Certified Playground Safety Inspector
CPSI Sample Exam Questions with
Correct Answers 2026-2027
1. To be compliant with ASTM 1487, a designer or manufacturer of playground equipment should -
CORRECT ANSWER -provide buyers with a parts list for the playground
2. The fish or wedge probe is used to determine whether or not a hazard exists on -
CORRECT ANSWER -a partially bounded opening
3. Which of the following is correct regarding the impact-attenuation of surfacing material -
CORRECT ANSWER -Critical height must equal or exceed fall height
4. When evaluating the structural integrity of a support structure for a swing that appears to be failing
, a CPSI should - CORRECT ANSWER -
hire a licensed professional engineer to certify the integrity of the equipment
5. Manufacturers of playground equipment must: provide the manufacturer's identification of the equi
pment - CORRECT ANSWER -
6. The majority of injuries associated with playground equipment result from - CORRECT ANSWER -
falls to the surface on which the equipment was located
7. An opening may present a common crush or shear hazard only if it - CORRECT ANSWER -
grabs the 5/8" (16mm) dowel
8. The criteria for unitary surface materials includes meeting requirements of - CORRECT ANSWER -
ASTM F1292 and F1487
9. Regarding playground safety signage, which of the following is correct - CORRECT ANSWER -
Signage may not prevent accidents but may reduce liability
, 10. Which of the followingGfactors is MOST important when determining the frequency of inspections
of surfacing - CORRECT ANSWER -Type of surfacing and amount of use
11. When planning a playground for public use, the play equipment that is chosen must -
CORRECT ANSWER -be appropriate for the age of intended users
12. A spring rocker with seat height of 26" is about to be installed adjacent to the side of a fully enclos
ed bucket swing set. The minimum distance required between the swing set and the rocker is -
CORRECT ANSWER -108" or 9'
13. The Site History File for a playground should contains - CORRECT ANSWER -
a comprehensive inventory of all equipment, a parts list, maintenance, and inspection recommendatio
ns
14. What is the minimum use zone between a stand-alone climber and a standing-
rocking/springing playground piece - CORRECT ANSWER -156" or 13'
15. The of each play structure shall provide clear and concise inspection instructions -
CORRECT ANSWER -Manufacturer
16. Heights of guardrails and protective barriers are determined by which of the following characteristi
cs of children - CORRECT ANSWER -Center of gravity
17. Which of the followingGis allowed on a public playground - CORRECT ANSWER -
Swinging exercise rings less than 7" in length are approved for public playgrounds
18. A component on stationary equipment that fits within a projection gauge and extends beyond the
face of the gauge is technically defined as a - CORRECT ANSWER -protrusion
19. According to the CPSC, which of the following statements is correct - CORRECT ANSWER -
The use zone is the area under and around the equipment where protective surfacing is required
CPSI Sample Exam Questions with
Correct Answers 2026-2027
1. To be compliant with ASTM 1487, a designer or manufacturer of playground equipment should -
CORRECT ANSWER -provide buyers with a parts list for the playground
2. The fish or wedge probe is used to determine whether or not a hazard exists on -
CORRECT ANSWER -a partially bounded opening
3. Which of the following is correct regarding the impact-attenuation of surfacing material -
CORRECT ANSWER -Critical height must equal or exceed fall height
4. When evaluating the structural integrity of a support structure for a swing that appears to be failing
, a CPSI should - CORRECT ANSWER -
hire a licensed professional engineer to certify the integrity of the equipment
5. Manufacturers of playground equipment must: provide the manufacturer's identification of the equi
pment - CORRECT ANSWER -
6. The majority of injuries associated with playground equipment result from - CORRECT ANSWER -
falls to the surface on which the equipment was located
7. An opening may present a common crush or shear hazard only if it - CORRECT ANSWER -
grabs the 5/8" (16mm) dowel
8. The criteria for unitary surface materials includes meeting requirements of - CORRECT ANSWER -
ASTM F1292 and F1487
9. Regarding playground safety signage, which of the following is correct - CORRECT ANSWER -
Signage may not prevent accidents but may reduce liability
, 10. Which of the followingGfactors is MOST important when determining the frequency of inspections
of surfacing - CORRECT ANSWER -Type of surfacing and amount of use
11. When planning a playground for public use, the play equipment that is chosen must -
CORRECT ANSWER -be appropriate for the age of intended users
12. A spring rocker with seat height of 26" is about to be installed adjacent to the side of a fully enclos
ed bucket swing set. The minimum distance required between the swing set and the rocker is -
CORRECT ANSWER -108" or 9'
13. The Site History File for a playground should contains - CORRECT ANSWER -
a comprehensive inventory of all equipment, a parts list, maintenance, and inspection recommendatio
ns
14. What is the minimum use zone between a stand-alone climber and a standing-
rocking/springing playground piece - CORRECT ANSWER -156" or 13'
15. The of each play structure shall provide clear and concise inspection instructions -
CORRECT ANSWER -Manufacturer
16. Heights of guardrails and protective barriers are determined by which of the following characteristi
cs of children - CORRECT ANSWER -Center of gravity
17. Which of the followingGis allowed on a public playground - CORRECT ANSWER -
Swinging exercise rings less than 7" in length are approved for public playgrounds
18. A component on stationary equipment that fits within a projection gauge and extends beyond the
face of the gauge is technically defined as a - CORRECT ANSWER -protrusion
19. According to the CPSC, which of the following statements is correct - CORRECT ANSWER -
The use zone is the area under and around the equipment where protective surfacing is required
