The CPRP Exam

Certification Examination Details

The national CPRP examination is designed to assess the core knowledge of job-related tasks common to entry-level professionals in the field of parks and recreation. The test is based on the results of a job analysis, and the content outline is a reflection of the role of hundreds of recreation and park professionals. Each year’s examination exactly matches the content outline, and all test questions have been unanimously approved by a committee of subject matter experts.

Location of exams 
Pearson VUE offers over 5000 testing centers worldwide including 1500 in the United States.
            1. The exam is offered throughout the United States and internationally.  It is administered via computerized test designated Pearson VUE testing centers. For a list of testing centers nearest you, go to www.pearsonvue.com/nrpa, or call 1-866-362-2965
            2. If you are testing internationally please designate this on your application. 

Exam date
Candidates schedule their own date with the testing company. The exam can be taken Monday-Saturday, year-round. 

Exam content 
            1. Sample questions to familiarize you with the exam structure and computerized testing (not scored) 
            2. 150 test questions, including 125 upon which your score will be based, and 25 randomly inserted questions that will not be scored, but are being validated for possible future exam use 
            3. Content areas include general administration (41 questions), programming (49 questions) and operations management (35 questions)

Passing Score for the Exam
Passing scores are re-evaluated annually and are based on how difficult that year’s test is determined to be by subject matter experts. This means that the number of correct answers needed to pass may vary slightly from year to year; the number of correct answers to pass the test over recent years has generally been within a few points of 85 (out of 125 questions). Test results are provided to you on-site. You will receive a separate score per content area, and a total score; you will not be provided individual question results.

Special Accomodations
The NRPA is committed to ensuring that no individual with a disability is deprived of the opportunity to take the examination solely by reason of that disability. A candidate who has a disability may request special accommodations; the request must be submitted in writing at the time of application. The request form can be downloaded here. 

Candidates with English as a Second Language
Candidates with English as a second language are authorized to use of the time extension or translation dictionary accommodation. All ESL Request forms must be submitted to NRPA at least 30 days prior to the exam date. NRPA will notify the candidate within 10 business days if their request is approved.  For more information please download the request form here.

Study materials 
            1. Read the Candidate Handbook for details relating to the exam and procedural details. 
            2. Purchase a CPRP Study Guide from the NRPA store
            3. Take the CPRP Practice Exam

Following Successful Completion of the Examination
Candidates will obtain a score report with their score directly following exam completion. If the candidate has passed the examination they will receive a certificate from NRPA within one to two months. If the candidate is not successful in their attempt they will receive information on how to schedule a re-test.

For questions or further information on certification, please email us at certification@nrpa.org