The CPRE exam is 150 questions (125 scored, 25 unscored pretest) and covers five core competencies: Communication, Finance, Human Resources, Operations, Planning & Policy. The exam includes a set of unscored sample questions to familiarize candidates with the structure.
The computer-based exam is administered through PSI Services Professional Testing Company and is available at testing centers across the U.S. and internationally. Applicants will have one year from the time of registration to take the CPRE exam. To prepare for the exam, applicants are highly encouraged to review the CPRE Candidate Handbook. Exam results are provided on-site at the conclusion of the exam.
Important Notice: Update concerning Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
View a list of all of the currently closed computer-based testing sites and tentative reopen dates.
Find A Test Center Near You
In order to assure the relevancy of the Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE) examination, a Job Analysis is conducted approximately every 5 years. The National Certification Board and NRPA completed a CPRP and CPRE Job Analysis in 2021.
The CPRE examination is based on the outcomes of the Job Analysis. The resulting exam content outline is a reflection of the role of hundreds of park and recreation professionals. Please review the current exam content outlines in the Candidate Handbook linked below.
CPRE Candidate Handbook
Frequently asked questions:
Will I be able to use the Management of Park and Recreation Agencies 4th Ed. to prepare for the exam after April 1, 2022?
For best results it is recommended to use the most recent edition whenever possible, if you have recently purchased the 4th edition, please know that although the outline has changed, the 4th edition is still extremely relevant when preparing for the new examination.
I no longer want to take the CPRE exam can I have a refund?
Please contact NRPA Certification Staff at certification@nrpa.org to see if you are eligible for a full refund of your exam and application fees. Once a candidate has completed their application and has been processed by the testing company, they are eligible for a refund of exam fees only if they have not scheduled their examination and their examination deadline has not passed, with the exception of an extreme personal emergency.
Can I get an extension on the deadline to take my exam?
A 3-month extension may be requested for any reason with the submission of an Exam Extension Application, which includes an additional fee. Eligible candidates must submit the Exam Extension Application prior to their exam expiration date and must either not have a currently scheduled testing session or have the ability to reschedule their current testing session. If an extension is granted, a letter will be sent to the applicant stating their new exam deadline as 3 months from the present deadline.
If a serious health condition or extreme personal emergency has prevented an individual from completing the exam prior to their exam expiration date, a request for extension with a fee waiver may be submitted along with supporting documentation (i.e. a letter from the treating physician confirming fitness to practice). If an extension is granted, a letter will be sent to the applicant stating their new exam deadline as one year from the present deadline.
Retesting
If you failed your exam or your CPRE certification is expiring, you are eligible to apply for the CPRE exam only. For more information on eligibility please contact the NRPA certification team.
Apply For The Exam Only
For questions or further information on certification, please email us at certification@nrpa.org
