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. What does ASTM F1951 measure to determine if playground surfacing is accessible? → Work per foot traveled on the surface
4. 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
5. Which ASTM F1487 dimension defines the lower boundary of the head entrapment zone? → 3.5 inches
6. ASTM F3101 addresses which type of playground equipment? → Net and rope structures
7. 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
8. What type of swing seat is specifically prohibited on tot-lot equipment intended for children ages 2-5 under ASTM F1487? → Animal-figure swings
9. A playground has a tire swing. What is the required use zone around the tire swing? → 6 feet in all directions from the pivot point
10. What is the critical fall height (CFH) of a piece of playground equipment? → The maximum height from which a child could fall onto a protective surface
11. A playground site plan shows a slide oriented so that children exit facing direct sunlight for most of the afternoon. What concern should the CPSI raise? → Both sun glare and thermal hazard are concerns worth noting
12. What hazard category does inadequate protective surfacing fall under? → Impact attenuation hazard with potential for traumatic brain injury from falls
13. What is the critical fall height (CFH) of a piece of playground equipment? → The maximum height from which a child could fall onto a protective surface
14. What does ASTM F1487 specify about the clearance zone below overhead ladder equipment? → A minimum 7-foot clearance below the equipment must be maintained free of obstructions
15. Which of the following is a key safety requirement for swing hangers under ASTM F1487? → Swing hangers must allow independent movement of adjacent swings to prevent entanglement
16. A gap in playground equipment is considered a potential entrapment hazard if it measures within which of the following ranges? → Between 3.5 inches and 9 inches
17. Which of the following design elements is explicitly identified as a potential entanglement hazard on playground equipment according to ASTM F1487? → A bolt end that projects perpendicular from a post with no threads showing.
18. What is the maximum installation height for upper body equipment (overhead ladders) under ASTM F1487? → 84 inches
19. At what age does a child typically transition from ASTM F2373 (6-23 month) equipment to ASTM F1487 (2-5) equipment? → 2 years
20. Transfer platforms required by ADA for elevated play components must be what height range? → 11 to 18 inches
21. What does a CPSI look for when assessing the structural integrity of a welded playground structure? → Cracks in welds, corrosion at weld points, deformation, and evidence of fatigue failure
22. According to CPSC guidelines, what minimum depth of engineered wood fiber (EWF) is required to provide fall protection at a fall height of 10 feet? → 12 inches (30 cm)
23. What is the minimum use zone required beyond the low end of a slide exit? → 6 feet
24. What are the three types of playground inspections recognized in the CPSC Handbook? → Routine/operational, periodic, and high-level/comprehensive
25. ASTM F1487 is the primary equipment standard. What does it specifically govern? → Public playground equipment for ages 2-12
26. Which type of surfacing poses the highest risk of injury due to falls? → Grass or dirt.
27. Under which condition is the overlapping of use zones generally NOT permitted? → Between the exit of a slide and the use zone of a swing.
28. Which of the following is the MOST critical reason for maintaining detailed records of all playground inspections, maintenance, and repairs? → To provide a documented history of care and diligence.
29. On a free-standing climbing wall, handgripping and foot-placing components must not protrude more than how many inches from the climbing surface? → 3.5 inches (89 mm)
30. Which type of playground inspection focuses specifically on the structural integrity of equipment components and typically requires hands-on testing? → Periodic maintenance inspection