Certified Access Specialist (CASp) in California
What Is a Certified Access Specialist (CASp)?
A Certified Access Specialist, commonly referred to as a CASp, is a professional who has demonstrated specialized knowledge of California and federal accessibility standards and has been certified by the California Division of the State Architect (DSA).
CASps evaluate accessibility requirements as they apply to the built environment and help identify conditions that may not comply with applicable accessibility standards. Their expertise can be valuable to property owners, business owners, architects, contractors, and others responsible for making facilities accessible to people with disabilities.
The California CASp program provides property owners and businesses with access to professionals who have demonstrated specialized knowledge of construction-related accessibility standards through the state's certification process.
Proactive Access is led by Cory Cabral, CASp #630, a California Certified Access Specialist who has been CASp certified since 2015.
Why Hire a Certified Access Specialist?
Working with a Certified Access Specialist can help property owners understand accessibility requirements, identify potential barriers, and make informed decisions about improving accessibility at their properties.
Accessibility Expertise – Understand how federal and California accessibility requirements apply to your property.
Barrier Identification – Identify accessibility issues that may affect customers, visitors, or employees with disabilities.
Credible Documentation – Receive professional documentation of accessibility conditions and recommended corrective actions.
Risk Reduction – Address potential accessibility issues proactively rather than waiting for a complaint or claim.
Practical Guidance – Prioritize accessibility improvements based on the conditions found at your facility.
Role and Expertise of a Certified Access Specialist
A Certified Access Specialist has specialized knowledge of federal and California accessibility requirements and can assist property owners, businesses, design professionals, and contractors with a variety of accessibility needs.
A CASp may:
Evaluate existing facilities for accessibility under applicable federal and California standards
Review construction plans and proposed improvements for accessibility
Identify physical barriers that may limit access for people with disabilities
Explain how federal and California accessibility requirements apply to specific conditions
Provide recommendations for correcting identified accessibility issues
Prepare documentation related to accessibility evaluations
When a property undergoes a qualifying CASp inspection, a Certified Access Specialist can prepare documentation in accordance with California's construction-related accessibility standards. Certain CASp inspections may also provide property owners with specific legal benefits under California law.
History of the CASp Program
The Certified Access Specialist (CASp) Program was established by California legislation in 2003 to help improve compliance with construction-related accessibility standards. The program is administered by the California Division of the State Architect (DSA), which certifies individuals who meet eligibility requirements and demonstrate their knowledge of state and federal accessibility standards through examination.
The CASp Program gives property owners, businesses, design professionals, and contractors access to qualified specialists with demonstrated knowledge of California and federal accessibility requirements.
Since its creation, California has expanded the CASp Program through additional legislation. Under certain circumstances, property owners who obtain a qualifying CASp inspection and satisfy applicable requirements may be eligible for specific procedural and legal benefits under California law.
CASp Certification Process
Becoming a Certified Access Specialist requires meeting eligibility requirements established by the California Division of the State Architect (DSA) and passing the state CASp examination. The certification process is designed to demonstrate a candidate's knowledge of federal and California construction-related accessibility standards.
Certified Access Specialists must demonstrate knowledge of:
Federal accessibility requirements, including the ADA Standards for Accessible Design
California accessibility requirements contained in the California Building Code
Existing buildings and facilities, including how accessibility requirements apply to existing conditions
Construction-related accessibility barriers, including their identification and evaluation
New construction and alterations, including applicable accessibility requirements
CASp certification must be renewed periodically and includes continuing education requirements, helping Certified Access Specialists stay current with changes to accessibility codes and standards.
Certified Access Specialist Expertise at Proactive Access
Proactive Access combines extensive field experience, technical knowledge, and practical accessibility expertise on projects throughout Southern California. Led by Cory Cabral, CASp #630, Proactive Access assists property owners, businesses, architects, contractors, and other professionals with:
Existing facility evaluations – Evaluating accessibility conditions in existing commercial properties and facilities
Accessibility standards – Applying California and federal accessibility requirements to real-world conditions
Barrier identification – Identifying accessibility barriers and practical options for corrective action
Plan review – Reviewing construction plans and proposed improvements for accessibility
Corrective recommendations – Providing clear recommendations for addressing identified accessibility issues
Project guidance – Helping project teams understand accessibility requirements during planning, alterations, and construction
With more than 1,000 accessibility field evaluations completed, Proactive Access combines Certified Access Specialist expertise with extensive experience evaluating accessibility conditions across a wide range of commercial property types throughout Southern California.
Frequently Asked Questions About Certified Access Specialists (CASp)
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A Certified Access Specialist evaluates buildings and facilities to identify accessibility barriers and determine how applicable federal and California accessibility standards apply to the property. A CASp may evaluate existing conditions, review construction plans, identify potential compliance issues, and provide recommendations for improving accessibility.
When performing a CASp inspection, a Certified Access Specialist can also prepare documentation of the accessibility conditions identified at the property and recommended corrective actions.
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To become a Certified Access Specialist in California, an applicant must meet eligibility requirements established by the California Division of the State Architect (DSA), submit an application, and pass the CASp examination. The examination evaluates knowledge of federal and California construction-related accessibility standards and their application to the built environment.
After certification, CASps must maintain their certification and satisfy applicable continuing education and renewal requirements.
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Certified Access Specialists can evaluate a wide variety of properties and facilities, including:
Commercial buildings
Restaurants
Retail spaces
Medical and healthcare facilities
Hotels and lodging facilities
Gas stations
Public facilities
New construction and renovation projects
The scope of a CASp evaluation can vary depending on the property type, existing conditions, and the client's accessibility needs.
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A Certified Access Specialist (CASp) is a professional certified by the State of California who has demonstrated specialized knowledge of federal and California construction-related accessibility standards. The term “ADA Inspector” is more general and does not represent a specific California certification or credential.
A CASp can evaluate a property for compliance with applicable accessibility standards and, when performing a qualifying CASp inspection, provide documentation and certain benefits available under California law.
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A CASp inspection can help a business identify accessibility barriers before they result in complaints or legal claims. It also provides documentation of the accessibility conditions found at the property and recommended corrective actions.
Depending on the inspection findings and applicable requirements, a qualifying CASp inspection may also provide certain legal benefits under California law. Just as importantly, identifying accessibility barriers gives property owners an opportunity to plan and prioritize improvements that make their facilities more accessible.
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There is no general requirement to have a property evaluated by a Certified Access Specialist on an annual schedule. However, another accessibility evaluation may be appropriate when significant changes occur at the property, such as renovations, alterations, changes in use, or modifications to accessible features.
A property owner may also choose to have accessibility conditions reviewed when barriers are identified, accessibility concerns are raised, or improvements are being planned. Because accessibility requirements and site conditions can change over time, a previous evaluation does not necessarily reflect the property's current condition.
If you are considering another evaluation, learn more about our CASp inspection services.
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A Certified Access Specialist can provide technical expertise regarding accessibility conditions and applicable federal and California accessibility standards. This may include evaluating alleged accessibility barriers, documenting existing conditions, reviewing corrective work, and providing technical information to property owners, attorneys, and other professionals involved in an accessibility-related dispute.
Depending on the circumstances, a CASp may also assist with developing a practical plan for correcting identified accessibility issues. Legal questions and legal strategy, however, should be addressed by a qualified attorney.