Voluntary Certified Access Specialist Program (CASp)

Skip to: Content | Footer

search the DGS internet websites Search
California This Site

Home
About DSA
Jobs
Contact Us
FEATURED LINKS
AdvisoryBoard Voluntary Certified Access Specialist Program (CASp)
News
DGS Home
Centennial List of Certified Access Specialists Now Available
SHBSB
ARCHITECTS &
Forms The voluntary Certified Access Specialist Program has published its first list of
ENGINEERS
Publications Certified Access Specialists as of October 29, 2008!
IR Manual
Title 24 Building Code
ProjectAccess Manual
Tracking List of Certified Access Specialists
Commissioning Process Guide
DSA Tools &&LABS
INSPECTORS Applications
Project Tracking
Fee Program
Inspector Calculator
Submit Plans
Testing Labs Authority
FAQs
Fees
ACCESSIBILITY Senate Bill 262 (Chapter 872/Statutes of 2003) authorizes the State Architect to
Jurisdiction establish and publicize a program for voluntary certification by the state of any person
AccessOverview
Compliance who meets specified criteria as a Certified Access Specialist. This legislation required
Reference
ScopeManual the Division of the State Architect to make available to the public an updated directory
Terms of current Certified Access Specialists before October 31st of each year.
Other DSA Programs
GENERAL PUBLIC
CASp Please direct all public inquiries regarding the Voluntary Certified Access Specialist
Job Opportunities
Fire/Life Safety Program to: CASprogram@dgs.ca.gov
Site Map
Gas Shut-off Valves
Contact Us Neutral
Grid

Regulations
The voluntary Certified Access Specialist Program regulations have been approved by
RELATED WEBSITES the Office of Administrative Law and are now filed with the Secretary of State. This
regulatory action became effective July 30, 2008. A copy of the approved regulations is
available through the following link:

Title 21. Voluntary Certified Access Specialist Program Regulations (PDF - 60 KB)
Accessibility Home | (DOC - 111 KB)
Voluntary CASP
Valuation Threshold
Universal Design
EDWAC
USDOJ: ADA Current Status
Certification

file:///C|/...%20Research_12-9-09/~State%20Level/Cal_Voluntary%20Certified%20Access%20Specialist%20Program%20(CASp)_casp.htm[1/3/2010 2:08:01 PM]

Voluntary Certified Access Specialist Program (CASp)

FAQs DSA held the last examination for 2009 in August. We are currently working towards
Resources establishing new exam dates in 2010. As soon as we have the dates confirmed, they will
be posted on this site.

Senate Bill 1608

Senate Bill 1608 (Chapter 549, Statutes 2008) added Civil Code section 55.53(c) which
states that every CASp who conducts an inspection of a place of public accommodation
shall, upon completing the inspection of the site, provide the building owner or tenant
who requested the inspection with a notice, which the State Architect shall make
available as a form on the State Architect's Internet Web site.

In accordance with Civil Code section 55.53(c), DSA has posted the following notice:

Notice to Private Property Owner/Tenant (PDF 13 KB)

With the passage of Senate Bill 1608 we have been receiving numerous inquiries
regarding this bill and how it relates to the CASp program. Senate Bill 1608 does not
change the requirements or operation of the CASp program. The bill does provide
certain legal rights to individuals whose facilities have been inspected by a Certified
Access Specialist. SB 1608 also requires local agencies to employ or retain Certified
Access Specialists by specified dates. Review the text of SB 1608 here:
http://leginfo.ca.gov/pub/07-08/bill/sen/sb_1601-
1650/sb_1608_bill_20080928_chaptered.pdf

Inspection Certificates Available

Senate Bill 1608 (Chapter 549, Statutes 2008) added Civil Code section 55.53(e)(2),
authorizing DSA to make available for purchase by any local building department or
CASp sequentially numbered Disability Access Inspection Certificates.

The certificates are sold in bundles of 50 each at a cost of $500.00. This amount already
includes tax, shipping, and handling. Orders for less than 50 are available upon request.

These certificates are now available for purchase through DSA. All requests for orders
should be directed to CASprogram@dgs.ca.gov. Currently, we can only accept checks
or money orders as payment. Payment should be made out to "CASp program" and
mailed to DSA, 1102 Q Street, Ste 5100, Sacramento, CA 95811 and attn: CASp. An
online payment option will be available shortly.

Steps to Become a Certified Access Specialist:

STEP 1. Candidate Eligibility Application

Candidate Eligibility Applications for the CASp Program are accepted on a continuing
basis. Candidates may fill out the application online by

file:///C|/...%20Research_12-9-09/~State%20Level/Cal_Voluntary%20Certified%20Access%20Specialist%20Program%20(CASp)_casp.htm[1/3/2010 2:08:01 PM]

Voluntary Certified Access Specialist Program (CASp)

visiting:https://www.apps.dgs.ca.gov/casp/casp_main.aspx. If you prefer to apply by

mail, you may fill out the form and print a hard copy of your completed DSA-600
Form: Candidate Eligibility Application (PDF - 134 KB) or you may request an
application form be sent to you by mail.

An application fee of $500.00 must accompany the Candidate Eligibility Application,

DSA-600 Form. This fee is non-refundable. Applicants will be notified of acceptance
after their application has been reviewed and the necessary criteria have been satisfied.

The CASp Handbook is available to provide more in depth information on the program,
application and examination process.

Certified Access Specialist Program Candidate Handbook (PDF - 174 KB) | (DOC -
286 KB)

STEP 2. Examination Registration

After eligibility is confirmed, candidates may register for the examination at

https://www.apps.dgs.ca.gov/casp/casp_main.aspx.

Registration for the CASp examination must include the $800.00 candidate examination
fee. This registration fee is non-refundable. Candidates may fill out the registration
form online by visiting: https://www.apps.dgs.ca.gov/casp/casp_main.aspx. If you prefer
to apply by mail, you may fill out the form and print a hard copy of your completed
DSA-601 Exam Registration Form (PDF - 72 KB) or you may request a registration
form be sent to you by mail.

Future exam dates will be posted on this site soon.

STEP 3. Certification

Successful examinees will be issued an official CASp Certificate upon payment of the
$300.00 certification fee. This fee is non-refundable. This certificate will serve as
evidence that you met the State Architect's specific criteria to be identified as a Certified
Access Specialist. This certification is valid for three years from the date the
certification fee is paid. CASp certification may be renewed for an additional three
years by completing 15 Continuing Education Units during the certification.

Per Government Code Section 4459.7, the names and phone numbers of Certified
Access Specialists have been placed on the list published and maintained by DSA.

Please direct any inquiries about the Certified Access Specialist (CASp) Program to
CASprogram@dgs.ca.gov.

Certification Renewal

file:///C|/...%20Research_12-9-09/~State%20Level/Cal_Voluntary%20Certified%20Access%20Specialist%20Program%20(CASp)_casp.htm[1/3/2010 2:08:01 PM]

Voluntary Certified Access Specialist Program (CASp)

A CASp becomes eligible for renewal of certification upon payment of a recertification

fee, together with verification of having completed, during each three year period of
certification, a minimum of 15 Continuing Education Units (CEU's), of classes in
Federal and State regulatory updates, and Universal Design. Classes should address
changes to the laws and regulations identified in Section 134 of the program
regulations. Each CEU is equivalent to one hour of instructional time. When a
certificate holder meets all the requirements for recertification, the certificate holder will
be certified for an additional three year period.

The certification renewal fees are as follows:

1. $200.00 Verification of CEU's prior to Certification Renewal. This fee is non-

refundable and will cover administration costs for reassessment of qualifications
related to renewal of certification, prior to expiration of the current term of
certification. Fee is due with the application for certification renewal prior to
expiration of current certification.
2. $300.00 Certification Renewal Fee, for program administration over an additional
three-year term of certification; non-refundable. Fee is due upon notification of
approval of renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs

History on Early Development of CASp Program

CASp Implementation Status Report

Implementation Status Report: May 2006 (PDF - 190 KB) | (DOC - 207
KB)

Ad Hoc Advisory Committee

Senate Bill 262 directs the State Architect to convene an "ad hoc advisory committee to
assist in developing the requirements for access specialist," and requires representation
by specific state agencies, the building industry, and by persons with disabilities.
Membership of the CASp committee satisfies these requirements.

Agendas, meeting notices, notes and staff reports from meetings that took place on April
2004 which was the initial kick off of the CASp project; May 11, 2004; July 13, 2004;
August 10, 2004; September 14, 2004; December 14, 2004; and four regional Certified
Access Specialist (CASp) Program workshops in February, March and April 2006 can
be viewed at CASP Archives.
Updated : 10/24/2009
California Home | Back to Top | Download Free Readers
Conditions of Use | Privacy Policy | Accessibility/Nondiscrimination Policy | Disclaimer
Copyright © 2007 State of California

file:///C|/...%20Research_12-9-09/~State%20Level/Cal_Voluntary%20Certified%20Access%20Specialist%20Program%20(CASp)_casp.htm[1/3/2010 2:08:01 PM]