Attendance

You must attend the entire course, complete both the hands-on and written exams and actively participate in the checkup event in order to remain eligible for certification.

You will receive a copy of the technician workbook as part of their national program fee. This workbook is maintained and updated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and is available online at www.cpsboard.org

Testing
Both written and hands-on skills assessments take place during the certification course.

There are a series of three written quizzes. To pass the written part, you must get at least 42 (out of 50) questions correct overall. The passing score is 84 percent (42/50) correct.

There are three skills tests.  Instructors will award a pass/fail grade at the end of each hands-on skills test. If any of the three skills test are not passed, you will not be able to pass the course.  If you would like to be a CPST, you will have to register for a new course.  Safe Kids is not able to waive or refund registration fees for any students who do not pass the course.

The final assessment is the checkup event. To pass the checkup event, you must demonstrate skills learned during class, follow event procedures and instructions, proper use and installation of child restraints and safety belts and the ability to teach parents and caregivers how to properly protect their family on the road.


The hands-on skills grade (pass/fail), checkup event grade (pass/fail) and overall written grade are entered online at the end of the course by the Lead Instructor.  Successful completion of this course certifies you as a CPS technician for two years.


After the Course
Safe Kids will mail official notification letters directly to newly certified technicians within 20 business days of the course being finalized by the Lead Instructor. Notifications of failure to qualify for certification will also be sent at that time.

Newly certified technicians are encouraged to log into their CPS online profile and print a wallet card/certificate.


 

Challenges, Complaints, Appeals
You may file a written complaint about an instructor, test administration or the hands-on assessment process, Safe Kids will not accept appeals based on test questions or missed deadlines. The complaint should identify the problem area and provide specific details and background information to support the concerns.

All complaints and appeals must include clear supporting documentation and be postmarked within seven days for test administration- related incidents and 30 days for all other types incidents being addressed. Please complete and use the appeals form, available under Resources-FAQS then Forms as a cover sheet for your submission.

Safe Kids will investigate and respond in writing to all complaints and appeals in as timely a manner as possible.

Appeals should include first-person examples, letters of support, and any other documentation. Any appeal is shared with the person challenged so they do see the name of the challenger and will have an opportunity to respond.

As appropriate, the National Child Passenger Safety Board and/or state CPS training contact will be consulted. Should this be the case, no identifying information will be provided to any member of the board or the CPS community.

All decisions by Safe Kids are final and may not be brought up for another appeal.



FOR MORE INFORMATION: Click on the Policies & Procedures button on the right.
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