2026 Certified Playground Safety Inspector Course - Spring B
Tuesday, March 10, 2026 8:00 AM - Thursday, March 12, 2026 12:00 PM (CDT)
Description
The CPSI course is a national certification program delivered by National Recreation and Park Association and co-hosted by the Illinois Park and Recreation Association. It is designed to train individuals on how to identify hazards on public playgrounds and playground equipment, prioritize those hazards by injury potential, and establish a playground safety program. This is an in-person program that gives candidates the option to register for the course and exam (3 days), course only (2 days), or exam only (1/2 day). Regardless of work experience, it is highly recommended that candidates complete the course before taking the exam. If your job requires you to oversee playground equipment at schools or parks, or you are looking to further educate yourself on playground safety, you are encouraged to pursue this certification to help make playgrounds safer for kids.
Registration deadline is Friday, February 20, 2026.
Location
Village of South Elgin, located at 50 S. Water Street, South Elgin, IL 60177
Course Materials
Registration for course and course/exam includes the 6th edition CPSI course manual and field guide. Course materials and pre-course reading assignments will be sent to attendees before the start of the course. Registration for the exam only is common for certification renewal and therefore does not include course materials.
Special Exam Accommodations
Candidates with a disability covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) may request a special accommodation for the exam. The Request for Special Exam Accommodations should be completed and submitted to IPRA by Tuesday, February 10, 2026.
English as a second language (ESL) candidates may request a time extension and/or the use of a strict translation dictionary. The ESL Accommodation Request Form must be submitted to IPRA by Tuesday, February 10, 2026.
CEUs
Course is approved for 1.5 continuing education units and will be awarded to those in attendance for both days of class. The course content has been approved for 15 total hours of continuing education, which means it can be used for CPRE, CPRP, and CPSI (July 1, 2026 or later) certification renewals.
- Group A (Hazard ID, Risk Management) - 0.8 CEUs
- Group B (Surfacing, Playground Environment, Audit, Inspect & Maint) - 0.7 CEUs
For more information about the CPSI certification renewal policy, visit NPRA's website at https://www.nrpa.org/certification/CPSI/cpsi-recertification-policy-faqs/.
Course & Exam Schedule
For details on the course/exam schedule, see below or download the schedule.
| Day | Time | Activity |
| Tuesday, March 10, 2026 | 7:15 - 8:00 a.m. | Registration/Breakfast |
| 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | Lecture | |
| 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. | Lunch | |
| 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. | Lecture | |
| Wednesday, March 11, 2026 | 7:15 - 8:00 a.m. | Registration/Breakfast |
| 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | Lecture | |
| 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. | Lunch | |
| 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. | Lecture | |
| Thursday, March 12, 2026 | 8:15 - 9:00 a.m. | Check-In |
| 9:00 - 11:30 a.m. | Exam |
Early-Bird discount available December 8 - January 5; register early and save $25!
Course and Exam (includes manual)
Early Bird - $564 Member / $689 Non-Member
Regular - $589 Member / $714 Non-Member
Course Only (includes manual)
Early-Bird - $439 Member / $504 Non-Member
Regular - $464 Member / $529 Non-Member
Exam Only (does not include manual)
Early Bird - $100 Member / $160 Non-Member
Regular - $125 Member / $185 Non-Member
Need financial assistance?
Illinois Park & Recreation Foundation Scholarship
Department of Defence (DOD) Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (COOL)
*All NRPA certification programs are identified as eligible credentialing programs. If you are the beneficiary of a 529 fund, please contact the organization that manages your fund for more information.
Public Safety Center 50 S Water Street
South Elgin, 60177
IPRA Education