998, you must demonstrate that at some point in time you attended the appropriate entry level course and passed the EPA exam some time after July 31, 1994. You may re-take the exam or complete continuing education in order to apply for certification. Please call our administrative office at 800-269-4174 for more information.
Will my state certification credentials qualify me to become NEHA NRPP certified?
Individuals who are state certified in good standing within states that have equivalent programs to the NEHA NRPP may submit their state certifications in lieu of course and exam passage. However, NRPP certification fees will be assessed to cover administrative costs. Please contact the administrative offices for more information regarding your specific state.
How much does it cost to become certified with NEHA NRPP?
At this time, the fee for basic certification for Residential Measurement Providers, Residential Mitigation Providers, and Analytical Laboratories is $150.00 for new applicants and $130 for renewals. Additional fees are assessed depending on the number and type of measurement devices submitted for certification.
I am certified as a measurement provider and just invested in a device to analyze on site. What do I have to do?
You may augment your measurement certification at any time to include devices by offering 'Standard and Analytical Services.' You will be assessed a fee on a prorated basis (calculated quarterly in conjunction with your basic measurement certification) when adding a device group. Each group of devices is $75.00 for a two-year certification, regardless of the number of devices within each group.
How do NEHA NRPP fees compare to the old EPA fees?
The NEHA NRPP fees are significantly lower.
NEHA's certification for radon measurement service providers is $150 ($130 for renewals) for a two-year period. The EPA listing fee was $110 for a one-year period.
NEHA's certification for radon mitigation service providers is $150 ($130 for renewals) for a two-year period. The EPA listing fee was $210 for a one-year period.
NEHA has made a distinction between individuals performing field measurements and analytical labs. A person may obtain a basic measurement provider credential and, for a fee of $75.00/per group of analytical device, augment the Measurement Certification to include devices, concurrent with basic measurement credential. Individuals were annually assessed $395 by the EPA for analyzing devices.
NEHA's certification for laboratories is $150 ($130 for renewals) for a two-year period and includes one device methodology, ($75 for each additional device group). Individuals were assessed $395 by the EPA for one year.
How long are certifications valid?
The basic certifications for Residentail Measurement Providers, Residential Mitigation Providers, and Analytical Laboratories are for two years.
What are the continuing education requirements?
When you renew your certification you will be expected to show proof of having received continuing education credits during the previous two years. The requirements will depend upon your certification. Go to Renewal Information for more details.
Who offers continuing education courses?
The same courses that were approved for continuing education credits by the EPA are currently approved by NEHA. To find a list go to: Continuing Education Courses.
What will the certification do for me? My state does not require NEHA certification.
Consumers have been historically skeptical of radon as a health concern, and perhaps even more skeptical of radon professionals. With the closure of the U.S. EPA's National Proficiency Program it is important that consumer confidence be enhanced by way of a respected association.
The National Environmental Health Association has a well-earned reputation of credentialing environmental health professionals since 1937. NEHA has been involved with the radon issue for a number of years, offering training in Radon Resistant New Construction to professionals around the country. NEHA currently has over 5,000 members in virtually all counties within the U.S. and are often local health officials. This network can assist in efforts of grassroots outreach and enhance the value of the credential on a local level. Combined with cooperative efforts from national real estate, home inspection, and building associations the NEHA NRPP will strengthen and grow. Once certified you will be listed on the Internet with a direct link to your email and/or homepage address; receive any NEHA NRPP newsletters; have the opportunity to participate in local committees and outreach efforts; be kept informed of educational programs and conferences; and be recognized as a professional!
What does my state require?
Some states have individual certification programs. Most states recognize the NEHA certification as a pre-requisite for certification. To see a list of states that have certification programs go to: Description of Measurement Services.
Will I have a voice in the program?
Since its formation in 1937, NEHA has relied upon the input of its certified professionals. NEHA's National Radon Proficiency Program will be operated no differently. State and local review boards are being established to allow for participation on many levels.
What will NEHA do if the guy down the street is NEHA certified, but does terrible and dangerous work?
The NEHA NRPP will allow for review and fact-finding on a local level to best investigate poor practices. NEHA is strongly committed to maintaining a high level of professionalism among the individuals it certifies, and will approach issues of misconduct issues both fairly and seriously.
Is there a NEHA NRPP logo? May I use the NEHA logo?
You may indicate that you are NEHA certified but you may not reproduce the NEHA logo for use in advertisements or letterhead. A new logo is under development and will be available for use in the future.
Do the identification cards include a photo?
The standard identification cards do not include a photo. However, if you are a radon professional who either prefers or requires a photo ID, we have made this an option for a small additional fee.
Will I get a certificate, too?
Certificates are not issued on a routine basis. However, we do provide a wall certificate as an option, for a small additional fee.
What are the new tiers of certification I am hearing about?
An additional credential is under development for measurement professionals who conduct surveys in large buildings or multiple building complexes. The basic residential measurement credential will be one prerequisite for the new credential.
Additional credentials are under development for mitigation professionals who treat large buildings, such as schools and commercial buildings, and for those who plan to treat radon in water. The basic residential mitigation credential will be a prerequisite for the new credentials.
Where are courses available?
NEHA NRPP has approved course providers for delivery of entry-level courses. To obtain more information on training providers, go to: Entry Level Training Providers
Where are the exams offered?
Exams are offered by NEHA approved training providers and may also be available through your state radon program office. Please note that introductory training is required for measurement or mitigation certification, in addition to successfully passing the corresponding exam.
I understand that there is another organization that offers certification for radon service providers. Why is that?
When the U.S. EPA decided to terminate its radon proficiency program, it did not do so before a replacement program was in place. The Conference of Radiation Control Program Directors (CRCPD) underwent an in-depth process of soliciting input from many stakeholders including state government and industry, to determine how a replacement proficiency program should be structured. CRCPD developed specifications that were provided to organizations interested in piloting a "privatized" radon proficiency program. After careful review, the CRCPD review committee unanimously selected NEHA as the organization whose proposal best fit the requirements of the pilot program. A non-funded contract was awarded to NEHA as a result.
There is another organization that has chosen to move forward with an independent certification program. NEHA does not have any information in regard to that program.
If this is a pilot program, what happens to my credential at the end of the pilot period?
NEHA is approaching this program as a long-term commitment. It will stand behind its certifications and participants within the radon program as in all of its credentialing programs. Regardless of the term of the pilot program, the NEHA's NRPP will continue to operate long into the future.