Certification is valid for three years. To renew certification, individuals must demonstrate playground safety and children’s play areas knowledge and safety inspection competency. This credential is designed for professionals working to keep children safe. The safety inspection involves identifying and ranking hazards on public play areas and playground equipment according to injury potential, removal of hazardous situations, safety of playground surfacing materials, and establishing playground risk reduction programs.

Renewing your certification will enable you to update skills and stay informed with current standards, guidelines, and regulations. Candidates must meet recertification requirements and pass a detailed on-site playground safety inspection.

Certification Transition and Alignment Policy

NPPAS ensures that all inspectors receive current, research‑based training aligned with national safety guidelines and established standards.

Certified or recertified prior to January 1, 2024

Individuals who achieved certification or recertification before 1/1/2024 are eligible to recertify with NPPAS.

Certifications expired prior to December 30, 2023

Individuals whose certification expired before 12/30/2023 are not eligible for recertification unless they have remained professionally active as a playground safety inspector.

Certified with NPPS between December 16, 2023 and June 30, 2026

Individuals certified during this period must email PlaySafe@NPPAS.org with a written statement and submit official proof of certification. All applicants will be reviewed and evaluated on a case‑by‑case basis.