Event Flyer - coming July 2026

Event Registration -Closed at this time

About the Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) Program

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, 200,000 children are treated annually for playground equipment-related injuries. Of these, 74-percent, or 148,000 involve public playground equipment. Many of these accidents could have been prevented. National Recreation and Park Association’s (NRPA) major initiative in raising playground safety awareness is the administration of the Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) training and certification program. The CPSI course is designed to properly train individuals to recognize and prevent potential playground hazards.

The CPSI course is the most comprehensive training program on playground hazard identification and risk management methods that is offered today. Advanced reading and 15 hours of training will prepare you to take the CPSI exam scheduled at the culmination of the certification course.

CPSI Eligibility Requirement is age 18 and over.

To gain admission to the examination, a candidate needs to present one form of identification. ID must be a valid Government-issued ID with photo and signature.   The information provided on the certification application must match the candidate's name on the identification. The candidate will also be required to sign a roster for verification of identity.  Acceptable forms of identification with photo and signature include: a current driver's license, a current state identification card, a current passport, or a current military identification card. Employment ID cards, student ID cards, and any type of temporary identification are not acceptable.

Who Should Attend

• Parks and Recreation Agencies
• Playground Equipment Representatives
• Playground Operators

What You Will Learn

• Identifying Hazards
• Specific Safety Concerns
• Standards and Guidelines
• Risk Management
• Accessibility
• Surfacing
• Design Safety

Dates for 2026: Tuesday, November 19 - 8AM - 5PM / Wednesday, November 20 - 8AM - 5PM / Thursday, November 21 - 9:00-11AM (closed book exam day)

Location: Courtyard by Marriott, Ankeny Iowa - 2405 SE Creekview Dr, Ankeny, IA 50021

Hotel Block:  Certified Playground Safety Inspector

Earn 1.5 CEU's towards CPRP/E

For additional information, contact Kelly Johnson Rose, 641-325-2164 or kelly@iapra.org

Course materials will be sent via U.S. Postal Service Priority Mail three (3) weeks prior to first day of class

Cancellations are not permitted for this course. Fees cannot be applied to future a course. Substitutions will be permitted

Registration Deadline Thursday, October 15, 2026

If you are not a current paid IPRA member, you will register as a guest.  

Only credit card payments are being accepted at this time.

**The CPSI course is approved as a training course that can receive reimbursement from your 529 savings plan - click here to learn more

Event Flyer - coming January 2026

Event Registration -Closed at this time

About the Playground Maintenance Course

This one-day course will provide a broad overview of playground maintenance.  Participants will be visiting a playground to learn hands on inspections and will receive a manual when they arrive to class.  There is no exam associated with this course.

This course will provide participants with CEU credits towards the renewal of their CPSI certification.  See below for more information on CPSI renewal.

Earn 0.6 CEU's towards CPRP/E

For additional information, contact Kelly Johnson Rose, 641-325-2164 or kelly@iapra.org

Dates for 2026: Tuesday, April 14 - 8AM - 5PM 

Location: Crown Point, Johnston Iowa

Registration Deadline Friday, April 3, 2026

If you are not a current paid IPRA member, you will register as a guest.  

Only credit card payments are being accepted at this time.