CPSI Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CPSI facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Which of the following best describes a "use zone" in playground safety? → The ground-level area beneath and around playground equipment.
2. When testing for protrusions on a moving component, such as a chain on a suspension bridge, which protrusion gauge should be used? → The 0.5" diameter gauge.
3. A maintenance crew replaces worn protective surfacing but does not compact it. What hazard does this create? → Reduced impact attenuation until surfacing settles properly
4. A CPSI observes water pooling under a slide after rain. The most immediate hazard concern is: → Slip-and-fall hazard at the slide exit
5. Under ASTM F1487, what is the minimum height of a guardrail required on a platform accessible via a climber for school-age children at 84 inches elevation? → 38 inches
6. Which maintenance record element is MOST critical for establishing a legal defense if a playground injury lawsuit is filed? → Dated, signed documentation of each inspection and corrective action
7. When evaluating a playground's age-zone separation, a CPSI should consider all of the following EXCEPT: → The brand name of the equipment manufacturer
8. Under ASTM F1487, what is the maximum height permitted for the pivot point of a seesaw (fulcrum height) designed for children ages 2–5? → 24 inches
9. Which legal doctrine can protect a municipality from playground injury lawsuits by shielding discretionary governmental decisions? → Sovereign immunity
10. What handrail height range is required on playground ramps per ADA guidelines? → 20 to 28 inches
11. Which of the following is NOT typically evaluated as part of an entrapment and protrusion hazard inspection under CPSI standards? → The color of the playground equipment finish
12. What does ASTM F1951 measure to determine if playground surfacing is accessible? → Work per foot traveled on the surface
13. A horizontal ladder has rungs spaced 18 inches apart. What entrapment concern, if any, do the spaces between the rungs present? → Head entrapment — if rung diameter and spacing create an opening within 3.5–9 inches
14. What is the primary purpose of maintaining a playground inspection logbook with dated, signed entries? → To document due diligence and demonstrate reasonable care was exercised
15. What is the minimum turning space diameter required for wheelchair maneuvering on accessible routes within play areas? → 60 inches
16. On a playground designed for children ages 2–5, what is the maximum platform height above the safety surface? → 48 inches
17. ASTM F1292 testing is performed at the 'critical fall height' of the equipment. How is critical fall height defined? → The maximum height from which a child could fall to the surfacing
18. Which environmental factor should a CPSI inspector always consider when evaluating natural shade trees within a playground use zone? → Whether overhanging branches, roots, or falling debris create hazards within the use zone
19. What is the minimum depth of unitary rubber surfacing required to meet fall-height standards when installed over a hard surface such as asphalt? → The manufacturer's tested depth for the intended fall height
20. Which ASTM F1487 dimension defines the lower boundary of the head entrapment zone? → 3.5 inches
21. According to ASTM F1487, what is the minimum width of an egress path from a slide exit zone to the surrounding use zone? → 4 feet
22. Under ASTM F1487, which of the following is classified as an 'elevated surface' requiring fall zone consideration? → Any platform 20 inches or more above the protective surface
23. ASTM F3101 addresses which type of playground equipment? → Net and rope structures
24. What is the recommended maximum height for playground equipment intended for children ages 2–5 (preschool) according to CPSC guidelines? → 4 feet
25. What is the minimum depth of unitary rubber surfacing typically required to meet ASTM F1292 at a fall height of 10 feet? → It depends on the manufacturer's drop test data
26. A CPSI inspector is reviewing a playground where a 2–5 zone is located directly downhill from a 5–12 zone. What specific risk should be documented? → Older children or equipment pieces may roll or slide into the toddler zone due to grade
27. When two swings are installed side-by-side on the same structure, how should the use zones be treated? → The use zones may overlap only between the two swings but not with other equipment
28. A horizontal ladder is installed at 84 inches high for school-age children. What is the required fall zone depth of protective surfacing beneath it? → The depth depends on the fall height, not a fixed value
29. According to ASTM F1487, what is the minimum clearance required between the bottom of a swing seat (in its resting position) and the protective surfacing? → 16 inches
30. What type of swing seat is specifically prohibited on tot-lot equipment intended for children ages 2-5 under ASTM F1487? → Animal-figure swings