The National Playground Contractors Association (NPCAI) is a professional association that actively works towards advancing the recreation construction industry by promoting qualified and dedicated contracting professionals who contribute to the design, installation, and maintenance of parks, playgrounds, sports and recreation environments.
NPCAI membership is open to any professional in the recreation installation industry who installs, inspects, maintains, manufactures, distributes, re-sells or designs any products for play and recreation environments. NPCAI also welcomes industry affiliate organizations to join.
Aside from general member benefits such as a subscription to the e-newsletter, access to multiple insurance programs and the right of entry to members-only online content, NPCAI members are provided with exceptional professional development opportunities as a benefit to their membership.
NPCAI members have access to top-notch certification programs that not only provide them with continuing education throughout their careers to help them stay up-to-date on industry standards and trends but also provide them with added credibility to stay at the forefront of the industry.
NPCAI’s Recreation Installation Specialist Certification (RISC) program is a two-day course held multiple times per year in various locations across the United States. RISC consists of a comprehensive curriculum designed to focus on the necessary knowledge and skills one should possess to be an informed installation leader in the industry. The RISC course covers topics such as:
- playground site design
- pre-construction procedures
- job site safety
- blueprints and specifications
- pre-manufactured equipment
- installation manuals and techniques
- job tools and materials
- safety surfacing
- standards and guidelines for the playground industry
- and more!
RISC participants are given the opportunity to participate in group discussion and classroom activities during the certification course. The RISC program allows participants to present their toughest and most unique industry challenges to a classroom filled with experienced playground professionals.
Another program offered to NPCAI members is the Qualified Contractors program. NPCAI’s Qualified Contractors program is designed to pre-qualify contractors to industry standards for their business operation. All participants fulfilling the program’s requirements receive exclusive permission to use the NPCAI Qualified Contractor emblem on printed and digital material, like company invoices, business cards, letterheads, websites, and social media. All Qualified Contractors information is available in a searchable, public database located on NPCAI’s website, making it easier than ever for the public to find qualified professionals that do the job right! The Qualified Contractors program is truly a great way for professionals to market themselves.
To learn about the qualifications one must meet to become an NPCAI Qualified Contractor, please visit www.playground-contractors.org
Recreation Installation Specialist Certification (RISC)
The National Association of Playground Contractors, Inc. (NPCAI) leadership dedicated time and resources to elevating the Recreation Installation Specialist Certification (RISC) program to make certain that participants are receiving the highest-quality program possible.
“We are committed to ensuring that the RISC program follows best practices for certification programs,” explains NPCAI President Edward Miller, who also said that NPCAI hopes to eventually have its own ASTM standards for installation.
NPCAI requires all RISC participants to successfully complete the following steps prior to participating in the certification course:
- Complete Registration Form
- Abide by NPCAI’s Code of Conduct
- Adhere to NPCAI’s Rules and Regulations
NPCAI’s RISC course is a two-day course held multiple times per year in various locations across the United States. RISC consists of a comprehensive curriculum designed to focus on the necessary knowledge and skills one should possess to be an informed installation leader in the industry. To view a complete list of topics covered during the RISC course, please visit www.playground-contractors.org.
For more information about the RISC program, please contact the NPCAI Certification Coordinator Kelly Clark at 717.724.0594 or [email protected]. The 2019 RISC course schedule is being set. Visit www.playground-contractors.org for dates and locations.
