All technicians and instructors are required to enter in their Online Profiles at least six hours of CPS technical continuing education (CEUs) into the system. The CEUs must be obtained and reported during one's current certification cycle (two years). There is no carry-over from one period to the next, even when more than the required CEUs have been accumulated. CEUs must fit into one of the five approved categories and meet content requirements.
A 45 or 50-minute session may be rounded up and counted as 1 hour of continuing education. Sessions shorter than 45 minutes may not be included.
- In-person Session/Workshop (maximum 6 CEUs)
- Observing a CPS Certification Course? No longer available
- Teleconferences (max. 5 CEUs)
- Online/Web sessions (max. 5 CEUs)
- Newsletters/Manuals/Journals (max. 3 CEUs)
You may mix and match categories to meet your six (6) required hours of continuing education.
All categories of CEUs must meet the content requirements of improving CPS technical knowledge such as LATCH, a child restraint manufacturer workshop or CPS technical update. Sessions, including online/webinars, should be taken one time since content doesn't change drastically enough. The idea is that technicians receive new information. Non-technical CPS sessions, such as how to get funding or run an inspection station, do not qualify. Examples are provided in FAQs.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, including additional requirements, examples and audit requirements, click on the Policies & Procedures button on the right. Look under Recertification then Preregistration Requirements.
Category #1: Attend an In-Person Update
- Maximum allowable hours: 6
- Description: You must attend a structured presentation/session that meets content requirements during the certification cycle. You are encouraged to get your information from more than one person or source.
Category #2: Observe a Certification Course (rev. 6/1/2009) - No longer available. Please choose another category.
Category #3: Teleconferences
- Maximum allowable hours: 5
- A teleconference is a call with a moderator and many callers. Participants call into a designated number to listen in on the call. Depending on the format established by the moderator, it may be listen-only or allow interaction by participants. To qualify for CEUs, there must be a formal agenda published in advance. Call notes and confirmation of attendance must be provided to attendees.
Category #4: Online/Web sessions
- Maximum allowable hours: 5
- Option 1: Interactive Web update or online course that meets content requirements for CEUs. There are two types on online course: those that are moderated (e.g. can ask questions) and un-moderated (e.g. PowerPoint presentation).
- Option 2: Non-moderated sessions must have an assessment component, such as a quiz, to receive credit. A passing grade is 80%.
Category #5: Newsletters/Manuals/Journals
- Maximum allowable hours: 3
- Description: Eligible newsletters must have national circulation with primarily CPS technical content geared towards CPSTs. They must be peer-reviewed (e.g. review committee) and approved by the certifying body. e.g. Tech Update, Journal of the American Medical Association, Pediatrics, STAPP.
- Maximum of 1 earned in each approved publication (including 3 scientific articles/1 CEU)
As part of ongoing quality assurance, you may be randomly selected for CEU audit. Keep proof of content and completion handy for 3 months after you recertify. You can monitor your audit status in your online profile.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, including additional requirements, examples and audit requirements, click on the Policies & Procedures button on the right. Look under Recertification then Preregistration Requirements.