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CASp candidates, CASps, architects, designers, and building officials tracking current accessibility-related updates.
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The Division of the State Architect (DSA) is pleased to announce that the project type for the open book part of the October 2026 Certified Access Specialist (CASp) exam is a newly constructed Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Field Office.
For more details on registration dates and other examination administration processes, please visit DSA’s CASp Certification webpage and/or contact the CASp program at casprogram@dgs.ca.gov.
The Division of the State Architect (DSA) is now accepting applications for Certified Access Specialist examination Subject Matter Experts (SMEs). Potential SMEs are requested to complete a DSA 671, available on the DSA website, and return it by September 7, 2026.
DSA will select up to three (3) SMEs. DSA will select the SMEs based on information submitted. Qualifications considered will be the range of experience submitted and other factors which exemplify the applicant's expertise.
SMEs work as volunteers assisting DSA in the development of CASp exam questions, maintenance of exam materials, and evaluation of exam results. SMEs are selected on a rotating basis after each examination and as needed for development of new materials. Each SME must have a minimum of six (6) years as a CASp and be willing to sign a confidentiality agreement. SMEs are offered one (1) Continuing Education Unit (CEU) in the California Specific Category per day of active participation.
Please see the instructions on the form DSA 671: CASp Examination Subject Matter Expert (SME) for additional information and expectations.
Completed applications may be submitted electronically to DSAaccess@dgs.ca.gov.
The following course is open for registration through DSA Academy. (Preferred Web Browsers: Google Chrome and Mozilla.)
Registration closes: Monday, August 17, 2026, at 1:30 p.m.
CASp 101: Certification and Practice – $50
These webinars provide information for the Certified Access Specialist (CASp) Program, with information relevant to the CASp, examination information for candidates interested in seeking certification, or individuals who want to find out more about the CASp program. Class includes time for participants’ questions. Students may register for this course numerous times.
Webinar 1: History of Disability Access and California Accessibility Statutes, California Compliance Bills and CRASCA Reports
Friday, August 21, 2026, from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Webinar 2: Applicable Standards, Effective Use of the CBC, Federal Regulations, and ADA Barrier Removal Requirements
Friday, August 28, 2026, from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Webinar 3: Comparing the ADA and the CBC, State and Federal Housing Accessibility Standards, and CASp Exam Guidance
Friday, September 4, 2026, from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
This class is free for those with an approved CASp Program application and are in the process of certification; however, continuing education units (CEU) and a class certificate are only awarded for paid courses. To receive the class for free, please email dsalmshelp@dgs.ca.gov before registering and paying for the course.
CEU Credit: 5 California Architects Board; 5 CASp (equivalent activity credit). All three sessions must be completed within the same webinar series to receive the CEUs. Partial credit is not offered.
Visit the DSA Academy webpage or contact dsalmshelp@dgs.ca.gov should you have any questions or issues with registering for the webinars.
The Division of the State Architect (DSA) has implemented enhanced security measures for its online payment portal system used for fee transactions (Fiserv).
Going forward, use of the Fiserv portal will require a one-time account creation. Account creation requires users to provide their email address, create a password, provide first and last name, and establish a security question. Additionally, users will be required to provide their Client ID.
After an account has been created, future access to the portal will require users to sign in with their username, password, and client ID.
These steps are intended to add a layer of protection for users accessing DSA's online payment portal system. Thank you for your support in implementing these safeguards.
If you have any questions regarding the new Fiserv login, please contact DSA at dsacommunication@dgs.ca.gov.
The CASp Code Discussion Group (CCDG) is meeting on July 16. The discussion will take place virtually from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
To register, please visit the DSA Academy webpage and search for “CASp Code Discussion Group (CCDG).” A DSA Academy account is required to register.
Topic: EVCS and Parking
Registration closes: July 13 at 11:30 a.m.
Registration through the DSA Academy is required and is open to architects and designers, building officials and staff, CASps, and CASp candidates. Attendance will be tracked, and a minimum of one hour of attendance is required to earn one learning unit (1LU) of California code credits for CASp renewal.
Visit the DSA Academy and CASp Code Discussion Group webpages to learn more.