The certification cycle for both technicians and instructors is two years. In order to stay certified, you must meet all of the requirements for and successfully complete the recertification process, including payment, before your CPS certification expiration date.

Quick Links:

• Seat Checks
• CEUs
• Community Event
• Paying the Fee
• Audit for CEUs

FOR MORE INFORMATION, click on the Policies & Procedures button on the right for more information. Look under Recertification.

Two general steps to successful recertification.

1. Meet/Enter all pre-registration requirements, including:
   • Verified seat check activity (5 types) >>  More Detail
   • Community event (one check up or community workshop) >> More Detail
   • Continuing education (6 CEUs) >> More Detail
   • If CPSTI, teaching hours (20 teaching hours) >> More Detail
2. Pay for re-certification

Don't put this off! You can complete your recertification, including payment, up to four months prior to your certification cycle end date. Your dates stay the same so there is NO LOST TIME.

The recertification fee is $50 for technicians and instructor candidates and $60 for instructors. A detailed fee table is available under Resources then Fees.

Recertification cannot be completed in a single day. Be sure to enter your seat checks, CEUs and Community Event as they are completed.

Step by step instructions, including screen shots >> available under Resources

There are two different types of reminders provided by Safe Kids. However, it is your responsibility to make sure that your contact information is accurate so that you receive the reminders.

Approximately 8 weeks before your certification expiration date, Safe Kids will send a personalized letter and personalized email with your username and password to you.  These are sent to the official contact information in your CPS online profile so it is essential that it kept current.

In addition, there are constant reminders in the monthly e-newsletter, the CPS Express! Please be sure cps.certification@safekids.org is an approved sender.

You must complete your recertification, including paying, before the evening of your current certification expiration date.

If your CPS certification expires, you have two options:

1. Register for and pass the one-day Certification Renewal Course
2. Repeat the Certification course - Recommended for anyone who does not pass the Certification Renewal Course or who has been out of the field.

No refunds will be provided. You may register for any subsequent course and pay all associated fees.

Regardless of the option chosen, instructors who fail to re-certify and wish to become instructors again are required to certify as technicians, apply for instructor candidacy, meeting all eligibility requirements, and successfully complete the candidacy process.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, click on the Policies & Procedures button on the right and look under Recertification.

While Safe Kids is not able to waive the fees for anyone, we do accept active military duty as a reason for extensions.

If you were currently certified at the time of your assignment to overseas duty and provide official documentation of the assignment and its duration, Safe Kids will work with you to provide time for you to recertify without penalty.

You must contact us within three months after your return to the United States, provide required documentation and complete the recertification process in a timely manner.