INITIAL
Radon Certification Application Instructions
Applicants must submit a correct and complete application.
Step 1: Determine the type of certification you need
The three types of certification are:
- Testing—the certification required for any of the following:
- the placing and retrieving of any radon testing device
- the analysis of the tester's own continuous monitors or electret ion chambers
- Mitigation—the certification required for any repair or altering of a building or building design for the purpose, in whole or in part, or reducing the concentration of radon in the indoor atmosphere.
- Laboratory—the certification required for any person who analyzes radon devices received from the public or from certified testers.
Step 2: Determine the category of certification
The three types of certification--testing, mitigation and laboratory--are further divided into two categories, individual and firm.
- Individual Certification
- Under this category of certification, only the certified individual may perform the radon-related activity.
- Radon certification as an "individual" results in only the given name of that individual being listed on the certificate and in the Department's Radon Services Directory.
- Firm Certification
- A firm must employ at least one certified individual who is certified for the appropriate radon-related activity and who is in responsible charge of that radon-related activity for that firm.
- Certification as a "firm" results in only the firm name being listed on the certificate and in the Department's Radon Services Directory.
- In addition to the certified individual, the employees of the firm may also perform the radon-related activities for which the firm is certified, if the following conditions are met:
- Each employee is employed by the firm. The Department has adopted the common law federal Internal Revenue Service definition of employ.
- Each employee performs the radon-related activities under the responsible charge of that firm's certified individual.
- Each employee is listed with our Department, either through listing on the initial firm application or by written request to our Department by the firm.
- Each testing firm employee must provide proof of having passed a Department-approved radon measurement exam (this is an initial requirement).
- For testing and/or mitigation firm employees, these additional items must be submitted:
- proof of having passed a Department-approved radon measurement exam, (this is an initial requirement for testing employees only);
- $100 testing employee fee for each testing firm employee (except the first employee). See Section 1.1.15.
- submit photos of each employee as a TIF or JPEG file via email to RA-EPRadon@state.pa.us. (If necessary, mail two (2) 1" wide by 1¼" high pictures required ID card.)
- Written approval for testing firm employees and the required DEP I.D. card must be received from our Department prior to any employee commencing radon testing and/or mitigation.
Step 3: If this is not a renewal application, complete and compile the applicable checklist below
Step 4: Mail your completed application to:
NOTE: Radon-related activities applied for in this application may not begin until you have received a DEP certification certificate for that radon-related activity.
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
Bureau of Radiation Protection
Radon Certification Section
400 Market Street
P.O. Box 8469
Harrisburg, PA 17105-8469
Step 5: Department's decision and communication with applicant
After review of the application--approximately two weeks--the Department will either certify, deny or send a 20-day correction letter to the applicant.
If a reply is not received to the correction letter within 20 days of the date of that letter, a 10-day intent to deny letter is sent. If the intent to deny letter is not answered within 10 days, the application is denined and a denial letter is sent.
For any questions about this application or radon certification, please call the Radon Certification Section of the Department of Environmental Protection at (717) 783-3594.
Step 6: Department requests for additional information
The Department may require additional information related to an applicant's qualifications or technical or administratie information related to radon testing, mitigation or laboratory analysis or radon samples. If so, a written request will be sent.
Step 7: Notification of change
Notification of changes is a continuing requirement of certification. All applicants and certified individuals and/or firms must notify the Department whenever a change that affects information in the original application occurs, such as those listed in Section 1.2.8. Failure to notify the Department of changes may result in suspension of certification.