Certified Access Specialist (CASp) | California Accessibility Experts
What is a Certified Access Specialist (CASp)?
A Certified Access Specialist (CASp) is an accessibility expert that is certified by the California Division of the State Architect (DSA) to evaluate buildings and facilities for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the California Building Code (Title 24).
The CASp program was established in 2008 under California Senate Bill 1608 in response to a growing number of ADA-related lawsuits being filed against small businesses. Its goal was to create a trusted resource for business owners and property owners seeking expert guidance on construction-related accessibility compliance.
CASp Inspectors are rigorously tested on both federal and state accessibility codes to ensure they have the expertise needed to identify barriers, interpret design plans, and guide businesses toward compliance.
History of the CASp Program
The CASp program was born from a need for specialized accessibility experts in California. Prior to 2008, many business owners were unaware of the everchanging code requirements, leaving them vulnerable to ADA lawsuits alleging discrimination against people with disabilities.
SB 2008 – Establishes the CASp program to certify accessibility specialists.
SB 1186 – Provides legal benefits to properties that are inspected by a CASp.
Over the years, the program has grown to include hundreds of Certified Access Specialists, providing businesses with credible documentation and guidance them toward accessibility compliance.
The creation of CASp was a pivotal step in protecting California businesses while promoting accessibility and inclusion across the state.
CASp Certification Process
Becoming a CASp requires specialized training and rigorous state testing. To earn certification, candidates must demonstrate:
Advanced knowledge of federal ADA standards as well as the California Title 24 accessibility codes
Ability to perform on-site inspections of commercial properties / places of public accommodation and issue detailed reports prepared in accordance with CRASCA.
Competence in identifying both obvious and subtle architectural barriers to accessibility
Certified Access Specialists must maintain their credentials through continuing education, ensuring they stay current with evolving codes and regulations.
Why Hire a Certified Access Specialist (CASp Inspector)?
Hiring a CASp Inspector offers more than just legal protection — it’s an investment in your business, your community, and your reputation.
Legal Protection & Risk Reduction – Reduce exposure under SB 1186
Enhanced Accessibility – Identify and correct barriers to create a more welcoming and inclusive built environment for customers and staff
Credible Documentation – Gain a formal CASp report that validates your compliance efforts
Community Trust & Reputation – Show customers that accessibility is a priority
Economic Opportunity – Accessibility improvements can attract the nearly 28.7% of Americans living with disabilities
Role and Expertise of a CASp Inspector
A CASp Inspector is uniquely qualified to:
Conduct thorough site evaluations for privately owned facilities that are open to the general public
Interpret construction plans and building designs for accessibility compliance
Identify architectural barriers that could lead to legal risk
Issue CASp Reports and Certificates that provide legal protections to property owners
CASp Inspectors are the only professionals in California who can issue official CASp reports and Certificates, which demonstrates a good-faith toward achieving compliance and often serves as an effective deterrent to serial plaintiffs that target non-compliant businesses.
Understanding Serial Plaintiffs
Serial plaintiffs, also known as high-frequency litigants, are individuals who file multiple ADA lawsuits, often seeking quick settlements. Many never even enter the businesses they sue, relying on simple drive-bys or satellite imagery to identify barriers.
By working with a Certified Access Specialist that issues a CASp Report, your property gains Qualified Defendant status, demonstrating proactive compliance and making it far less attractive to opportunistic parties that file lawsuits in large volume.
Professional Expertise of Our CASp Inspectors
Our Certified Access Specialists bring years of experience, technical knowledge, and practical expertise:
Evaluating new construction, renovations, and existing facilities for accessibility compliance
Applying complex building codes and federal standards to real-world scenarios
Providing clear, actionable recommendations for barrier removal and corrective action
Advising property owners on compliance strategy and legal risk mitigation
With over 1,000 inspections completed, our CASp Inspectors are trusted advisors for businesses across California.
Frequently Asked Questions About Certified Access Specialists (CASp)
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A CASp Inspector evaluates properties for compliance with ADA and California Building Code (Title 24). They identify physical access barriers, interpret building plans, and provide CASp Reports that document your property’s compliance. Unlike other professionals, CASp Inspectors are certified by the State of California to issue CASp Inspected certificates, which grant legal protections for your business.
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Description To become a CASp, candidates must:
Complete specialized training on federal and state accessibility standards.
Pass a rigorous state-administered exam through the Division of State Architect (DSA).
Maintain certification through continuing education and periodic updates on code changes.
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CASp Inspectors are trained to evaluate:
Commercial buildings
RestaurantsRetail spaces
Medical
Lodging
Gas Stations
Public Facilities
New construction and renovation projects
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While both roles focus on accessibility, a CASp Inspector is:
Certified by the State of California
Authorized to issue CASp Reports and certificates
Legally recognized as a Qualified Defendant in construction-related accessibility lawsuits
An ADA Inspector may perform accessibility reviews under federal standards but cannot issue an official CASp Report that grants the same legal protections provided by the State of California.
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A CASp certificate:
Demonstrates proactive compliance with ADA and California accessibility codes
Provides documentation that can reduce damages if a lawsuit arises
Signals to customers and the community that your business values accessibility
Deters serial plaintiffs from targeting non-compliant facilities
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While there is no legal requirement for annual inspections, it’s recommended to schedule a CASp evaluation whenever:
You are planning renovations or construction
You want to maintain compliance documentation for legal protection
Accessibility issues have been reported or identified by staff or customers
Regular CASp inspections help businesses stay ahead of code changes and avoid costly accessibility violations.
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Yes. CASp Inspectors provide credible documentation of your compliance efforts. If a construction-related accessibility lawsuit arises, a CASp Inspector can:
Can compare your site to allegations made and make a determination as to whether the allegations are valid or not
Provide guidance toward ADA and California accessibility compliance
Help your property qualify as a Qualified Defendant to avoid future litigation