Recognized test kit means a commercially available kit recognized by EPA under Sec.  745.88 as being capable of allowing a user to determine the presence of lead at levels equal to or in excess of 1.0 milligrams per square centimeter, or more than 0.5% lead by weight, in a paint chip, paint powder, or painted surface.  

According to the RRP Rule, a certified renovator must, when requested by the party contracting for renovation services, use an acceptable test kit to determine whether components to be affected by the renovation contain lead-based paint. 

When test kits are used, the renovation firm must, within 30 days of the completion of the renovation, provide identifying information as to the manufacturer and model of the test kits used, a description of the components that were tested including their locations, and the test kit results to the person who contracted for the renovation.  I suggest that renovators do not do any testing without first obtaining written permission from the property owner, due to disclosure considerations for the owner when they sell or lease the property.  

The certified renovator is responsible to provide narrative information  about any testing preformed on the required renovation record keeping  checklist , such as an identification of the brand of test kits used, the locations where they were used, and the results.

The following information is from the EPA Website:

"Under the EPA Lead Renovation Repair and Painting (RRP) rule, EPA will evaluate and recognize test kits that can be used to determine the presence of regulated levels of lead in lead-based paint surfaces. After initial evaluation, EPA is recognizing two currently available lead test kits, with limitations. They are the LeadCheck® kit and the State of Massachusetts kit. Read more about how EPA evaluates lead test kits.

• EPA recognizes that, when used by a certified renovator, the LeadCheck® lead test kit can reliably determine that regulated lead-based paint is not present on all surfaces, except plaster and drywall. Certified inspectors, renovators, risk assessors seeking to use the LeadCheck® kit for purposes of meeting requirements in the Renovation, Repair, and Painting Rule can purchase the LeadCheck® kits from either LeadCheck® directly or from certain retail outlets. Kits sold in retail stores do not currently include the necessary Test Confirmation Card and so are not approved for use by certified inspectors, renovators, and risk assessors. LeadCheck® is manufactured by Hybrivet Systems. To order a Hybrivet System LeadCheck®test kit call (              508-651-7881         508-651-7881) or e-mail Hybrivet at info@leadcheck.com.

• EPA recognizes that, when used by trained professionals, the State of Massachusetts lead test kit can reliably determine that regulated lead-based paint is not present on all surfaces except ferrous metal. (Note: The State of Massachusetts kit was developed by the state and is only used in public housing by State of Mass employees.  It is not a commercially available kit.)

EPA will continue to update information on recognized spot-test kits as it becomes available. For any questions pertaining to the recognition of these kits, contact Sam Brown at 202-566-0490 or by email at brown.sam@epa.gov."

View this information on the EPA Website

If you are looking for forms and signage to help you with comply with the EPA RRP rule, I recommend you check out what The Lead Paint Forms Store has to offer.