Certified Playground Safety Inspector Course & Exam

CPRS offers both in-person courses/exams and virtual, or "blended learning", courses/exams -- see below for details about each. Both CPRS members and non-members are welcome to register!

In-Person Course & Exam Information

Course Materials

All course registrants will be mailed a set of course material books: 

  • Course Manual & Field Guide
  • Playground Safety Is No Accident – 6th Edition on USB. 

These materials will be mailed via USPS about 3-4 weeks in advance of the course date to the address on file at the time of registration. It is recommended that course participants review these materials in full prior to participating in the course.

Course Schedule

The course is administered over two consecutive days from 8 am - 5 pm, with check-in usually beginning by 7:15 am.  Lunch is provided on both days of instruction close to noon.

Course Exam

The exam is conducted the following day from 9 am - 11:30 am with check-in beginning by 8 am.  Exam-takers will have two hours to complete the exam & will be notified of their results via email about 6 weeks following the exam date. 
Exam candidates must present a valid government-issued ID with photo and signature to be admitted to the exam.  

Important Notice

You will not be permitted to take the exam unless the name you provided at registration (as shown in your confirmation email) exactly matches the name on the ID you present on exam day. If there is any discrepancy, please contact us immediately at cprs@cprs.org or call (916) 665-2777. The exam candidate will also be required to sign a roster for verification of identity.  Acceptable forms of ID with photo and signature include: a current driver's license, a current state identification card, a current passport, or a current military identification card.  Employment ID cards, student ID cards, and any type of temporary identification are not acceptable.  

 Blended Learning (Virtual) Course & Exam Information

The "blended learning" environment will include 12 hours of pre-recorded online learning modules, a 4-hour virtual training course with a live instructor, and an exam proctored at a professional testing location.

Course Materials

All course registrants will be mailed a set of course material books:

  • Course Manual & Field Guide
  • Playground Safety Is No Accident – 6th Edition on USB. 

These materials will be mailed via USPS about 3-4 weeks in advance of the course date to the address on file at the time of registration. It is recommended that course participants review these materials in full prior to participating in the live course.

Course Schedule

Part 1: Pre-Recorded Online Learning Modules

About 2 -3 weeks prior to your virtual course date, you will receive an email from NRPA granting access to the 12 hours of pre-recorded online learning modules, presented by CPSI expert trainers. This study-at-your-own-pace "prep course" will give you the basics to be prepared for the live virtual course. Please check spam/junk folders for this email.

Part 2: Live Instruction via Zoom

The 4-hour live instruction course will be conducted via Zoom on the date designated from 8:00 am - 12:00 pm (Pacific). No more than 45 students participate in each session to allow for maximum engagement among the students and instructor. 2 - 3 weeks prior to the virtual course date, you will receive an email from NRPA providing the information necessary to access the zoom session. Please check spam/junk folders for this email.

Part 3: CPSI Exam

NRPA will email you instructions to schedule your computer-based exam with a local PSI Test Center about 2 - 3 weeks before your virtual course date.  Please check spam/junk folders for this email. You may not schedule your exam prior to receiving this email. Upon receipt, you may schedule your exam immediately, prior to completing the live instruction.

Results of computer-based exams will be available immediately following completion of the exam; there will be a 3 - 4 week delay between completion of the exam and notice of re/certification from NRPA.

For more information about PSI Testing Centers, rescheduling exams, requesting accommodations, and other exam inquires, you can visit the NRPA website to access the CPSI Candidate Handbook.

Important Notice

Exam candidates must present a valid government-issued ID with photo and signature to be admitted to the exam. You will not be permitted to take the exam unless the name you provided at registration (as shown in your confirmation email) exactly matches the name on the ID you present on exam day. If there is any discrepancy, please contact us immediately at cprs@cprs.org or call (916) 665-2777. The exam candidate will also be required to sign a roster for verification of identity.  Acceptable forms of ID with photo and signature include: a current driver's license, a current state identification card, a current passport, or a current military identification card.  Employment ID cards, student ID cards, and any type of temporary identification are not acceptable.