How do I become a CPS Technician?
Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians (CPSTs) come from many different backgrounds and specialties; one thing they have in common is a desire to keep kids safe when they travel. A CPST is a nationally recognized professional certification that prepares individuals to help families at public safety events, private car seat clinics, or workshops.
Initial certification includes:
- A 3 or 4-day course that includes classroom and hands-on learning
- Written and practical evaluations of the skills learned
- A car seat check-up event
To find and register for a certification class, visit Safe Kids Certification.
Recertification is required every 2 year and includes:
- Continuing education credits
- Car seat check verifications from a local CPST-Instructor or Proxy
- Community education
Technicians who have let their certification lapse can sign up to take a Renewal Testing Course. This course includes:
- One-day testing protocols, with no instruction or hands-on learning
- Written and practical evaluations of the skills necessary to prove an expired Technician has maintained technical competence.
To find and register for a certification renewal testing course, visit Safe Kids Certification.
Once I’m a tech, are there specialized classes I can take to get more involved?
Yes, once Technicians have had an opportunity to practice their skills and gain confidence in their new role, they can apply for further classifications and endorsements.
- Technician Proxy – a Technician who is authorized to sign off on seat check skill verifications that all Technicians need in order to recertify.
- Technician Instructor – A Technician Instructor is authorized to teach CPST courses and can sign off on seat check skill verification needed for recertification.
- Transportation of Children with Special Health Care Needs –Technicians who work in the medical field or with children with special needs are good candidates for this specialized training.
