Who Is Required to Become DEP Certified

DEP Radon certification has been required by Pennsylvania state regulation since September 21, 1988. Radon certification must be obtained before any person conducts radon testing, radon mitigation, or radon laboratory analysis in Pennsylvania, with the exception of the few exceptions listed below:

  • Testing for or mitigating against radon contamination in a building that the person owns or occupies.

  • Using measures designed to prevent radon contamination in newly constructed buildings. This exception does not apply to radon testing or installation of radon mitigating devices in these buildings following occupancy.

  • Performing testing or mitigation in the course of the person's normal duties as an employee or contractor of DEP or the federal government.

  • Performing scientific research if the person discloses the information obtained to the DEP (relating to reporting of information) and the person informs the owner or occupant of the affected building of the following:

    1. That the person in not certified by the Department to test or mitigate against radon contamination.

    2. That the test results are not certified.

    3. That the mitigation methods are for experimental purposes and may be unsuccessful.

  • Purveying, but not placing or retrieving passive radon testing devices, such as charcoal canisters or track etch monitors supplied by a certified laboratory, if radon concentrations determined are reported directly to the owner or occupier of the building tested.

Unless you meet one of the above listed exemptions, you are required to become DEP-certified prior to performing radon testing, mitigation and/or laboratory analysis in Pennsylvania. Membership in professional organizations, such as NRSB or NEHA, does not exempt you from this certification requirement.

"Pennsylvania Radon Certification Forms and Information"

NOTE:  This document is Pennsylvania's all inclusive guide to applying for, maintaining and amending radon certifications. If after reviewing this information you have any further questions please contact DEP's Radon Certification Section at (717) 783-3594.

Table of Contents
Section 1:  General Information (Word)
  • Sec. 1.1:  Introduction

  • Sec. 1.2:  Changes to Current Certification

  • Sec. 1.3:  Testing/Laboratory and Mitigation Protocols

  • Sec. 1.4:  Certification Compliance

  • Sec. 1.5:  Testing, Mitigation and Laboratory Inspections

  • Sec. 1.6:  Record Retention Requirements

  • Sec. 1.7:  Definitions

Section 2:  Radon Certification Application

NOTE:

Initial Radon Certification Application is required for:

  • Any applicant:
    • that has never been previously certified, or
    • whose previous certification has expired for one year or longer, or
    • whose previous certification has expired for more than 60 days but less than one year (These applicants must submit an initial application with the exeption that they may choose to either submit proof of passing the required exam OR 16 credits of DEP-approved continuing education.)
Renewal Radon Certification Application is required for:
  • Any applicant whose renewal application is received by DEP within 60 days after the previous certification's expiration date.
Section 3:  Required Reporting (Word)—DEP Document #2900-FM-RP0010i

Section 4:  DEP-Approved Exam/Course Information (Word)
  • Sec. 4.1:  DEP-Approved Exams

  • Sec. 4.2:  DEP-Approved Course Information

  • Sec. 4.3:  DEP-Approved Testing/Laboratory Initial Course List

  • Sec. 4.4:  DEP-Approved Mitigation Initial Course List

  • Sec. 4.5:  DEP-Approved Continuing Education Courses

Section 5:  Quality Assurance Program (Word)
  • Sec. 5.1:  Basis and Philosophy

  • Sec. 5.2 to 5.16:  QA Plan Element Format

Section 6:  Chapter 240 Pennsylvania Radon Certification Regulations (Word)
Section 7:  Photography Guidelines (Word)