--- title: "EPA RRP: Can you tell me what I should do first?" description: Can you tell me what I should do first; EPA RRP firm certification or Certified Renovator Certification? image: https://www.shawnmccadden.com/hs-fs/file-15753571-jpg/images/epa_certified_firm_logo.jpg --- [![Shawn McCadden](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/hs-fs/hub/81069/file-1539748069.jpg)](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/) # Welcome to RRPedia Your Interactive Resource for EPA RRP Information ## ![RRPedia logo](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/hs-fs/file-1549005086-jpg/images/RRPedia_Logosmall_-wr-1.jpg)Looking for accurate information about the EPA RRP rule? RRPedia has been created by Shawn McCadden to help remodelers and others affected by the New EPA Renovation Repair and Painting Rule.  ## Please read *[RRPedia Use and Contribution Information](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/using-and-contributing-to-rrpedia-/) *before using or contributing to RRPedia.   --- # You Can Browse For RRP Topics By Using The Tags List To The Right ## [EPA RRP: Can you tell me what I should do first?](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/rrpedia/bid/38579/EPA-RRP-Can-you-tell-me-what-I-should-do-first) Posted by [Shawn McCadden](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/rrpedia/author/shawn-mccadden) on Thu, Apr 15, 2010 @ 08:46 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) #### Question: I am a small painting contractor and want to take the lead workshop being offered by the city of San Diego. They say I need to register my company with the EPA RRP before taking the class. Can you tell me what I should do first? Thanks Jim ******  ![Certified Firm Logo](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/hs-fs/file-15753571-jpg/images/epa_certified_firm_logo.jpg?width=179&height=113&name=epa_certified_firm_logo.jpg)Thanks for your message.   You are in a tough spot.  It might not make you feel any better, but you are in the majority of contractors who have been blindsided by this new rule. You can do either first.  You do not need to be a EPA Certified Renovator before applying for Firm Certification.  Firm applications can take up to 90 days to process and, according to the rule,  starting April 22nd you are not supposed to offer, sell or perform work on homes build prior to 1978 unless you are a certified firm. Here is what I suggest: - 1. Go to the [EPA RRP Info page](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/helpful-links-to-information-on-the-epa-web-site/) on my website and find the link to download the firm application. Fill it out and send it in ASAP along with the required $300.00 fee. - 2. Take your Certified Renovator class as soon as possible. - 3. Request and download the [RRP Summary](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/epa-rrp-summary-for-remodelers-by-shawn-mccadden/) I offer on the EPA RRP Info page of my website. This will give you a good overview of what you will need to be aware of and consider. - 4. Down load and read the EPA Brochure titled; [Small Entity![Compliance Guide](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/hs-fs/file-15738679-jpg/images/compliance_guide_cover-wr.jpg) Compliance Guided to Renovate Right](http://www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/sbcomplianceguide.pdf).  Read the guide from cover to cover.   It is a great summary and will give you a big picture understanding of the rule and how it will affect your work and your business practices.  - 5. Read the actual rule; including the amendments and the preamble. This too is available as a link on the [EPA RRP Info](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/helpful-links-to-information-on-the-epa-web-site/) page of my website - 6. In addition to the work practices, you will need to understand the new business responsibilities and how they will affect your business practices; including sales, contracts, estimating, scheduling and subcontractor relationships, just to name a few. - 7. Make a list, get the help you need for the things you cannot do or get yourself, and start working your list. - 8. If you have a headache already, take a few Advils now... I hope this helps.  Keep checking back on this site.  I am continuously adding new info as I find it.   Be careful where or who you get your info from.  There is a lot of mis-information going around out there. Topics: [RRP Questions](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/rrpedia/topic/rrp-questions), [Business Considerations](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/rrpedia/topic/business-considerations), [EPA RRP for Dummies](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/rrpedia/topic/epa-rrp-for-dummies) [![cs-ye-234x16](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/hs-fs/hub/81069/file-1553381212.gif)](http://www.copyscape.com/duplicate-content/) ### Subscribe to RRPedia by Email and get notified about new postings as soon as they happen! ### Are You Documenting Yor Crew's Compliance With The RRP Rule?  [![download free RRP checklist](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/81069/dd6aace9-6cb0-4ad2-a55a-09846d7f5b5e.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/81069/dd6aace9-6cb0-4ad2-a55a-09846d7f5b5e) ### Still Using a Yellow Pad for Your Estimating? 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[Worker Training (15)](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/rrpedia/topic/worker-training) ### I just wanted to say thank you for your efforts to keep us informed.  *"Thank you again for the hundreth time for keeping a vigil on this business nightmare. Your site is one of the best resources we have to stay on level ground"*  **Christian Peter**   *"I am quite impressed with all the confusion out there at Shawn McCadden’s clear and concise voice that continues to help contractors and those involved in this industry truly understand the rule. His efforts should be applauded."*  **Christopher Wagner, LBPFiles**   *"RRPedia is an accurate and contractor friendly interpretation of the very complex and confusing EPA RRP rule"* * * *"Thanks for taking the time to write the blog.  It's about the only place one can go to get some serious info on this dreadful subject"*   *"I would like to begin by thanking Shawn for all of his postings and education that he has been sharing with the remodeling industry. He has personally been extremely helpful in guiding me through various interpretations of the RRP rule, his advice and knowledge are priceless."* **Michael A. Mahoney*** * ### Suggest or Contribute a RRPedia Topic ### Want a Simple Summary of the EPA RRP? #### Shawn McCadden has created an EPA RRP Summary for Remodelers. *"Hi Shawn, **Nice RRP write up on the website.   I've already forwarded a link to it to a number of local builder types."*   #### [Click here to go to the summary.](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/epa-rrp-summary-for-remodelers-by-shawn-mccadden/)  You can also download it if you want your own copy. ### Add this widget to your Web page, blog, or social networking site. A widget is a CDC.gov application that displays the featured content directly on your web page. Click the buttons to see the next tip to prevent lead poisoning.