Certified Access Specialist program (CASp) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Click on a question to read the answer:
How do I apply into the CASp program?
You start the online application process by creating a CASp Account, User Profile, and establishing a username and password at the following link:
https://www.apps.dgs.ca.gov/casp/casp_main.aspx. Once you have created your CASp Account, you can begin the application process by completing form DSA-600: Voluntary CASp Candidate Eligibiity and Certification Renewal Application (PDF - 101 KB). Carefully read all instructions before completing the application.
Will I still be able to apply by mail?
Yes, applying by mail is still an option. You will be able to access a copy of the application or form DSA-600 for download from https://www.apps.dgs.ca.gov/casp/casp_main.aspx. Complete the application form; print, sign, date, and mail the form with your payment of $500.00 to DSA. You may also apply by mail using the application form online; printing it once you have completed the application. The application fee is non-refundable. Carefully read all instructions before completing form DSA-600.
How much is the application fee?
The application fee is $500.00. This fee is non-refundable, payable upon application into the program, and is used to cover the cost of completing the application approval process. You can use our secure pay-on-line system when paying by credit card. The DSA currently accepts Visa and MasterCard. Mail all payments by check to DSA using the address indicated on Page 2 of the Instructions for form DSA-600. Your completed application (form DSA-600) must be included with your check.
How do I register for the CASp program examination?
Once you have been notified of acceptance into the program, log in with your established username and password at https://www.apps.dgs.ca.gov/casp/casp_main.aspx. Select the "CASp Exam Schedule" tab from the main menu. Select the date, time, and place of the examination you wish to attend. You can apply online using a Visa or MasterCard. The examination fee is non-refundable. Instructions are included with the form.
Will I still be able to register for an examination by mail?
Yes, registration by mail is still an option. You will be able to access a copy of the registration form for download from https://www.apps.dgs.ca.gov/casp/casp_main.aspx. Complete the registration form; print and mail the form with your payment of $800.00 to DSA. The examination fee is nonrefundable. Instructions are included with the form.
How much is the registration fee?
The registration fee for the candidate examination is $800.00. This non-refundable fee will cover the examination administration process and must be paid at the time of registering for the examination. You can use our secure pay-on-line system at https://www.apps.dgs.ca.gov/casp/casp_main.aspx when paying by Visa or MasterCard. Mail all payments by check to DSA along with the registration form.
Is there a registration deadline?
The registration deadline appears near the examination announcement date; however, the deadline is generally four weeks ahead of the examination date.
Will I receive a confirmation?
Yes, your application and also registration confirmations will be displayed at the end of the online process. You may want to print the confirmation for your records. If you applied and registered by mail, and included an email address on your forms, both confirmations will be sent to your email address. If an email address is not provided on your forms, your confirmations will be mailed to the address indicated on the forms.
What if I do not see an examination date or location that meets my needs?
Email CASprogram@dgs.ca.gov or call the CASp Unit at 916.323.2737.
What is the cancellation policy for examination registration?
If you have registered for an examination and are unable to attend, you must notify the CASp Unit at least 48 hours prior to the examination date. In case of an emergency, credit towards another examination period may be granted on a case-by-case basis. If you do not notify us and/or do not show up for the examination, you will be considered a "no show" and forfeit your payment. The examination registration fee of $800.00 at the time of payment is non-refundable.
How do I prepare for the examination?
Since the examination will be administered to assess each candidate's knowledge of access laws, codes and regulations, you may want to pay attention to the following as the examination may cover a variety of areas including, but not limited to:
- Title II (Public Services), Title III (Public Accommodations and Services Operated by Private Entities) with Appendix A (ADA Standards for Accessible Design), and Title V (Miscellaneous Provisions) of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 USC Chapter 126), and revised regulations of the ADA effective September 15, 2011(2010 Standards for Accessible Design) as published in the Federal register on September 15, 2010.
- Regulations for accessibility throughout all parts of the current edition of the California Code of Regulations, Title 24, California Building Standards Code.
- California Laws for accessibility in the Government Code, Health and Safety Code, and Civil Code.
- Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988 (42 USC Sections 3601-3620) and promulgated technical guidance in the Fair Housing Accessibility Guidelines.
- Architectural Barriers Act of 1968, as amended (42 USC Section 4151 et seq) and promulgating regulations, the Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards (UFAS).
- American National Standard for Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities (ANSI A117.1).
- California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) A Voluntary Model Universal Design Local Ordinance (AB 2787) (Chapter 726 of Statutes of 2002, adopted Section 17959 of the Health & Safety Code) most recent edition.
- HCD New Home Universal Design Checklist (Section 17959.6 of the Health and Safety Code) the most recent edition.
- American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), American Society of Mechanical Engineers A18. 1-2005.
There are also training resources available. The resources listed below, although not mandated by this program, are provided to use as a resource for further understanding about the many aspects of accessibility.
Does this program offer training classes or courses to help in examination preparation?
The CASp program does not conduct any training classes or courses for the preparation of the CASp program examination. Please refer to the program handbook for more information on what will be covered by the examination and and "How do I prepare for the examination?" for a listing of resources for classes from other establishments on state and federal access requirements. The CASp Candidate Handbook (PDF - 72 KB) is posted on the CASp page of the DSA website under "Becoming a Certified Access Specialist."
How do I obtain certification?
The certification process starts with submitting an application to the program together with a required non-refundable fee of $500.00. After successful application into the program, the applicant can then register for an examination, along with an additional non-refundable registration fee of $800.00. Upon successful completion and passing of the CASp examination, together with payment of a non-refundable certification fee of $300.00, you will receive CASp certification confirming competency as a Certified Access Specialist. Your name will then be added to the published list of Certified Access Specialists posted on DSA's website.
When should I renew my certification and how long does DSA have to review my renewal documents?
Processing time for CASp certification renewal is 10 working days. It is suggested renewal begin no later than 90 days prior to the certification expiration date. Renewal documents must be postmarked no later than midnight of the three-year certification expiration date to be considered on-time. Meter stamps are not acceptable as proof of mailing. If any part of the renewal documents is submitted after the expiration date, the entire renewal package may be considered late. CASps who fail to renew on time cannot be performing activities requiring certification while the certification is expired. The three-year renewal period begins from the CASp certification expiration date unless it is a late renewal at which time it begins from the date the renewal is approved and completed.
Can I renew my certification online?
No, at this time we are unable to process the Candidate Certification Renewal Application, Continuing Education Course Verification, Continuing Education Equivalency Petition, and/or the Continuing Education Extension Request online. The renewal process must be completed by mail.
When am I required to complete and submit my continuing education to renew my certification?
Your three-year period to obtain the required 15 hours of CEUs begins immediately proceeding the effective date you are either first certified as a CASp or the date of your last renewal. Please complete form DSA-600: Candidate Certification Renewal (PDF - 134 KB), form DSA-604 Continuing Education Course Verification (PDF - 87 KB), and/or form DSA-605 Continuing Education Equivalency Petition (PDF - 91 KB) which may be found at the respective links by clicking on the form number indicated.
What types of courses qualify for CEUs?
All courses must include technical and practical applications that impact public health, safety, and welfare. The courses must maintain, improve, expand, or enhance the quality of existing technical knowledge, fill voids that may exist in professional education or training, and develop new and relevant technical professional skills and knowledge. The courses must include Federal and State regulatory updates and Universal Design.
What happens if I fail to complete the continuing education requirements prior to the expiration date of my certification?
If you fail to complete all the required units of continuing education, your certification will become invalid for renewal upon expiration. You may request an extension by completing form DSA-606 (PDF - 74 KB) (click on the form number to access the form) requesting an extension; however, extension requests must be made and approved prior to CASp certification expiration. Please submit the request in a timely manner so as to allow for review of your request by the CASp Unit. If granted, the CASp has an additional 90 days, from the certificate expiration date, to furnish evidence showing compliance with all continuing education requirements. The continued practice as a CASp is prohibited until the continuing education is completed and the certification is restored to a valid status.
I received a letter indicating that I have a continuing education deficiency. What should I do?
Continuing education courses must be completed prior to the end of each renewal cycle in order to renew your certification. All CASp are required to complete 15 hours of approved continuing education prior to the end of each renewal cycle. If you do not complete your required continuing education for the renewal cycle, you will not be allowed to renew your certification. You may complete form DSA-606 (PDF - 74 KB) requesting an extension, however please submit the request in a timely manner so as to allow for review of your request by the CASp Unit. If granted, the CASp has up to an additional 90 days, from the certificate expiration date, to furnish evidence showing compliance with all continuing education requirements.
What is a continuing education extension and when does the 90-day extension period begin?
A continuing education extension is an extension of time DSA may grant the CASp to furnish evidence showing compliance with all continuing education requirements. If granted, the CASp has an additional 90 days from the certification expiration date.
Who qualifies for a continuing education extension?
Any CASp who has submitted evidence of completing attendance of 15 hours of continuing education and the DSA finds that some portion of the submission is or will not be acceptable; health reasons of such a duration that prevent attendance; active duty in the military service with assignment to a permanent duty stationed outside of the United States during the last 18 months of a certification period; or anything based on other compelling reasons beyond the control of the applicant while engaged as a CASp. Such reasons as not being aware of the continuing education requirements or not previously having had time to attend will not be considered a sufficient reason to warrant an extension. Requests for extension shall be made in writing on form DSA-606, and should be as complete and factual as possible. Each request will be considered on an individual basis.
A CASp certification which has expired and has not been renewed will become inactive pending an extension being granted. If the extension is denied and all conditions of certification renewal have not been met, you will be required to re-qualify through the application and examination process before you can again become CASp certified.
Does the CASp Unit pre-approve providers of CE courses?
The DSA's CASp Unit does not pre-approve or register providers of CE courses. It is the CASp's responsibility to determine if a CE course meets the requirements set forth in Title 21 regulations and the Government Code. Applicants who are unsure if a provider is accredited or an approved provider of CE courses should contact the provider directly for the appropriate information. The provider must ensure that instructors possess the subject matter knowledge as well as the teaching ability required to impart the information.
Do I need to submit the certificates I receive from the CE course providers as proof of completion of my required CEUs?
No. Simply complete the form DSA-604 according to the instructions provided. The DSA may request an audit verification of the CASp's records to confirm that the applicant for renewal has fulfilled all CEU requirements. During this assessment process, the CASp may be requested to provide information regarding an instructor's qualifications to teach a course (such as a background in disability access requirements) or to provide a short summary of the course materials covered. The CASp has the responsibility for maintaining a four-year record of all CEU certificates received with sufficient detail to permit audit verification.
What are the criteria for equivalent activities?
The primary consideration in determining whether a specific activity qualifies as an acceptable alternative to attendance at approved continuing education courses is that it must include either; presentation, development, authorship or research of information and materials designed to contribute directly to assuring that CASps maintain a reasonable currency of knowledge. For equivalency credit for course instruction the instructors must have taught or participated during the entire course presentation. Course credit for CE instructors can only be granted once during each three-year term on the CE Equivalency Petition for a specified course, and cannot exceed a total of five CEUs. The total CEUs granted for equivalent activities cannot exceed a total of 10 CEUs during each three-year term. You may request credit for more than one activity on the CE Equivalency Petition.
How do I update my contact information?
To update your contact information, log in with your established username and password at https://www.apps.dgs.ca.gov/casp/casp_main.aspx, and select "Update My Account Profile" from the Main Menu. Revise your contact information and click on the "Update" button. You will receive confirmation that your account profile was successfully updated.
What should I do if I have forgotten my password?
If you have forgotten your password, you may request your password from the system. You identified a question and answer when you created your account profile. You will be asked the question; and if you submit the correct answer to the question, your password will be emailed to you. If you experience problems obtaining your password, email the CASp Unit at CASprogram@dgs.ca.gov or call the CASp Unit at 916.323.2737.
How do I change my password?
To change your password, log in with your established username and password at https://www.apps.dgs.ca.gov/casp/casp_main.aspx, and select "Update My Account Profile." Under the Password section of the screen, select the "Yes" radio button to change your password. Enter your current password under "Old password" and then enter your "New password" and confirm your new password. When you have completed your entries, click on the "Update" button. You will receive confirmation that your account profile was successfully updated. Next time you log in, use your new password. If you experience problems changing your password, email the CASp Unit at CASprogram@dgs.ca.gov or call the CASp Unit at 916.323.2737.