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Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS)

To narrow its focus on public health, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has undergone restructuring to improve and develop a better system that includes prevention, intervention, and successful collaborations. The (DSHS) is responsible for promoting and protecting the health of people and the communities where they are constantly interacting.

The Department provides a variety of regulatory initiatives to fulfill this purpose, including the Asbestos and Environmental Lead Programs, which have specific requirements and application procedures to attain the desired trade title. The following information provides applicants thorough descriptions, guidelines, and valuable resources.

Asbestos Program

The Asbestos Program identifies, assesses, and manages asbestos health risks to directly assist in the prevention of environmental and occupational diseases. Around 50% of the public buildings contain asbestos, which is especially concerning when it's found in educational facilities. To ensure that public exposure is kept to a minimum, the Asbestos Program has Regional Inspectors on hand to oversee the removal of asbestos from buildings and address community concerns.

Persons and businesses who conduct asbestos-related activities in a public building in Texas must be Licensed or Registered with the Department. This process also applies to the laboratories that examine asbestos samples, the transporters that move asbestos-containing materials from public buildings, and the organizations that educate people to become licensed in Texas.

Official List of Asbestos Trades

  • Asbestos Abatement
  • Asbestos Abatement Supervisor
  • Asbestos Abatement Worker
  • Asbestos Air Monitoring Technician
  • Asbestos Air Monitoring Technician - Project Monitor
  • Asbestos Consultant Agency
  • Asbestos Individual Consultant
  • Asbestos Individual Management Planner
  • Asbestos Inspector
  • Asbestos Laboratory
  • Asbestos Management Planner Agency
  • Asbestos Operations and Maintenance Contractor - Restricted
  • Asbestos Operations and Maintenance Supervisor - Restricted
  • Asbestos Project Manager
  • Asbestos Training Provider
  • Asbestos Transporter

How to Get an Asbestos License in Texas?

  1. Comply with the requirements set forth for each License or Registration:
    • Asbestos Abatement
    • Asbestos Abatement Supervisor
      • Proof of passing the Department’s examination for Asbestos Contractors & Supervisors - to know more, review the Calendar and Test Registration Form
      • Evidence of experience covering 90 days within the last 24 months from one or more of the following categories, as needed to fulfill the requisites:
        • Licensed Asbestos Worker, Abatement Supervisor (during previous Texas or out-of-State licensure), AMT/PM, Consultant, or Project Manager
        • MAP-accredited Asbestos Abatement Worker, Abatement Supervisor, or Project Designer in Texas or another State; or as a MAP-approved Asbestos Project Monitor in a different State either possessed the necessary license or for which a Texas or out-of-State License was not needed
        • Air monitoring tasks as a Licensed or Trained Asbestos Air Monitoring Technician or AMT/PM on at least 5 Asbestos Abatement Projects; and:
          • The experience was acquired either after completing the needed training or while the license was still valid
          • If the candidate relies on work as a Trained Air Monitoring Technician or AMT/PM, they must have had permission to undertake the activity in the State where the experience took place, or they must have performed the jobs in proximity to and under the direct supervision of a Licensed Air Monitoring Technician, AMT/PM, or Consultant
          • No more than 30 days of work as an Asbestos Air Monitoring Technician or AMT/PM are counted towards the experience requirements
      • 2-inch by 2-inch color profile photo with white background
      • DSHS Physician’s Written Statement signed by a Doctor within the last 12 months
      • Initial Asbestos Contractor & Supervisor Training Certificate and ID (if applicable)
      • Evidence of any Asbestos Contractor & Supervisor Refresher Training Certificates and Training IDs (if applicable) obtained before submission of application
    • Asbestos Abatement Worker
      • Color photograph of the applicant’s face with white background, two-by-two-inches
      • Physician’s Written Statement signed within the last 12 months by a Doctor
      • Initial Asbestos Worker ID and Training Certificate (optional)
      • Proof of any Asbestos Worker Refresher Training Certificates and Training IDs (if relevant) acquired prior to application submission
    • Asbestos Air Monitoring Technician
      • Verification of completing the Department’s test to become an Asbestos Air Monitoring Technician Exam Registration Form & Calendar
      • Having conducted air monitoring as an Apprentice on 3 or more Asbestos Abatement Projects for about 15 days and under the supervision of an Asbestos Licensee - experience must be obtain after the Initial Training Course
      • High School Diploma or equivalent
      • Color photo of candidate's headshot with a clear white background (2 by 2 inches)
      • DSHS Physician’s Written Statement (signed within the last 12 months)
      • ID and Initial Asbestos Air Monitoring Training Certificate if they apply
      • If applicable, any Asbestos Air Monitoring Technician Refresher Training Certificates and Training IDs obtained before submission of application
    • Asbestos Air Monitoring Technician - Project Monitor
      • Completion of the Asbestos Contractors & Supervisors and Asbestos Air Monitoring Technicians Department’s examinations - Current Calendar Dates
      • Records of conducting air monitoring as on at least 3 Asbestos Abatement Projects for at least 15 days while under the guidance of a Licensed Asbestos Contractor
      • High School Diploma or equivalent document
      • White-background color profile photo with 2-inch by 2-inch measurements
      • Written DSHS Physician Statement signed by a Doctor during the last 12 months
      • Attachment of ID and Certificates of Initial Asbestos Contractor/Supervisor and Asbestos Air Monitoring Training if the applicant went through these processes
      • Evidence of applicable Asbestos Contractor/Supervisor and Asbestos Air Monitoring Technician Refresher Training Certificates and IDs
    • Asbestos Consultant Agency
      • For foreign or out of State Companies: Certificate of Authority to do business in Texas issued by the Secretary of State or proof of exemption filed
      • For all Companies: Documentation of exemption or evidence of good standing from the Texas State Comptroller of Public Accounts or statement of exemption
      • Assumed Name Certificate for DBA operations
      • Complete Business Information Form
      • Asbestos Individual Consultant ID Card for the accountable person
      • Copies of the Responsible Individual Consultant recent Training Certifications and IDs (if relevant) for:
        • Air Monitoring Technician
        • Inspector
        • Management Planner
        • Project Designer
      • Evidence of Asbestos Abatement Liability Insurance coverage (check amount) including errors & omissions to cover the employed Asbestos Consultants and Inspectors
    • Asbestos Individual Consultant
      • Proof of passing the Department’s examination for Asbestos Individual Consultants; confirm the Available Dates and fill in the Test Registration Form
      • 2-inch by 2-inch color photo of the candidate’s face with a white background
      • DSHS Physician’s Written Statement signed by a Doctor within the last 12 months
      • Applicable Initial and Refresher Training Certificate and ID Cards for each of the following asbestos courses:
        • Air Monitoring Technician
        • Inspector
        • Management planner
        • Project Designer
      • Experience and education in one of the combinations presented below:
        • a) Current status as a Texas Registered Architect or TX Licensed Professional Engineer combined with at least 180 days of work performing asbestos-related activities in public buildings (gained within the past 4 years); proof must contain 6 or more specifications developed, minimum 3 surveys conducted, 10+ days of project monitoring, & at least 10 days of air monitoring; all experience must be gained under the supervision of an individual with the proper license for the task
        • b) Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Physical Science, Natural Science, or Architecture; 2 years of experience in occupational health or in an environmental field; at least 6 specifications must have been developed, 3 surveys completed, a project monitored and the air quality for 10+ days; all work experience must be obtained under the guidance of a professional who has the right license for the job
        • c) Completion of 60 college credit hours, 30 of which must be in Engineering, Natural or Physical Science, and 9 of them in Math; 3 years of work experience in an environmental field or in occupational health, and at least 250 days of asbestos-related activities in public buildings acquired within the previous 4 years - this experience must include developing at least 6 specifications, conducting 3 or more surveys, and spending about 10 days monitoring projects
      • If working for hire, proof of Asbestos Abatement Liability Insurance coverage, including errors/omissions (check sum). If working for a government agency, self-insurance documentation is required
    • Asbestos Individual Management Planner
      • Verification of completing the Department’s test to become an Asbestos Management Planner (for more information review the Test Form and 2023 Calendar)
      • Color profile photo with a clear white background (2 by 2 inches)
      • Physician’s Written Statement (signed within the last 12 months)
      • Copy of an Associate's Degree from a recognized College, or evidence of successfully completing 60 credits at an accredited academic institution
      • Verifiable experience (gained after completing an Inspector Course) consisting of participation in conducting 5 Asbestos Surveys, including the development of asbestos survey reports under assistance of a Licensed Inspector, Consultant, or Management Planner
      • Involvement in the development 5 Asbestos Surveys, with the help of a Licensed Management Planner or Consultant, after finishing an Inspector Course
      • Initial and Refresher ID Card and Asbestos Training Course Certificate (if applicable) for:
        • Inspector
        • Management Planner
      • Asbestos Abatement Liability Insurance coverage, including errors and omissions if working for hire; evidence of self-insurance if employed by a Government Agency
    • Asbestos Inspector
      • Proof of passing the Department’s examination for Asbestos Inspectors, please check the Calendar Dates and the Exam Registration Document
      • Evidence of work experience participating in at least 5 Asbestos Abatement Surveys under the supervision of an approved Asbestos Licensee - experience must be gained after completing the Initial Training Course
      • High School Diploma or equivalent
      • 2-inch by 2-inch color photo (applicant’s face) with white background
      • DSHS Physician’s Written Statement signed by a Doctor within the last 12 months
      • Initial Asbestos Inspector Training Certificate and ID (if applicable)
      • Evidence of any Asbestos Inspector Refresher Training Certificates and Training IDs (if applicable) obtained before submission of application
    • Asbestos Laboratory
      • Out of State or foreign businesses must provide a Texas Secretary of State-issued Certificate of Authority to conduct work or submit evidence of exemption
      • All companies shall present their good standing from the Texas State Comptroller of Public Accounts or registered exemption
      • Certificate of Assumed Name for DBAs
      • Complete Business Information Form
      • Evidence of Pollution Liability Insurance coverage in (verify amount) which includes errors and omissions
      • One of the following official accreditations:
        • National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP) for bulk analysis by polarized-light microscopy
        • NVLAP for analysis of airborne asbestos by transmission electron microscopy
        • Industrial Hygiene Laboratory by the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) and participation in the Proficiency Analytical Testing (PAT) Program for analysis of airborne fibers by Phase Contrast Microscopy (PCM)
        • Proficiency according to AIHA PAT Program standards, which include quarterly testing for airborne fibers by PCM and a Quality Assurance/Quality Control Program as required by the NIOSH method 7400, issue 2, August 1994
        • Individual Laboratory Analysts through the AIHA Asbestos Analyst Registry (AAR) and a Program for Quality Assurance and Control, in accordance with NIOSH issue 2, method 7400 - August 1994
    • Asbestos Management Planner Agency
      • Foreign and/or out-of-State Companies need to include a Secretary of State-issued Certificate of Authority or corresponding exemption
      • Every Company must provide proof of good standing with the Texas State Comptroller of Public Accounts or a written exemption if given the case
      • Paperwork if operating under a DBA Certificate
      • Business Information Form
      • Copy of Management Planner ID Card for the responsible person
      • Recent Training Certificates and IDs if applicable, for:
        • Inspector
        • Management Planner
      • Coverage of Asbestos Abatement Liability Insurance (confirm amount) that includes both omissions and errors to cover the Asbestos Management Planners & Inspectors that have been employed
    • Asbestos Operations and Maintenance Contractor - Restricted
    • Asbestos Operations and Maintenance Supervisor - Restricted
      • Proof of passing the Department’s exam for Asbestos Contractors & Supervisors; revise the Calendar and the Examination Form for more info
      • 2-inch by 2-inch color photo of the candidate’s profile with a clear white background
      • Physician’s Written Statement signed by a Doctor within the last 12 months
      • Initial Asbestos Contractor & Supervisor Training Certificate and ID (if applicable)
      • Evidence of any Asbestos Contractor & Supervisor Refresher Training Certificates and Training IDs (if applicable) obtained before submission of application
    • Asbestos Project Manager
      • Proof of passing the Department’s examination for Asbestos Contractors & Supervisors (review the Form and Calendar)
      • Evidence of work experience participating on at least 3 Asbestos Abatement Projects gained within the past 24 months - experience must be gained after completing the Initial Training Course
      • High School Diploma or equivalent
      • 2-inch by 2-inch color headshot photo with white background
      • DSHS Physician Statement signed by a Doctor within the last 12 months
      • Initial Asbestos Contractor & Supervisor Training Certificate and ID (if applicable)
      • Evidence of any Asbestos Contractor & Supervisor Refresher Training Certificates and Training IDs (if applicable) obtained before submission of application
    • Asbestos Training Provider
    • Asbestos Transporter
  2. Determine if the type of License/Registration you want to apply for is available online
  3. Pay the corresponding application fee
  4. After the application has been validated, anticipate a response from the Department

Useful Resources for Asbestos Candidates

List of Informative Docs and Pages

Relevant Contact Details for Asbestos Candidates

Texas Department of Health and Human Services

Official Website
(512) 776-7111
(888) 963-7111
From 8 AM to 5 PM on weekdays
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
1100 West 49th Street, Austin, TX 78756-3199

Texas DSHS Asbestos Program

Additional Contact Information
(512) 834-6600
(800) 572-5548
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Environmental Lead Program

The goal of the Environmental Lead Program is to protect people, especially young children, from lead exposure by ensuring that those who conduct lead inspections, risk assessments, and abatement work in target housing (built before 1978) and child-occupied facilities (built before 1978) are adequately trained, certified, and adhere to minimum standards that protect workers and building occupants' health.

Official List of Environmental Lead Trades

  • Lead Business Certification
  • Lead Individual Inspector Certification
  • Lead Individual Risk Assessor Certification
  • Lead Individual Project Designer Certification
  • Lead Individual Risk Supervisor Certification
  • Lead Individual Risk Worker Certification

How to Obtain an Environmental Lead Certification in Texas?

  1. Comply with the requirements set forth for each Certificate:
    • Lead Business Certification
      • Abide by the standards of the TELRR, including EPA and OSHA regulations; notify the Texas Department of State Health Services DSHS of impending abatement projects; supply and train employees in the use of PPE and supervise compliance; ensure each worker is certified and has a DSHS ID Card & Government-issued photo
      • Fill out and turn in the Lead Business Application and the Business Information Form, whether physically or through the Online Licensing Service portal. Plus, covering the corresponding fee stipulated on the Summary of Certification Requirements page. This fee and Certification are valid for a period of two years. No trade exam or education background is a prerequisite to apply as long as the organization ensures that only Certified Employees perform lead-based paint activities in target housing and child-occupied facilities
    • Lead Individual Inspector Certification
      • A person who is certified for this trade is in charge of performing inspections in target housing and child-occupied facilities; conducting post-abatement soil and dust clearance testing; and finally, completing a written inspection report
        • Complete a Department-approved 24-hour Inspector Course before the application for this certification
        • A Lead State Examination Registration Form should be completed and submitted to the DSHS in order to obtain an appointment for taking the mandatory State exam. The fee for this examination can be paid by providing a money order for the defined amount to the Department of State Health Services, account #ZZ112-085
        • With the corresponding fee payment attached, the applicant must turn in a filled-out Lead Individual Application Form, selecting the option for Inspector under the “I am applying for” Section. This application can be filed whether physically or through the Online Licensing Service portal.
    • Lead Individual Risk Assessor Certification
      • In addition to all functions of an Inspector, A Lead Risk Assessor performs risk assessments and lead hazard assessment activities in target housing and child-occupied facilities, identifies hazard control strategies to reduce or eliminate lead exposures, evaluates and interprets results of assessments, conducts post-abatement clearance sampling and evaluate results and complete written risk assessment reports
        • Submit an Application Form and pay the fee
        • Comply with the education and experience requisites:
          • Option 1: Bachelor's Degree and one year of experience in a related field (e.g., Lead, Asbestos, Public Health, Environmental Remediation, or Building Construction trades)
          • Option 2: Associate's Degree and two years of experience in a related field
          • Option 3: High School Diploma (or equivalent) and three years of experience in a related field
          • Option 4: Certification as an IH, PE, Public Health Nurse, RS , CSP, Architect, or Environmental Scientist
        • Take the Inspector (24 hours) and Risk Assessor (16 hours) Approved Courses
        • Register for the required exam
    • Lead Individual Project Designer Certification
      • A Lead Project Designer complies with standards of operation, including EPA and OSHA regulations; Certified Individuals prepare abatement project design(s), develop written occupant protection plans, and prepare abatement reports. The certification holder is not authorized to conduct inspections, risk assessments, lead hazard screens, or abatements
        • Send the Application Form and pay the fee
        • Enroll in the Supervisor (32 hours) and Project Designer (8 hours) Approved Courses
        • Meet the education and work experience requirements:
          • Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Architecture or a related profession
          • One year of experience in building construction and design or a related field, or four years in design and building construction or a similar work industry
    • Lead Individual Risk Supervisor Certification
      • Lead Risk Supervisors ensure that target housing and child-occupied facilities abatement is conducted and completed according to the standards. They identify the most appropriate action to eliminate lead hazards, develop occupant protection plans, assume duties of a Lead Abatement Worker, prepare reports, train employees using PPE, and supervise compliance. This certification does not allow the Supervisor to do inspections, risk assessments, lead hazard screens, or prepare written abatement project designs
    • Lead Individual Risk Worker Certification
      • A Lead Risk Worker is qualified to perform lead abatement in child-occupied facilities and target housing, but they are not permitted to oversee or plan abatements, carry out inspections, risk assessments, or perform lead hazard screens. Although there are no particular educational or work experience prerequisites for the Individual Risk Worker Certification, and no test is required, the applicant must meet the following conditions:
  2. A response from the Department should be expected after the registration has been validated
  3. For information, contact the Department of State Health Services Environmental Lead Program at the This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or at the (512) 834-6600 for more details on the certification process

Useful Resources for Environmental Lead Candidates

List of Informative Docs and Pages

Relevant Contact Details for Environmental Lead Candidates

Texas Department of Health and Human Services

Official Website
(512) 776-7111
(888) 963-7111
From 8 AM to 5 PM on weekdays
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
1100 West 49th Street, Austin, TX 78756-3199

Texas DSHS Environmental Lead Program

Additional Contact Information
(512) 834-6600
(800) 572-5548
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Details