The National Environmental Health
Association
National Radon Proficiency Program
Information Regarding the Application Process
A printed copy of this informational brochure and the application form may be obtained by calling (800) 269-4174 or sending an email to angel@neha-nrpp.org
The following links will guide you through the different certification descriptions and requirements:
Benefits of NEHA Certification
Residential Measurement Provider Providing Standard Services
Residential Measurement Provider Providing Standard and Analytical Services
Residential Mitigation Provider
Continuing Education Requirements
List of entry-level courses and training providers
Benefits of 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 over 5,000 members (often local health officials) in virtually all counties within the U.S. This network can assist in efforts of grassroots outreach and enhance the value of radon certifications on local levels. Combined with cooperative efforts from national real estate, home inspection, and building associations the NEHA NRPP will strengthen and grow.
Once certified, you will:
Residential measurement and mitigation service providers are provided with a non-photo ID card. If you prefer a photo ID, NEHA will provide one for a nominal charge.
Residential Measurement Provider Qualifications
A person holding the residential measurement credential is qualified to place, retrieve, and interpret the results of a measurement device analyzed by a NEHA certified Analytical Laboratory. This credential is for residential settings and is appropriate for individuals performing home inspection services.
To become certified one must have attended a NEHA NRPP approved entry level measurement course and passed a NEHA radon measurement exam in the 12 months previous to application for certification. NEHA NRPP does accept former EPA listing as a Measurement Service Provider when combined with courses, exams, or continuing education documentation (please contact the administrative office for assistance). Former EPA listing as Analytical Measurement Service Provider does not qualify an individual for a NEHA NRPP Residential Measurement Provider Certification. Please call our administrative office if you have any questions (800-269-4174).
NEHA NRPP is currently accepting some state certifications, that are current and in good standing, in lieu of course and exam requirements. Please contact the administrative office for information.
You are to develop a simple QA/QC plan which must include the use of duplicates, blanks, and spikes as described in the U.S. EPA Protocols For Radon and Radon Decay Product Measurements in Homes, EPA 402-R-92-003, June 1993. (See additional discussion on QA/QC plans.)
The initial application fee of $150.00 certifies an individual for two years. Subsequent renewals will be at a lower biennial fee, currently set at $130.
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.
Residential Measurement Provider Using Field Analytical Devices
A Residential Measurement Provider who plans to use devices that provide radon measurements in the field - such as continuous radon monitors (CRM), continuous working level monitors (CWLM) or electret ion chambers (EIC) - may be certified to do so after having fulfilled the following criteria:
See discussions on QA/QC plans and performance testing
A fee of $75.00 will be assessed for each device group used. "Groups" are distinguished by measurement methodology and by manufacturer. The device fee is in addition to the base residential measurement fee and runs concurrently with that credential.
Credentials may be amended with additional devices at any time during a certification period. Fees are prorated on quarterly intervals for the remaining period of the measurement credential.
Residential Mitigation Providers
The residential mitigation certification is a two year credential for those individuals who either provide or oversee the provision of radon mitigation services in residential structures.
To qualify for this credential one must have attended an approved entry level mitigation course and passed a NEHA radon mitigation exam in the 12 months previous to application for certification. NEHA NRPP does accept former EPA listing as a Mitigation Service Provider when combined with documentation of course and exam passage (please contact the administrative office for assistance).
In addition to fulfilling continuing education credit requirements one must follow the Radon Mitigation Standards, EPA 402-R-93-078, October 1993 (Revised April 1994). A copy of the RMS is available at: www.epa.gov/radon/pubs/
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 these new credentials.
The Analytical Laboratory Certification is for firms that analyze radon and radon decay measurement devices on behalf of residential measurement providers and/or the public.
A laboratory must designate an individual as the Responsible Party who is responsible for quality assurance and quality control aspects of the operation of the laboratory. The Responsible Party must be NEHA NRPP certified as a residential measurement provider.
The analytical lab credential is $150.00 for the initial two years. Subsequent renewals will be at a lower biennial fee, currently anticipated at $130.
In addition to submitting a completed application, a laboratory must:
See interim discussions on QA/QC plans and performance testing
If a laboratory elects to increase the type of devices analyzed (beyond the one covered in the base application) it may do so for an additional $75.00 biennial fee, submission of a supplemental QA/QC plan, and passage of a performance test.
QA/QC Plans and Performance Testing
QA/QC Plans
Simple QA/QC plans are being developed to include methods for determining and reporting QA/QC results by way of standard forms. You are to develop a QA/QC plan in accordance with US EPA Guidance on Quality Assurance - EPA 402-R-95-012, rev. Oct '97.
Certified individuals are to follow the EPA guidelines as described in Indoor Radon and Radon Decay Product Measurement Device Protocols, EPA 402-R-92-004, July 1992, and Protocols For Radon and Radon Decay Product Measurements in Homes, EPA 402-R-92-003, June 1993. Copies may be ordered from the U.S. EPA. Information is available at: www.epa.gov/radon/pubs/
Performance Tests
All Analytical Laboratories and Residential Measurement Providers offering Standard and Analytical Services are required to submit devices for a performance test before specific analytical devices are added to your certification. You may initially enter the program as offering standard services and add devices at a later date (after successful performance test passage). Contact one of the NEHA approved performance test chambers listed below:
Radon Measurements Lab |
Bowser-Morner, Inc. |
Continuing Education Requirements
Continuing education (CE) credits are required during each two year certification period. CE credits must be obtained from approved continuing education programs (Category I) or a combination of educational programs, radon conference attendance, and radon public outreach efforts (Category II).
The following requirements apply to individuals certified as Residential Measurement Providers and/or Residential Mitigation Providers. Continuing education is not required of Analytical Laboratories, other than for the Responsible Party who must be certified as a Residential Measurement Provider (see description of Analytical Labs):
Individuals with either Measurement or Mitigation Certifications:
Category I: 16 hours every two years or
A combination of Category I and Category II, with a minimum of 8 hours Category I, every two years
Individuals with both Measurement and Mitigation Certifications:
Category I: 24 hours every two years or
A combination of Category I and Category II, with a minimum of 16 hours Category I, every two years