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Quizzes > Business & Finance > Business & Industry

Take the CPSI Practice Exam and Prove Your Playground Safety Expertise

Ready to tackle the certified playground safety inspector practice exam? Dive in and ace your CPSI test now!

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration for CPSI practice exam quiz on a golden yellow background.

Attention playground safety professionals! Sharpen your skills with our free quiz that mirrors the CPSI Practice Exam. This cpsi practice exam doubles as a certified playground safety inspector practice exam, covering risk management, equipment inspections, surface safety standards, and ADA compliance. Our dynamic cpsi practice test highlights knowledge gaps so you can master key concepts before the official cpsi exam and the certified playground safety inspector exam. Ready to boost confidence and claim your credential? Dive into our playground safety inspector quiz now! For more tools, check our fire inspector 1 practice test and take control of your exam prep.

What does CPSI stand for in playground safety?
Certified Park Safety Inspector
Certified Playground Safety Inspector
Certified Public Safety Investigator
Child Playground Safety Instructor
CPSI stands for Certified Playground Safety Inspector, a credential recognized by the National Recreation and Park Association. Achieving CPSI certification demonstrates expertise in playground safety standards and inspection procedures. This certification covers risk assessment, hazard identification, and surfacing requirements. playgroundsafety.org
The primary purpose of playground surfacing is to:
Increase traction
Prevent sun exposure
Cushion falls
Enhance aesthetics
Playground surfacing is designed to absorb impact forces and reduce injury severity when children fall. Proper surfacing materials like loose-fill or synthetic mats help meet impact attenuation standards. A well-chosen surfacing system is crucial for compliance with ASTM F1292. playgroundsafety.org
The term 'critical fall height' refers to:
Minimum fall height for safety signage
Height requiring guardrails
Maximum height from which a surface protects
Recommended equipment height
Critical fall height is the maximum height from which a surface can protect against life-threatening head injuries. It is determined through impact attenuation testing of the surfacing material. Knowing this value ensures the chosen surfacing matches the equipment height. cpsc.gov
According to ASTM standards, the minimum depth for loose-fill surfacing under equipment with a fall height of 8 feet is:
15 inches
12 inches
9 inches
6 inches
ASTM F1487 recommends a minimum of 12 inches of loose-fill surfacing under equipment with a critical fall height of up to 8 feet. This depth helps ensure adequate shock absorption. Inspectors must regularly measure and maintain this depth for safety. astm.org
How often should playgrounds be inspected for visible hazards?
Monthly
Weekly
Daily
Annually
Daily inspections help identify obvious hazards such as debris, vandalism, or damaged components before children use the equipment. Routine daily checks are recommended by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. This practice ensures prompt hazard correction. cpsc.gov
What is the recommended minimum head clearance above slide platforms to prevent head entrapment?
84 inches
90 inches
78 inches
72 inches
ASTM F1487 requires a minimum head clearance of 84 inches above slide platforms to prevent entrapment or impact with overhead structures. Adequate clearance reduces the risk of accidental head contact during use. Inspectors must verify clearance during installation and inspections. playgroundsafety.org
Minimum height of protective barriers on elevated platforms above 30 inches must be at least:
42 inches
38 inches
24 inches
30 inches
Platforms over 30 inches high require a guardrail or barrier of at least 38 inches to prevent falls. This standard is set by ASTM F1487 to protect children from falling off elevated surfaces. Consistent barrier height ensures uniform safety across equipment. cpsc.gov
What is the minimum use zone area extending from playground equipment?
6 feet
4 feet
10 feet
8 feet
A minimum use zone of 6 feet in all directions from stationary equipment helps ensure children do not strike adjacent objects or surfaces. Use zones accommodate the dynamic space needed when equipment is in use. These clearances are mandated by ASTM standards. playgroundsafety.org
Playground surfacing loose-fill material must be tested for:
Particle size distribution
Fungus growth
Color consistency
Inorganic contaminants
Testing loose-fill materials for particle size distribution ensures the surfacing can compress and absorb impact effectively. Incorrect particle sizes can compromise critical fall height protection. ASTM F1292 guidelines cover impact attenuation testing relative to material gradation. astm.org
What is the maximum slope allowed for accessible ramps to playground equipment?
1:12
1:10
1:8
1:16
ADA standards require a maximum ramp slope of 1:12 for accessible routes, including those to play components. This slope allows safe and independent wheelchair access. Steeper grades can be hazardous and non-compliant. ada.gov
What radius of impact area is required around swings?
60 inches
54 inches
72 inches
48 inches
ASTM F1487 requires a use zone extending 60 inches in all directions from the center of swing bearings to accommodate the arc of motion and potential falls. This radius ensures no obstructions are within the swing path. Regular inspections verify this clearance is maintained. playgroundsafety.org
The minimum clear width of an accessible route between equipment elements should be:
32 inches
48 inches
42 inches
36 inches
Accessible circulation paths must provide at least 36 inches of clear width to allow wheelchair users to navigate safely between play features. This requirement aligns with ADA Accessibility Guidelines. Inspectors measure width to confirm compliance. ada.gov
How far should equipment be spaced to prevent entanglement hazards?
6 inches
15 inches
9 inches
12 inches
A 12-inch minimum clearance between moving parts and adjacent structures reduces the risk of clothing or body parts becoming entrapped. ASTM guidelines specify these minimum distances to enhance safety. Regular inspections ensure spacing remains adequate. playgroundsafety.org
Equipment components must carry a permanently affixed label indicating:
Installation date
Age grade and model number
Manufacturer's phone number
Warranty period
ASTM F1487 requires each component to display a permanent label showing age grade, model number, and manufacturer information. This facilitates identification, ordering of replacement parts, and compliance verification. Inspectors verify labels are legible and intact. astm.org
The maximum allowable opening for preventing head entrapment on playground equipment is:
12 inches
9 inches
3.5 inches
4 inches
Openings between 3.5 inches and 9 inches pose a head entrapment hazard. ASTM standards mandate that openings must be smaller than 3.5 inches or larger than 9 inches to prevent entrapment. Inspectors must check all guardrails and structural components. cpsc.gov
When inspecting wooden play components, which preservative treatment is considered acceptable?
Creosote
Alkaline Copper Quaternary (ACQ)
Pentachlorophenol
Arsenic-based CCA
Alkaline Copper Quaternary (ACQ) is an EPA-approved, arsenic-free preservative for wood used in playground equipment. It resists decay and insect damage without toxic leaching. Inspectors verify treatment stamps on wood components. playgroundsafety.org
Soil moisture content is important for:
Compaction stability
Slope measurement
Color of surfacing
Entanglement hazard
Proper moisture content in soil under loose-fill surfacing prevents excessive compaction or erosion, maintaining impact attenuation performance. Too dry or too wet conditions can reduce the surfacing's protective properties. Inspectors should monitor moisture especially after rain. playgroundsafety.org
What is the typical frequency for a thorough periodic inspection?
Weekly
Monthly
Annually
Daily
Monthly periodic inspections provide a detailed review of all playground components, surfacing, and site conditions. This frequency aligns with CPSC and ASTM recommendations beyond daily safety checks. Thorough inspections catch developing hazards. cpsc.gov
Which ASTM standard covers impact attenuation testing of playground surfaces?
ASTM F1951
ASTM F1487
ASTM F1292
ASTM D3551
ASTM F1292 specifies performance requirements and test methods for impact attenuation of surfacing materials under and around playground equipment. It defines critical fall height and acceptable Head Injury Criterion (HIC) levels. Compliance ensures appropriate cushioning. astm.org
What test apparatus is used to determine critical fall height on playground surfacing?
Headform impact tester
Dynamic cone penetrometer
Triaxial compression tester
Portable penetrometer
A headform impact tester simulates a child's head impacting the surface to measure deceleration and calculate critical fall height. ASTM F1292 outlines the test setup and procedures. Accurate testing ensures surfacing meets safety criteria. astm.org
Rung spacing on vertical ladders must not exceed:
13 inches
16 inches
12 inches
10 inches
ASTM F1487 requires that vertical ladder rungs are spaced no more than 12 inches apart to reduce the risk of falls. Consistent rung spacing allows children to climb safely. Inspectors measure spacing during detailed inspections. playgroundsafety.org
Maximum rope loop diameter allowed to prevent entanglement is:
4 inches
6 inches
5 inches
3 inches
Rope loops larger than 3 inches in diameter can entangle children's heads or limbs. ASTM guidelines limit loop sizes to prevent snag hazards. Inspectors examine all ropes and netting for compliance. playgroundsafety.org
Under ASTM F1487, transfer systems should be no higher than:
30 inches
24 inches
18 inches
36 inches
Transfer systems provide accessible play transitions and must not exceed 24 inches in platform height. This maximizes reachability and safety for children with mobility devices. Inspectors verify height with tape measures. cpsc.gov
Which border material is recommended to contain loose-fill surfacing?
Metal edging
Loose gravel
Concrete railroad ties
Wood timbers
Pressure-treated wood timbers are commonly used to contain loose-fill surfacing, providing a durable, rot-resistant border. They prevent material migration and maintain safety zones. Inspectors check borders for stability and separation. playgroundsafety.org
According to ADA, the clear ground space for a wheelchair adjacent to play equipment must be at least:
36 x 48 inches
30 x 48 inches
32 x 48 inches
40 x 54 inches
ADA Accessibility Guidelines specify a minimum clear ground space of 36 by 48 inches to accommodate wheelchairs at play components. This space allows transfer and positioning for children with disabilities. Inspectors verify compliance during accessibility reviews. ada.gov
ASTM F1292 requires that the HIC value of playground surfacing should not exceed:
300
400
100
200
A Head Injury Criterion (HIC) value of 200 or less is required under ASTM F1292 to ensure the surfacing adequately reduces deceleration forces during impact. Values above 200 may indicate insufficient cushioning. Regular testing confirms performance. astm.org
For routine inspections, inspectors should check for:
Loose or missing hardware
Nearby traffic
Tree root hazards
Chemical spills
Routine inspections focus on visible hazards such as loose or missing hardware, damaged components, or sharp edges. These checks occur daily or weekly before use. Detecting and correcting fastener issues prevents equipment failure. cpsc.gov
The pendulum impact test in ASTM F1292 must be conducted at what percentage of the critical fall height?
50%
100%
75%
125%
ASTM F1292 requires that impact tests using a pendulum headform be conducted at 100% of the declared critical fall height. This ensures the surfacing can withstand the maximum anticipated drop. Testing at the design height validates appropriate safety margins. astm.org
Which of the following is NOT a component of a life-cycle inspection?
Check for fastener torque
Material testing for chemical content
Functional test of moving parts
Visual check for damage
Life-cycle inspections include visual checks, functional testing, and torque verification of fasteners but do not typically involve chemical analysis of materials. They focus on wear, structural integrity, and component performance over time. Material chemistry testing is specialized and not routine. playgroundsafety.org
What is the minimum required documentation retention period for playground inspections in most jurisdictions?
1 year
7 years
5 years
3 years
Many jurisdictions recommend retaining inspection records for at least three years to meet liability and regulatory requirements. This period allows tracking of maintenance history and hazard trends. Longer retention may apply based on local regulations. cpsc.gov
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify Playground Hazards -

    Recognize and categorize common equipment and surfacing dangers to strengthen your foundational knowledge for the CPSI practice test.

  2. Interpret Safety Standards -

    Understand key guidelines from ASTM F1487 and the CPSC Handbook to accurately answer questions on the certified playground safety inspector exam.

  3. Execute Inspection Checklists -

    Apply step-by-step evaluation procedures to methodically assess playground sites during your CPSI practice exam.

  4. Review Performance Feedback -

    Analyze detailed quiz results to pinpoint knowledge gaps and prioritize areas for further study before the cpsi exam.

  5. Develop Exam-Taking Strategies -

    Enhance time management and question-answering techniques to boost confidence and accuracy on the certified playground safety inspector practice exam.

Cheat Sheet

  1. ASTM F1487 Equipment Standards -

    Review the ASTM F1487 guidelines that govern playground equipment design, materials, and installation. For example, ensure elevated platforms over 30 inches have guardrails at least 38 inches high with openings no larger than 3.5 inches to prevent head entrapment (source: ASTM International).

  2. Surfacing & Impact Attenuation (ASTM F1292) -

    Understand how to evaluate critical fall height (CFH) and measure G-max and HIC values to confirm surfacing meets ASTM F1292 limits (G-max ≤200; HIC ≤1000). A simple mnemonic is "Soft Under Every Fall" to remind inspectors to test multiple spots at differing depths.

  3. Entrapment & Entanglement Hazards -

    Learn the 2-2-2 rule: no openings 2½ - 3½ inches wide to avoid head entrapment, and no protrusions or hardware that could catch clothing or drawstrings. Always check slide exits, climber rungs, and guardrail openings against CPSC entrapment charts.

  4. ADA Accessibility Requirements -

    Familiarize yourself with ADAAG guidelines for ramps, transfer systems and pathways; slopes must be ≤5% and landings at least 60×60 inches. Remember "Pathway Pride": consistent width (36 inches minimum) and stable, firm surfacing for wheelchair access (source: ADA.gov).

  5. Inspection Frequency & Documentation -

    Master the CPSI inspection schedule: monthly general checks, quarterly detailed inspections, and annual comprehensive reviews. Use the ABCDE mnemonic - Anchorage, Bracing, Connections, Deterioration, Exposure - to ensure consistent reporting and gap analysis on your cpsi practice exam checklists.

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