The 21st Century Building Expo & Conference will hold certification training on the new Lead-Based Paint Repair, Renovation & Painting Program on Friday, September 17, at the Charlotte Convention Center.

The Lead-Based Paint RRP program went into effect in North Carolina on January 1, 2010. Remodelers, contractors, painters, drywall installers, window installers, carpenters, electricians, maintenance workers and other specialty trade contractors are required to have this training if performing work for compensation in homes and child-occupied facilities built pre-1978. 

The course fee will be $225, which includes course materials, admission to the Expo Floor and lunch Sept. 16 and 17, and access to all general session seminars held during the conference. Click here to download a registration form. Course is limited to 30 participants. Contact Heather Crews at  for more information.

For more information about the 21st Century Building Expo & Conference, visit www.21buildingexpo.com.

To maintain NCBI designations, graduates must complete eight (8) hours of continuing education each year after the initial certificate date. The eight hours may be earned by taking NCBI courses or by completing approved national, state, or local seminars, college classes or outside courses which relate to the home building industry.

The 21st Century Building Expo & Conference offers the perfect opportunity to get your recertification hours for 2010 before the December deadline.  Sign up for an NCBI or NAHB course, or register as a Full Delegate and attend as many general sessions seminars as you can fit into your schdule. Make sure you get your instructor to sign the recertification form for general session seminars.

Initial NCBI certification is valid for one (1) year, ending on December 31 of the year following certification. (For example: certification earned in February 2009, would expire on December 31, 2010. Eight hours of continuing education must be completed before the recertification date of December 31, 2008). Graduates who allow their certification to lapse must take eight (8) hours per year up to a cap of 24 hours after a three (3) year lapse.

For questions about NCBI recertification, contact Brittany Carter at or 800.662.7129.

The Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Program mandates that contractors, property managers and others working for compensation, in homes and child-occupied facilities built before 1978, must be trained and use lead-safe work practices. They are also required to provide the lead pamphlet "Renovate Right; Important Lead Hazard Information for Families, Child Care Providers and Schools" to owners and occupants before starting renovation work.

Beginning January 1, 2010, North Carolina requires you and your firm to be certified and to use lead-safe work practices. Read about how to comply by viewing the North Carolina Rules 10A N.C.A.C. 41C .0900 - Lead-Based Paint Hazard Management Program for Renovation, Repair and Painting (PDF) and the associated EPA issued rule requiring the use of lead-safe practices (PDF).

Note: Although the EPA delayed enforcement of its rules, this decision has no effect in North Carolina.

The demand for green building in the home building industry is growing.  NAHB keeps track of all local associations offering NAHB courses, including the courses needed for the Certified Green Professional Designation. Click here to search courses.

Anytime you take a Builders University class at your local HBA, you can earn North Carolina Builder Institute (NCBI) credit, too. Credit applies toward AA and AB designations.

Builders Mutual Insurance Company's risk management experts bring the latest safety solutions and risk management programs to you through Builders University classes. You may even qualify for a Builders Mutual insurance discount by attending and becoming Fall Protection Certified. View the Builders University schedule, and reserve your spot. Seating is limited, so register today!