1. Who do I contact for help? (rev. Nov. 23, 2010)
For most certification-related questions, including the examples below, please contact Safe Kids CPS certification customer service toll free at 877-366-8154 or cps.certification@safekids.org.
- Accessing the certification system
- Username & password issues
- Assistance with course setup/finalization
- Materials shipping
- Registering for a course
- Questions regarding payment
Please contact the Safe Kids Worldwide headquarters directly for questions on:
Contact information for both customer service and Safe Kids Worldwide headquarters can be found by clicking the Need Help button on the right.
2. How do I change my name in my online profile? (June 23, 2011)
Everything in a CPS online profile can be edited online except an individual's certification information and name. If you have changed your name or have a typo, please send a short written request to Safe Kids (kchausmer@safekids.org) that includes your Certification ID (T/I#), name as listed in the system and name as you would like it to appear.
You will receive a confirmation email within 2 business days. If you do not receive an emailed reply, please follow up (202-662-0600) as our spam filters may have blocked your message.
3. How do I get a copy of the most recent version of the manual? (rev. May 18, 2011)
Existing technicians (anyone) can view or print content from the latest edition of the participant manual (2008, rev 10/10) at www.cpsboard.org. Look under TRAINING. The 2008 (rev 10/10) Participant's Manual is available for $35 from the Safety Restraint Coalition, a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization. The price includes shipping to the contiguous 48 states. An order form is available at www.800bucklup.org.
Please contact 425-828-8975 or e-mail office@800BUCKLUP.org for bulk orders, shipping costs for orders outside the continental U.S. or for more information. Proceeds will support Washington's child passenger safety programs.
4. Do you have an online store where I can buy CPS Tech merchandise? (Aug. 3, 2009)
There are a variety of CPS Tech and CPS Tech-Instructor items at www.SafeKidsWebinars.org. Click on PRODUCTS. In addition to shirts and other tech gear, you can find information on check up event signs and course training dolls.
5. Why isn't the Web site also available in Spanish? (rev. Aug. 24, 2007)
The national certification program was English-language with some Spanish-language components. This is supported by the current environment of the CPS field and the child safety seat manufacturing industry, where keeping abreast of current technologies requires basic English-language comprehension. There are Spanish-speaking customer service representatives available to field inquiries and assist individuals in navigating the Web site. However, all official written documentation, including correspondence with technician-candidates and certified individuals and the Web site, will continue to be in English.
6. Porque la red del Internet acerca de la Seguridad del Niño Pasajero no esta disponible en Español? (agregado an Aug. 24, 2007)
El programa Nacional para ser un técnico certificado en la Seguridad del Niño Pasajero es en Ingles con algunos elementos en español. Este programa es apoyado por un grupo de personas involucradas en el campo de la Seguridad del Niño Pasajero y la industria manufacturera que mantiene al corriente los requisitos actuales de la tecnología pero en un Ingles básico. Actualmente hay representantes disponibles que hablan español para responder a las preguntas y ayudar a los individuos en la navegación por la red del Internet. Sin embargo, todos los documentos oficiales escritos, incluyendo la correspondencia con los técnicos candidatos, los técnicos certificados y la red del Internet continuaran en Ingles.
7. Our agency has a new employee who claims he/she is a certified technician. How can I be sure? (January 4, 2008)
If someone claims to be a certified technician, ask them to provide you with a copy of their CPST wallet card. If they are unable to provide it, provide them with the toll-free customer service number (1-877-366-8154) so they can get their log-in information. Once they log in to the CPS online profile, they can easily print out their proof of certification. Another option would be to look them up online at http://cert.safekids.org/ and using the Find A Technician/Instructor search engine (button on the right). Remember that the list only shows currently certified individuals that have agreed to have their information be made publicly available.
The burden of proof is on the employee, not on the agency. We strongly encourage technicians to review and update their personal profile regularly and offer any new employer proof of certification.
8. How can I see if I am a senior checker? (rev. Oct. 2, 2012)
Senior Checker designation is not a component of the CPS certification program administered by Safe Kids. A separate CPS-related Safe Kids program, Safe Kids Buckle Up (SKBU), reviews and approves Senior Checker applications from www.safekidsweb.org.
Applications are submitted online by the technician and approved by the Coalition Coordinator before final review within the SKBU department. Senior checkers must update their profiles annually and update their SKBU profiles when they recertify (add new certification expiration date) to avoid a lapse in approval.
If you are interested in working with your local Safe Kids Coalition as a Senior Checker, please contact your local Safe Kids Coordinator.
9. I am concerned about the skills demonstrated by another technician. What should I do? (rev Jan 29, 2011)
Every tech has an obligation to work with fellow techs to help them identify areas of improvement. Simply deciding not to work with them again does not advance the field and may even put children at risk of injury.
Before doing anything, make sure it is not just a difference in the way you are speaking, but is actually technically incorrect. If another tech explains a locking clip in a different way but the clip ends up being used correctly, there is no technical issue. Look in your manual for verification.
When you are working with a tech at an event or inspection station: Once you find the technical information in the manual, talk with the technician. This should always be done in the spirit of the Learn, Practice, Explain mantra, being sensitive to the issues at hand. Talk with the tech away from the caregiver and other techs and talk in a nonjudgmental manner. Express an interest in their skill and show them where the information is found in the manual.
When a family comes to you for assistance following a visit to another technician: There are situations where a family comes to you for additional assistance and you discover that the information or installation previously provided by a technician may not have been appropriate. Keep in mind that you did not observe the interaction and education between the family and the technician, and changes may have been made by the family. As a professional courtesy, call the technician and let them know that you had provided additional assistance to a family and mention that although the parent may have misunderstood the technicians instructions, you had also worked with the parent. This way you are not accusing the technician of poor information and are reinforcing appropriate and best practice information. Let the tech know that if the situation was reversed that you would appreciate a call and would make an additional note on the check list form. You may want to offer to send the checklist that was completed so that the technician is aware of what you noted and how they left your inspection as well as any resources or educational materials that you shared with the family.
If you attempt to work with the tech and they are resistant and continue to go against what is in the manual, work with the event coordinator, a local instructor or your State CPS Training contact to provide remediation. Should all efforts fail, you may submit an Appeals form to Safe Kids. Please include as much detail as possible and know that it will be shared in full with the tech mentioned in the appeal.
Having another tech double check your work before a caregiver leaves is best practice. It puts the child first. No matter how long someone has been a tech, they can still make a mistake or provide outdated information unknowingly.