ND Asbestos Abatement
North Dakota Asbestos Abatement Certification
More study resources
Cheat sheet
Keep the key ideas within reach.
ExploreKey terms
Get comfortable with the vocabulary.
ExploreStudy plan
Give each week a clear focus.
ExploreCommon mistakes
Understand the traps and how to avoid them.
ExploreCase studies
Put your knowledge to work in context.
ExploreExam-day guide
Prepare for the day ahead.
ExploreAbout this exam
The North Dakota Asbestos Control Program, administered by the Department of Environmental Quality's Division of Waste Management, enforces the Emission Standards for Asbestos under the North Dakota Pollution Control Rules (NDAC 33.1-15-13). The program licenses asbestos abatement contractors and certifies individuals across six disciplines: abatement worker, contractor/supervisor, inspector, management planner, project designer, and project monitor. Certification is discipline-specific, so a candidate applies for the credential matching the work they will actually perform. Per the DEQ fee schedule, each discipline application costs $50, while an asbestos contractor license costs $150 per year. The program reports 55 licensed companies and over 600 certified persons statewide, so the exam is a small-state credential with a real regulatory purpose: ensuring that inspections, removals, notifications, and disposal are handled by trained people. Expect multiple-choice questions spanning worker safety and abatement practice, contractor/supervisor responsibilities, building inspection and hazard assessment, management planning, project design, and project monitoring. Preparation should combine an approved initial training course from a DEQ-listed provider with the program's own materials: the rules at NDAC 33.1-15-13, the Notification of Demolition and Renovation form (SFN17987), the Steps to Follow for Demolition and Renovation fact sheet, and the asbestos cement pipe guidance. This page is independent study material and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the ND DEQ.
What you'll study
About ND Asbestos Abatement preparation
What does the North Dakota asbestos certification actually let me do?
It certifies you in a specific discipline. Abatement workers and contractor/supervisors handle removal work; inspectors identify asbestos-containing material before renovation or demolition; management planners develop response actions; project designers write abatement specifications; project monitors oversee abatement projects. You apply for the discipline matching your job duties, and each discipline carries its own $50 application fee.
What is the exam format?
The North Dakota program's certification exams are multiple choice. The DEQ page does not publish a question count, time limit, or passing score, so do not rely on a memorized number. Confirm current exam length and passing threshold directly with the Asbestos Control Program at 701-328-5166 or [email protected] before your test date.
How much does certification cost?
According to the DEQ fee table, certification costs $50 per discipline per application for contractor/supervisor, contractor/worker, contractor/designer, and contractor/inspector and air monitor. A separate asbestos contractor license costs $150 per year. Training course tuition from a listed provider is charged separately and is not part of the state fee.
Where can I take the required training?
The DEQ lists approved training providers on its asbestos page, including the UND Environmental Training Institute for contractor/supervisor initial and refresher training, Tetra Tech for contractor/supervisor initial, and Minnesota Limited for refresher training only. Badlands Environmental Consultants is also listed. DEQ accepts in-person completion certificates and, for refresher training, live remote learning approved by the Department.
How hard is the exam, and what trips people up?
The content is broad rather than exotic: six disciplines, one rule chapter, and a notification form. Common failure modes are mixing up the notification triggers - ten days before any demolition, but for renovation only when more than 160 square feet of surfacing material or more than 260 linear feet of thermal system insulation will be disturbed - and confusing who may inspect versus who may remove.
What study order do you recommend?
Start with NDAC 33.1-15-13 so the regulatory language is familiar, then read the Steps to Follow for Demolition and Renovation fact sheet and the SFN17987 notification form line by line. After that, study your discipline's technical material. Finish with practice questions, and reread any rule section you missed twice.
Can I retake the exam if I fail?
The DEQ page does not state a retake policy, number of attempts, or waiting period, and it does not publish certification validity years. Because these details are not in the published source, treat them as unknown and verify with the program office at 701-328-5166 or [email protected] before you apply.
Does certification in North Dakota transfer to other states?
The source does not describe reciprocity or acceptance of out-of-state certificates. Certification is issued by North Dakota for work in North Dakota. If you plan to work elsewhere, check that state's requirements separately, and confirm any reciprocity question with the ND Asbestos Control Program rather than assuming your card travels.
What happens if I skip the notification requirement?
Notification is a regulatory obligation, not paperwork. The SFN17987 form must reach the Department ten days before any demolition, whether or not asbestos is present, and ten days before renovation removal above the surfacing or thermal system insulation thresholds. Supervisors and project monitors should expect exam questions on these triggers and on who must inspect first.