Skip to content

Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI)

CPSI_logo-2

The Missouri Park & Recreation Association, in conjunction with the National Recreation and Park Association, offers the industry-leading certification program in playground safety, the Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) certification program. The CPSI certification program provides the most comprehensive and up-to-date training on playground safety issues including hazard identification, equipment specifications, surfacing requirements, and risk management methods.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

Administrators
Supervisory Personnel
Public Works Departments
Planning Department
Grounds Maintenance Staff
Engineers & Architects
Playground Equipment Sales Reps

Operators of Playgrounds in:

  • Parks
  • Schools
  • Summer Camps/Day Camps
  • Day Care Centers

Agencies such as:

  • YMCA & YWCA
  • Boys & Girls Clubs
  • Park & Recreation Departments

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

You will receive your course materials approximately three weeks prior to the first day of the course. NRPA highly recommends studying the course materials provided prior to attending the course so that you are prepared to ask the CPSI Instructor(s) questions, if any, about the material being presented.

A playground safety expert presents 15 hours of training. CPSI designed the pre-course study guide and training to prepare you for the Certified Playground Safety Inspector examination. The examination takes place the morning after course completion. 

You will receive a notification with your exam results 6-8 weeks after the exam directly from NRPA. If you pass the exam, you will be certified as a CPSI Inspector for a period of three years. At the end of your certification cycle, you can elect to attend the course again (recommended) or elect to take the exam only. Due to changes in regulations and content, it is highly recommended you repeat the course work prior to renewing your certification. 

Earn 1.5 CEUs while participating in this seminar. Please be sure to sign the attendance roster for NRPA’s records before you leave the seminar. NRPA will forward you a transcript of your attendance 6-8 weeks after the course is finished. 

A candidate who has a disability may request special accommodations; the request must be submitted in writing at the time of course or exam registration. The request form is available online at www.nrpa.org/cpsi. In order to properly accommodate all persons with disabilities, it is recommended that all requests be made 45 days prior to the scheduled date for the course and exam.

English as second language (ESL) candidates may request a time extension and/or the use of a strict translation dictionary. Request forms/fees must be submitted to NRPA no less than 30 days prior to the exam. The request form is available online at www.nrpa.org/cpsi.

The option to take the CPSI exam via computer-based testing is available through the NRPA. To obtain additional information please visit www.nrpa.org/cpsi. Please be advised if you register to take the examination with the course, you will not receive a refund to take your exam via computer-based testing at a later date. Please decide now if you would like to take the exam on Day 3 of the course or via a computer-based exam at a later date.

REGISTRATION

MPRA hosts a fall class in the Kansas City area and a spring class in the St. Louis area.

Fall 2024 - Belton, MO - November 6-8, 2024
Spring 2025 - St. Charles, MO - March 25-27, 2025

Click the button to learn more about our pricing and class information.

MO COURSE INFORMATION

SCHEDULE

Day 1:

7:30-8:00 a.m.

Registration

8:00-9:00 a.m.

Section One – Introduction, Historical Value of Play and Injury Statistics

9:15-10:30 a.m. 

Section Two – Hazard ID Part 1

10:45 a.m.-12:00 

Section Three – Hazard ID Part 2

12:00-1:00 p.m. 

LUNCH (provided)

1:15-2:00 p.m. 

Section Four – Panel or Small Group Exercise, Video

2:00-3:00 p.m.

Section Five – Hazard ID Part 3

3:15-4:15 p.m.

Section Six – Hazard ID Part 4

4:30-5:00 p.m. 

Section Seven – Exam Prep, Review Risk Reduction

Homework 

Table of Dimensions

Day 2:

8:00-9:15 a.m.

Section Eight – Hazard ID Part 5

9:30-10:45 a.m.

Section Nine – Playground Protective Surfacing Part 1

11:00 a.m.-12:00

Section Ten – Playground Protective Surfacing Part 2

12:00-1:00 p.m.

LUNCH (provided)

1:15-2:30 p.m.

Section Eleven – Public Playground Risk Management Part 1 and 2

2:45-4:00 p.m.

Section Twelve – Risk Reduction Exercises

4:00-5:00 p.m.

Site investigation video/Q&A

Day 3:

8:00-8:30 a.m. 

Exam Check-in

9:00-11:30 a.m.

Exam Instructions / 2-Hour Certification Exam

HOW SAFE ARE YOUR PLAYGROUNDS?

The CPSC estimates that over 205,000 injuries occur on playgrounds each year, with approximately 15 resulting in death. The Certified Playground Safety Inspectors Course is the most comprehensive training program on playground hazard identification and risk management methods anywhere.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

CPSI HANDBOOK 

MPRA Members are eligible for certification reimbursement. MORE DETAILS 

Visit www.nrpa.org/certification/CPSI/ for additional resources.

REFUND POLICY: No refunds or credits after the registration is complete. Substitutions may be made prior to the deadline by contacting the MPRA Office. Course fees include all course materials, exam, and lunch for the first two days. You may select the exam only option if you have a current CPSI Certification and choose not to retake the course. 

QUESTIONS?
Contact Sarah Veile at the Missouri Park & Recreation Association at sarah@mopark.org or by calling 573-636-3828.