Technician Proxy
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How long do I have to be certified before I can become a Technician Proxy?
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As a CPSTI, I am skeptical of the idea of Technician Proxies. What are the benefits?
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What do Technician Proxies need to do to maintain their status as a Proxy?
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What does a Technician Proxy need to do to sign off on Technician seat checks?
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What happens once a Tech Proxy signs off on a technician's seat check?
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What other qualifications should a technician have before applying to be a Technician Proxy?
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Are there guidelines to help Technician Proxies in overseeing a Technician seat check?
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Should the Instructor and Technician Proxy maintain a close relationship?
1. What is a Technician Proxy and how do I become one?
A Technician Proxy (Proxy) is a Certified Technician or Instructor Candidate who successfully applies to provide seat check reviews and sign-offs for recertification. They must adhere to the rigorous standards in place for seat check reviews in terms of seat check feedback on communication and technical skill. This is not associated in any way with being a Senior Checker. It is simply a way to fill a need in areas with few Certified Instructors.
Certified technicians who have been certified for at least six months are eligible to apply. They will see a new action item, "Apply to be a Technician Proxy", in their CPS online profile. After paying the fee and submitting a complete application they are approved as a Proxy until their CPS Certification expires. Their certification status does not change. They have no additional recertification requirements.
2. How long do I have to be certified before I can become a Technician Proxy?
A Technician must be certified for at least 6 months before they can apply to be a Technician Proxy. Technician Proxies should have superior CPS technical and communication skills. These take time to develop. Six months is the minimum amount of time and it will likely be longer before they are ready to consider becoming a Technician Proxy. Read more about Technician Proxies online.
3. Once the Technician Proxy application is complete and the one-time registration fee is paid, how long do I have to complete the Technician Proxy application process?
Though your application fee will not expire, you are encouraged to pay the fee when you have a complete application to submit. Once submitted, it will be reviewed within one week and any additional information will be requested by email. The application is online.
4. As a CPSTI who is submitting a testimonial on behalf of the applicant, am I responsible for the Technician Proxy's approvals of other Technician's sign-offs moving forward?
No, once you complete the Technician Proxy application testimonial, you are agreeing that the applicant is qualified and skilled enough to make sound judgments on future seat check sign-offs. Once approved as a Technician Proxy, all seat checks will be submitted under their certification. If you have any reservations about the readiness of a Technician to be a Technician Proxy, take time to mentor the Technician and help them be ready for the challenge and responsibility of being a Proxy.
5. As a CPSTI, I am skeptical of the idea of Technician Proxies. What are the benefits?
You gain partners who can help Technicians recertify. Technician Proxies can review and approve seat checks for recertification which can be helpful in areas where instructors are limited. A good Tech Proxy benefits any CPS program by helping to keep the technicians in the area current and certified.
6. What do Technician Proxies need to do to maintain their status as a Proxy?
The Technician Proxy status does not expire, as long as they maintain their CPS Certification. Technicians who fail to recertify and wish to become Technician Proxies again are required to certify as Technicians then complete the Technician Proxy application process.
7. What does a Technician Proxy need to do to sign off on Technician seat checks?
The same guidelines apply to seat check sign-offs, whether done with an Instructor or a Proxy. In order to appropriately approve a seat check for recertification, the Technician Proxy (or instructor) should be present during the entire check. The Proxy will:
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Observe the Technicians' interactions with parents and children to be sure that communication is accurate and consistent with the information and methodologies in the standardized curriculum.
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Evaluate the Technicians' child passenger safety technical skills, including the use of resources. The Proxy will double-check for a correct seat install and properly-adjusted harness.
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Assure that paperwork is completed correctly with appropriate documentation.
8.What happens once a Technician Proxy signs off on a Technician's seat check?
It is the responsibility of the Technician to enter their seat checks into their profiles. Technicians should be encouraged to log their seat checks as soon as possible after they are done. Once a seat check is logged, the Technician Proxy will be sent a courtesy e-mail notification of the pending verification. It is the responsibility of the Proxy to review verification requests and approve/disapprove seat checks in a timely manner. Read more about reviewing seat checks.
9. What other qualifications should a Technician have before applying to be a Technician Proxy?
In addition to having superior child passenger safety technical and communication skills, the Proxy must be comfortable in providing feedback to Technicians and in passing or failing checks appropriately. They should be prepared to familiarize themselves with state/local checkup forms, so they can assure forms are completed accurately, following appropriate instructions/protocol.
10. Are there guidelines to help Technician Proxies in overseeing a Technician seat check?
Yes – The National Child Passenger Safety Certification Program provides tips on what to look for on their website. Check out the "Seat Check Sign off Checklist" under Resources – FAQs, then Forms then Recertification.
Proxies should be familiar with recertification requirements and expectations. They should review the P&P manual and website to be sure they understand acceptable practices for seat checks that meet recertification requirements. If they have any questions, they should work with their local instructor team, fellow Proxies or contact Safe Kids.
11. Should the Instructor and Technician Proxy maintain a close relationship?
Absolutely! Everyone benefits when they work together to keep each other current and improve both technical and communication skills.