General
- Who do I contact for help?
- How do I change my name in my online profile?
- How do I get a copy of the most recent version of the Technician Guide?
- Do you have an online store where I can buy CPS Tech merchandise?
- How can an agency confirm the certification status of a CPST?
- How can I see if I am a senior checker?
- I am concerned about the skills demonstrated by another technician. What should I do?
What should I do if I forgot my log-in information?
1. Who do I contact for help?
For most certification-related questions, including the examples below, please contact Safe Kids CPS certification customer service at 202-875-6330 or [email protected].
- Accessing the certification system
- Username & password issues
- Assistance with course setup/finalization
- Materials shipping
- Registering for a course
- Questions regarding payment
- Instructor Candidacy
- Technician Proxy
- Challenges, complaints and appeals
2. How do I change my name in my online profile?
Everything in a CPS 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 ([email protected]) that includes your Certification ID (T/I#), name as listed in the system and name as you would like it to appear.
3. How do I get a copy of the most recent version of the manual?
Existing technicians (anyone) can download, view or print content from the latest edition of the Technician Guide at from the National Child Passenger Board's website. If you would prefer to buy a printed Technician Guide, individual copies will be available for purchase from Safe Kids Worldwide.
4. Do you have an online store where I can buy CPS Tech merchandise?
An option for CPS Tech and CPS Tech-Instructor items including course training dolls can be found at http://cert.safekids.org/store.
5. How can an agency confirm the certification status of a CPST?
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 customer service number (202-875-6330) so they can get their log-in information. Once they log in to their 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.
6. How can I see if I am a senior checker?
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), manages Senior Checkers. You can register or update your Senior Checker application at https://skw.safekidsweb.org/staff/seniorcheckers/login
Applications are submitted online by the technician and approved by the Coalition Coordinator. 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.
7. I am concerned about the skills demonstrated by another technician. What should I do?
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 technician's 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.
8. What should I do if I forgot my log-in information?
Option #1:
- Go to Certification home page: http://cert.safekids.org
- Click on Log In (button on the right)
- Select CPS Tech/Tech To Be link (first choice)
- Click on Forgot Your Password link.
Enter your name and email.
The system will email it to you almost immediately.
NOTE: Once you log in, you are welcome to choose a new username or password (simply click on Edit Username or Edit Password action item)
Option #2: Safe Kids does not have access to your password. We will confirm your username and send a password reset link.
- Call CPST Certification 202-875-6330
- Email CPST Certification: [email protected]
Did your email change? Contact CPST Certification at 202-875-6330 or [email protected] and they will update your email address and then email your log in information to you.