The NRPA Certified Playground Safety Inspector Course & Exam hosted by Midstates Recreation
Join us on March 4-6 and become a CPSI!
The NRPA Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) certification program is the most comprehensive training program on playground hazard identification and risk management methods offered nationwide. By becoming a CPSI, you will learn how to identify hazards on public playgrounds and playground equipment, rank those hazards according to injury potential and apply that knowledge, as well as how to establish a playground safety program.
Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) course promotes children’s rights to play and promotes nationally the importance play has to a child’s development.
Did you know? According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, it is estimated that each year over 205,850 injuries occur on playgrounds and approximately fifteen children will die from playground-related injuries.
This course is the most comprehensive training program on playground hazard identification and risk management methods offered anywhere. Advanced reading and fifteen hours of training from nationally known playground safety experts will prepare participants to "sit” for the Certified Playground Safety Inspector Examination offered at the culmination of the certification course.
Topics include:
This course is a must for staff from park and recreation agencies, school districts, childcare facilities, health departments, landscape architecture firms, playground manufacturers, installers or contractors, insurance firms, and others responsible for play equipment areas or playgrounds.
Midstates Recreation is a leading dealer, designer, and installer of commercial playground equipment, safety surfacing, shelters, and site amenities in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, and Ohio. We partner with industry-leading brands to ensure our customers are investing in the highest quality and most innovative products to inspire multi-generational play. Our team of experts develop innovative and inclusive recreation solutions for schools, parks, churches, childcare facilities, and commercial campuses to build community and enhance quality of life throughout the region.
Registration
Course and Exam: $450
Meals provided for the March 4 and 5 course days. We encourage you to also bring snacks and water canteens.
Registration / Materials Policy: There are 32 spots available for this Course and Exam. Materials will be sent 2-3 weeks before the start date of the course to all paid registrants or you can opt to receive your materials onsite. If your registration is not paid, you will receive your materials onsite. Registration will close on February 11, 2026.
Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) course promotes children’s rights to play and promotes nationally the importance play has to a child’s development.
Did you know? According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, it is estimated that each year over 205,850 injuries occur on playgrounds and approximately fifteen children will die from playground-related injuries.
This course is the most comprehensive training program on playground hazard identification and risk management methods offered anywhere. Advanced reading and fifteen hours of training from nationally known playground safety experts will prepare participants to "sit” for the Certified Playground Safety Inspector Examination offered at the culmination of the certification course.
Topics include:
- Developing risk management tools
- Identifying hazards on playgrounds
- Legal aspects of having a comprehensive safety program
- Test methods for entrapment, protrusions, and entanglements
This course is a must for staff from park and recreation agencies, school districts, childcare facilities, health departments, landscape architecture firms, playground manufacturers, installers or contractors, insurance firms, and others responsible for play equipment areas or playgrounds.
Midstates Recreation is a leading dealer, designer, and installer of commercial playground equipment, safety surfacing, shelters, and site amenities in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, and Ohio. We partner with industry-leading brands to ensure our customers are investing in the highest quality and most innovative products to inspire multi-generational play. Our team of experts develop innovative and inclusive recreation solutions for schools, parks, churches, childcare facilities, and commercial campuses to build community and enhance quality of life throughout the region.
Registration
Course and Exam: $450
Meals provided for the March 4 and 5 course days. We encourage you to also bring snacks and water canteens.
Registration / Materials Policy: There are 32 spots available for this Course and Exam. Materials will be sent 2-3 weeks before the start date of the course to all paid registrants or you can opt to receive your materials onsite. If your registration is not paid, you will receive your materials onsite. Registration will close on February 11, 2026.
Accommodations:
Candidates requiring special accommodations for an in-person exam—such as extended exam time, verbal administration of the exam, or a separate testing area—should submit their request in writing at the time of the course or exam registration. Additionally, candidates should submit the Special Accommodations Form to NRPA at [email protected] at least 45 days before the scheduled date for the course and exam. This 45-day lead time ensures that NRPA can properly accommodate all persons with a special request.
Candidates requiring ELS accommodations for an in-person exam—such as additional exam time or a translation dictionary—should submit their request in writing at the time of the course or exam registration. Additionally, candidates should submit the ESL Accommodation Request Forms to NRPA at [email protected] at least 45 days before the examination date. This 45-day lead time ensures that NRPA can properly accommodate all persons with a special request.
The option to take the CPSI exam via computer-based testing is available through the NRPA. Computer-based testing candidates requesting special accommodations must call PSI Services at 1-888-519-9901 to schedule their examination. Verification of the disability and a statement of the specific type of assistance needed must be made in writing to PSI Services at least 45 days before your desired examination date by completing the computer-based testing Special Accommodations Form and submit to [email protected]. PSI Services is equipped with Telecommunication Devices for the Deaf (TDD) to assist deaf and hearing-impaired candidates.
Candidates requiring special accommodations for an in-person exam—such as extended exam time, verbal administration of the exam, or a separate testing area—should submit their request in writing at the time of the course or exam registration. Additionally, candidates should submit the Special Accommodations Form to NRPA at [email protected] at least 45 days before the scheduled date for the course and exam. This 45-day lead time ensures that NRPA can properly accommodate all persons with a special request.
Candidates requiring ELS accommodations for an in-person exam—such as additional exam time or a translation dictionary—should submit their request in writing at the time of the course or exam registration. Additionally, candidates should submit the ESL Accommodation Request Forms to NRPA at [email protected] at least 45 days before the examination date. This 45-day lead time ensures that NRPA can properly accommodate all persons with a special request.
The option to take the CPSI exam via computer-based testing is available through the NRPA. Computer-based testing candidates requesting special accommodations must call PSI Services at 1-888-519-9901 to schedule their examination. Verification of the disability and a statement of the specific type of assistance needed must be made in writing to PSI Services at least 45 days before your desired examination date by completing the computer-based testing Special Accommodations Form and submit to [email protected]. PSI Services is equipped with Telecommunication Devices for the Deaf (TDD) to assist deaf and hearing-impaired candidates.
Location
Midstates Recreation
1279 Hazelton-Etna Rd SW, Pataskala, OH, USA
1279 Hazelton-Etna Rd SW, Pataskala, OH, USA
Date & Time
March 4, 2026
CPSI Course | 7:30 AM - 5 PM
March 5, 2026
CPSI Course | 8 AM -5 PM
March 6, 2026
CPSI Exam | 8 AM - 11:30 AM
CPSI Course | 7:30 AM - 5 PM
March 5, 2026
CPSI Course | 8 AM -5 PM
March 6, 2026
CPSI Exam | 8 AM - 11:30 AM
Instructor
Jeff Barber, CPSI
President, Playground Specialists Inc.
Jeff Barber, CPSI
President, Playground Specialists Inc.