List of Certified Access Specialists Now Available
The voluntary Certified Access Specialist Program has published its first list of Certified Access Specialists as of October 29, 2008.
Authority
Senate Bill 262 (Chapter 872/Statutes of 2003) authorizes the State Architect to establish and publicize a program for voluntary certification by the state of any person who meets specified criteria as a Certified Access Specialist. This legislation required the Division of the State Architect to make available to the public an updated directory of current Certified Access Specialists before October 31st of each year.
Please direct all public inquiries regarding the Voluntary Certified Access Specialist Program to: CASprogram@dgs.ca.gov
Regulations
The voluntary Certified Access Specialist Program regulations have been approved by 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)  | (DOC - 111 KB) 
Current Status
DSA held the last examination for 2009 in August. New exam dates for 2010 have been confirmed and are listed under STEP 2. Examination Registration below.
Seating for the exam is limited. Registration is on a first come, first serve basis. Next exam date is projected to be May 2010.
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:
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 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 - 71 KB) | (DOC - 126 KB) Revised 01/21/10
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.
2010 Exam dates are:
February 17, 2010 - DSA San Diego Regional Office, 10920 Via Frontera - Suite 300, Conference Room A, San Diego, CA 92127 -
[Get map]
morning session from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
afternoon session from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
February 18, 2010 - Secretary of State, 1500 11th Street, Sacramento, CA 95814 [Driving Directions]
morning session from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
afternoon session from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
This will be a closed book exam in a multiple choice format. There will be 100 questions on the exam.
Exam registration is now open, but will close at 5 p.m. February 10, 2010.
Seating for the exam is limited. Registration is on a first come, first serve basis. Next exam date is projected to be May 2010.
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
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:
- $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.
- $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
History on Early Development of CASp Program
CASp Implementation Status Report
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.
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