CPSI Course and Exam: Hosted by MRPA
"We are excited to announce that Latin American Spanish translations are now available for the Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) Exam and Public Playground Safety Standards and Guidelines book (available for in-person and blended learning course only), as well as the Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) Exam (paper/pencil only). Candidates must request translated materials and/or exams in advance. " - NRPA
Learn more: https://bit.ly/3Erql7y
"Calling all Certified Playground Safety Inspectors (CPSIs)! Anyone with an expiration date of July 1, 2026, or later will have options for renewal of your certification. Beginning July 1, 2026, you may renew in one of two ways: Sitting for and passing the CPSI Exam OR Successfully completing 2.0 CEUs in playground safety during the three-year certification cycle and submitting a completed CEU recertification application." -NRPA
Have questions? Check out our FAQ page to learn more or reach out:https://bit.ly/44yhHi3
Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) Certification
CPSI Class & Exam
Date: August 5-7, 2025 (Test Date is Thursday, August 7, 2025)
Location: Kenhill Center
2614 Kenhill Dr, Bowie, MD 20715, USA
| Option | Non-Member Rate | MRPA Member Rate | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
 CPSI Class & Exam | $640 | $600 | 2 days of instruction, study materials, and exam |
 CPSI Class Only | $500 | $460 | 2 days of instruction and study materials |
 CPSI Exam Only | $200 | $200 | Exam only (no instruction or materials) |
CPSI Course CEUs: 1.5CEUs
Course Check-In Time:
- Course Days: Between 7:15 AM and 7:45 AM (Course Instruction will begin promptly at 8:00 AM)
- Exam Day: 9:00am to 11:30am (check-in from 8:00am- 8:45am). Exam begins promptly at 9:00am.
According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission, 200,000 children were treated for playground accidents in 1994. Of those, 70% or 140,000 occurred at public parks and schoolyards.
How does your equipment measure up? How many preventable injuries occurred on your playgrounds?
Sponsored by the Maryland Recreation & Parks Association, Inc. and the National Recreation & Park Association, this course is the most comprehensive training program on playground hazard identification and risk management methods offered.
- The Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) Course promotes children's rights to play and promotes nationally the importance play has in a child's development.
- CPSI provides the most current comprehensive training program on playground safety including the development and distribution of playground training and safety products.
- CPSI provides input to help develop responsible public policy for the guaranteed safety of our children while at the same time advocating sound fiscal responsibility to provide resources for the ongoing maintenance and support of the policy.
Topics include:
- Identifying hazards on playgrounds
- Developing risk management tools
- Importance of a comprehensive playground safety program from a legal perspective
- CPSC guidelines review
- ASTM standard analysis
- Test methods for entrapment, protrusions and entanglement
Important Notes:
- A light breakfast and lunch will be provided on the first two days.
- Two forms of ID (one must be a photo ID) is required for exam admission. Individuals sitting for the CPSI exam must be 18 years of age or older and have a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Bring your own pen/pencil/highlighter for class
- We are unable to offer refunds or credits for this program.
- Tracking of CEUs and CEU documents is the responsibility of the certified professional.
Special Testing Accommodations:
All participants requesting special accommodations must submit the Special Accommodations form to NRPA at least 45 calendar days prior to your exam date.
All ESL Accommodation Request Forms must be submitted to NRPA at least 2 weeks prior to the examination date.
Please Note: Resource materials developed especially for this course are included in the registration fee and will be mailed to all participants who pre-register. Those who register after June 30th may not receive their resource materials two weeks prior to class. It is not recommended that you take the exam if you have not had the materials at least 4 weeks prior to the course.
Nearby Hotel
- Hampton Inn Bowie (15202 Major Lansdale Blvd, Bowie, MD 20716)
- Courtyard Bowie (16800 Science Dr, Bowie, MD 20715)
- Comfort Inn Conference Center (4500 Crain Hwy, Bowie, MD 20716)
- TownePlace Suites Bowie Town Center (3700 Town Center Blvd, Bowie, MD 20716)
CPSI Recertification Policy FAQs (NEW UPDATE!)
The Latin American Spanish translations are now available for the Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) Exam and Public Playground Safety Standards and Guidelines book (available for in-person and blended learning course only).
Please keep in mind during the registration process if you need this translated book.
What happens after the course and exam?
All questions regarding your test results should be addressed directly with the National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA). Please send an email to certification@nrpa.org. The MRPA office does not have access to view the status or results of your exam.
If you need to retake the exam, please look at your options on the NRPA website. MRPA will strive to host another course and exam at another date this year. Once that date is confirmed, we will post it here.
For questions, please contact the MRPA office 301-352-7203.
Lauren Davis (info@mdrpa.org)
Di Quynn Reno (dquynnreno@mdrpa.org)