CPSI Exam Prep Free practice test →

Free CPSI Practice Questions

10 free, exam-style Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) practice questions with answers and explanations. No signup required. Work through them below, then take the full free CPSI practice test to study every exam domain.

The CPSI exam has 100 questions and runs 2 hours.

These 10 free CPSI questions are organized by exam domain, so you can see how each part of the Certified Playground Safety Inspector blueprint is tested. Reveal the answer and explanation under each question.

Domain 1: Design and Installation (15 questions, 15%)

Question 1

During equipment installation, the contractor discovers that the manufacturer's installation specifications are MORE restrictive than ASTM F1487 requirements. Which standard should be followed?

  1. ASTM F1487 - it represents the minimum acceptable industry standard
  2. The CPSC Handbook - it provides the most current safety guidelines
  3. The manufacturer's specifications - they take precedence when more restrictive
  4. Local building codes - they override all manufacturer and ASTM requirements
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C - The manufacturer's specifications - they take precedence when more restrictive

Domain 2: Audit and Inspection (59 questions, 59%)

Question 2

During a low-frequency inspection, an inspector measures a guardrail opening at 5 inches. This opening presents:

  1. A hazard only for children under age 2 due to size restrictions
  2. A protrusion hazard but not an entrapment hazard for safety
  3. A head entrapment hazard - it falls within the 3.5 to 9 inch range
  4. No hazard since it exceeds the minimum clearance requirements
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C - A head entrapment hazard - it falls within the 3.5 to 9 inch range

Question 3

An inspector measures a platform at 42 inches above the surfacing on equipment for ages 2-5. There is a guardrail but no barrier. What is the finding?

  1. Non-compliant - equipment for ages 2-5 at 42 inches requires a barrier, not just a guardrail
  2. Compliant - guardrail is present above 30 inches
  3. Compliant - 42 inches does not require a barrier for any age group
  4. Non-compliant - equipment for ages 2-5 should not have platforms above 36 inches
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A - Non-compliant - equipment for ages 2-5 at 42 inches requires a barrier, not just a guardrail

Question 4

An inspector finds a bolt protruding 1/4 inch (0.25 inches) beyond the nut on the side of a slide in the entanglement zone. This is:

  1. Compliant if the bolt has a rounded end
  2. Compliant - 1/4 inch is within acceptable limits
  3. Non-compliant - exceeds maximum protrusion limits
  4. Only a concern if the bolt is sharp
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C - Non-compliant - exceeds maximum protrusion limits

Question 5

During a low-frequency inspection, an inspector measures EWF depth at 7 inches under a swing with a 10-foot fall height. The EWF was tested for a 12-inch depth to achieve a 10-foot critical fall height. This finding means:

  1. The surfacing is compliant if supplemented with additional EWF material to reach 12 inches
  2. This is only a concern if the swing experiences heavy usage patterns
  3. The surfacing is non-compliant - the depth is significantly below the tested 12-inch requirement
  4. The surfacing is compliant provided the 7-inch depth maintains proper compaction levels
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C - The surfacing is non-compliant - the depth is significantly below the tested 12-inch requirement

Question 6

During a playground safety audit, a CPSI notes: (1) a bolt with two threads exposed on a platform side, (2) a head entrapment in a spring rocker footrest, (3) an S-hook with top loop overlapping the bottom loop, (4) a bolt protruding 1/4 inch from a slide side. Which are COMPLIANT with ASTM F1487?

  1. 1 and 3 only
  2. 3 and 4 only
  3. 1 and 2 only
  4. 2 and 4 only
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A - 1 and 3 only

Question 7

When an inspector's feeler gauge reads 0.04 inches at an S-hook gap, the S-hook is:

  1. Non-compliant - the gap exceeds the maximum allowable safety standard
  2. At the maximum allowable limit - technically compliant but should be monitored
  3. Compliant but requires immediate adjustment to prevent future issues
  4. Within acceptable range but approaching the upper threshold for safety
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B - At the maximum allowable limit - technically compliant but should be monitored

Domain 3: Maintenance (11 questions, 11%)

Question 8

An inspector identifies a head entrapment hazard on a climber. A warning sign is posted. Is this an adequate response?

  1. Yes - if the sign is at adult eye level
  2. Yes - signage warns users of the hazard
  3. No - physical barriers are required
  4. Yes - for hazards that are not Priority 1
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C - No - physical barriers are required

Domain 4: Risk Management, Documentation, and Reporting (10 questions, 10%)

Question 9

The distinction between a 'challenge' and a 'hazard' in playground design is:

  1. Challenges are for older children; hazards are for younger children
  2. There is no meaningful distinction between the two
  3. Challenges require guardrails; hazards require barriers
  4. A challenge is a visible, choosable risk; a hazard is hidden or unassessable
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: D - A challenge is a visible, choosable risk; a hazard is hidden or unassessable

Question 10

The four elements of negligence are:

  1. Duty, breach, causation, and damages
  2. Warning, prevention, mitigation, and response
  3. Intent, action, result, and penalty
  4. Design, installation, inspection, and maintenance
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A - Duty, breach, causation, and damages

Ready for the real thing?

Practice hundreds more CPSI questions with instant scoring, weak-area drills, and full exam simulations.

Start the free practice test See pricing