Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) Program

If you're a Certified Playground Safety Inspector the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) has introduced a new recertification option that gives professionals more flexibility. Instead of retaking the CPSI exam every three years, you can now renew your certification by earning 2.0 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) in playground safety during your three-year certification cycle and submitting a renewal application before your certification expires.

An Easy Renewal Path Through MRPA

MRPA offers a way to stay current while building your knowledge by attending:

• One MRPA CPSI Course (without taking the Day 3 certification exam if you're already certified), and

• Our Playground Maintenance Course during your certification cycle,

You can earn the CEUs needed toward your CPSI renewal while learning about the latest playground safety standards, inspection practices, maintenance techniques, and risk management strategies. The CPSI Course provides 1.5 CEUs, and the Playground Maintenance Course offers additional qualifying CEUs, helping you reach the 2.0 CEU requirement.

CPSI Course & Exam in Spring of 2027 - information added soon

An excellent opportunity for those whose certification is approaching expiration or anyone wanting a refresher on current playground safety standards and best practices.

If you're pursuing initial certification, simply attend the two-day course and complete the CPSI exam on Day 3.

If you're already certified, you can attend the course for continuing education and skip the exam, earning valuable CEUs while staying up to date on the latest standards and inspection practices.

Playground Maintenance Course - Spring of 2027 - information added soon

The Playground Maintenance Course is a one-day (6.25 hour) educational course covering the following topics- an overview of playground safety standards and guidelines, playground owner responsibilities and maintenance discussions on playground equipment, surfacing and site items. Participants will receive a certificate upon completion of the Playground Maintenance Course.

Invest in Safer Playgrounds

Playgrounds continue to evolve, and so do the standards that help keep children safe. Whether you're inspecting playgrounds every day or only a few times each year, continuing education helps ensure you're making informed decisions that protect your community.

Looking for a Certified Playground Safety Inspector, visit National Recreation and Park Association's registry: apps.nrpa.org/CPSI_Registry/

This registry allows you to access certification information on CPSIs with a current certification. If contact information is not provided the individual has elected not to be part of the registry. By checking the In Registry box you will be provided with a list of only individuals that have agreed to be contacted for potential third party employment.