Exam facts & prep options

Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) Examination

Find the current format, timing, scoring, fees, eligibility, and testing options for CPSI, with direct links to official sources.

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Questions100 questions, 95 scored and 5 unscored pre-test

Testing time2 hours (untimed practice/tutorial session before the exam is not counted against exam time)

ScoringPassing point set by criterion-referenced standard setting with expert judgment; no numeric cut score published

Exam feeUSD 200 computer-based exam application fee (member and nonmember priced the same); fee is non-refundable

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Exam overview

What to know before choosing your prep

Who runs it: NRPA
Category: Occupational Safety
Current version: Current specification; no public version label
Where it applies: United States — national
Exam languages: English, Spanish
Testing provider: PSI Services (PSI)
Format: Computer-based at PSI test centers (a proctored paper/pencil version is administered at in-person CPSI course administrations)
Availability: Year-round by appointment at PSI test centers; applicants have 90 days from registration to schedule and take the exam
Results: Results provided on screen at the conclusion of the exam; official score report emailed as a PDF after the session ends; successful candidates added to the NRPA CPSI registry within 6-8 weeks
Credential validity: CPSI certification valid for three years; renewal requires continuing education or re-passing the current exam
Remote testing: Not available

Exam structure

100 four-option multiple-choice items (answers A-D) across five scored domains — Hazard Identification (34), Surfacing (18), Playground Environment (17), Audit, Inspection and Maintenance (15), Risk Management (11) — plus 5 unscored beta/pre-test items

Where rules vary

U.S. national certification grounded in U.S. playground standards (CPSC Public Playground Safety Handbook, ASTM F1487); computer-based delivery is also available at PSI centers internationally.

Eligibility

Must be at least 18 years of age; no education or experience prerequisites

Retake policy

Unsuccessful candidates may apply to retake the exam at a computer-based testing facility through the same application procedures (new application and fee); one free appointment reschedule allowed if PSI is contacted at least one full business day before the session