CPSI Practice Exam Questions And

Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) Practice Exam Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• What is the primary purpose of a surfacing system under playground

equipment?

• To improve aesthetics
• To prevent equipment damage
• To reduce the risk of injury from falls
• To increase equipment lifespan

Rationale: The main purpose of playground surfacing is to cushion

falls and reduce injury severity.

• What is the maximum allowable height for playground equipment

designed for children 2-5 years old? 1 / 4

• 72 inches
• 60 inches
• 48 inches
• 36 inches

Rationale: Equipment for children 2-5 years old should not exceed 48

inches to minimize fall risk.

• Which of the following is considered an acceptable loose-fill surfacing

material?

• Concrete
• Engineered wood fiber
• Asphalt
• Grass

Rationale: Engineered wood fiber is approved as a loose-fill surfacing

material because it provides cushioning for falls.

• What is the minimum critical fall height a playground surface must

protect for equipment 6 feet high?

• 2 feet
• 3 feet
• 6 feet
• 8 feet

Rationale: Critical fall height is equal to the height of the highest

accessible part of the equipment, so the surfacing must protect from that height. 2 / 4

• Which spacing requirement prevents head entrapment on playground

equipment?

• 3-5 inches
• 6-8 inches
• 3.5-9 inches
• 10-12 inches

Rationale: Openings between 3.5 and 9 inches can trap a child's head

and are therefore considered unsafe.

• What is the minimum depth for loose-fill surfacing under equipment 6

feet high?

• 6 inches
• 8 inches
• 12 inches
• 18 inches

Rationale: ASTM standards require 12 inches of loose-fill material

under 6-foot equipment to provide adequate cushioning.

• What is the required use zone for swings?
• 2 times the height of the swing
• 2 times the height plus 6 feet
• 1.5 times the height
• 1.5 times the height plus 4 feet

Rationale: Swings require a use zone extending 2 times the swing 3 / 4

height in the front and back, plus 6 feet minimum to prevent collisions.

• How often should a playground be inspected by a CPSI-certified

professional?

• Monthly
• Annually
• Every 5 years
• Every 10 years

Rationale: Annual inspections by a certified inspector ensure

compliance with safety standards and identify hazards.

• Which of the following is considered a pinch point hazard?
• A smooth slide
• Spaces between moving parts where fingers can be caught
• Loose mulch
• A swing seat

Rationale: Pinch points are areas where body parts, such as fingers,

can be caught and injured.

• What type of surfacing is prohibited under the Consumer

Product Safety Commission (CPSC) guidelines?

• Sand
• Engineered wood fiber
• Rubber tiles
• Concrete
• / 4