Free CPSI Exam Prep
Certified Playground Safety Inspector
Prepare for the CPSI exam without spending hundreds on expensive prep courses. Free study guides, practice questions, flashcards, and related exam resources.
Quick Facts
Buy on AmazonCPSI CPSI Certified Playground Safety Inspector License: Complete Roadmap
Follow this path to organize your licensing and exam preparation
ASTM F1487 - Equipment StandardsYou are here
Master use zones (6 ft stationary, 2x pivot-height for swings), entrapment ranges (3.5-9 inches), protrusion and entanglement limits, age group design (2-5 vs 5-12), guardrails (29"/38") and barriers (48" threshold for 5-12).
ASTM F1292 & Surfacing
Learn the Gmax 200 / HIC 1000 thresholds, critical fall height, loose-fill vs unitary surfacing, minimum 9-inch loose-fill depth, and documentation requirements.
CPSC Handbook 325
Study federal guidance: site selection, age-group separation, surfacing recommendations (grass/dirt NOT acceptable), inspection hierarchy, and the 79% falls injury statistic.
Inspection Practice & Practice Exams
Apply gauges and templates in field scenarios, practice hazard identification and prioritization, and complete timed 100-question practice exams until consistently scoring 80%+.
Can You Take the CPSI Exam?
Check if you meet the basic eligibility requirements
- •No prior experience required to sit for the exam
- •2-3 day NRPA CPSI preparation course (in-person or blended online + virtual) strongly recommended
- •Exam-only option available for candidates who wish to self-prepare
- •Computer-based testing at 200+ centers, paper/pencil at course sites, or live remote online proctoring
CPSI Quick Facts
Time to Get Licensed
3-6 weeks including 2-3 day course
From start to license in hand
Exam Provider
NRPA (paper/pencil) or ISO-Quality Testing / computer-based / Live Remote Online Proctoring
Retake Policy
Candidates who fail may retake the exam; NRPA sets the retake fee and waiting period per the current Candidate Handbook.
Total Cost Breakdown
Free CPSI Prep Tools
Reported exam pass rate: Approximately 70-80% (NRPA does not publish official figures). Check the exam sponsor for the latest official figure.
107+ Practice Questions
Practice by topic with detailed answer explanations
AI Tutor Explains Mistakes
Understand why answers are wrong, not just which ones
Updated for 2026
Review the latest update date on each resource
$0 Forever
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What You'll Study
17 chapters covering the exam topics in this guide
Introduction & Exam Overview
3 sections
Standards Landscape & Injury Epidemiology
3 sections
Hazard Ranking & Entanglement
3 sections
Protrusions & Entrapment Causes
3 sections
Entrapment Tools & Crush/Shear
3 sections
Miscellaneous Hazards, Platforms & Access
3 sections
Slides, Swings & Climbers
3 sections
Rotating, Rocking & Track Equipment
3 sections
Surfacing Standards & Testing
3 sections
Critical Height, Fall Height & Materials
3 sections
Surfacing Maintenance & Child Development
3 sections
Site, Materials & Layout
3 sections
Accessibility, Use Zones & Recalls
3 sections
Audit & Inspection Systems
3 sections
Nonlisted Equipment, Corrective Action & Removal
3 sections
Records, Site History & Compliance Documents
3 sections
Investigations, Standard of Care & Ethics
3 sections
CPSI Exam Details
Certified Playground Safety Inspector
Administered by NRPA
Exam Content Breakdown
Based on the official NRPA content outline
Dimensional requirements, use zones, entrapment, protrusions, entanglement, guardrails/barriers, age-appropriate design
Gmax 200, HIC 1000, critical fall height, loose-fill vs unitary surfacing, depth requirements
Federal guidance on site selection, surfacing recommendations, age-group separation, installation, maintenance
Toddler equipment (6-23 months), accessibility, EWF specifications, bonded rubber surfacing
Inspection tools and techniques, hazard prioritization, documentation, corrective action, liability
What's Included
17 Chapters
Complete exam coverage
Practice Quizzes
With detailed explanations
Free to Start
No credit card required
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What's Next After the CPSI?
After passing the CPSI, you can pursue these career paths
CPRP
Certified Park and Recreation Professional
CPO
Certified Pool Operator (aquatic facilities)
AFO
Aquatic Facility Operator
CPSI Exam FAQ
Official NRPA Resources
Verify information with these official sources
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Ready to Start Your Free CPSI Prep?
Review the study guide, practice key concepts, and use the free tools at your own pace.