General

  1. Who do I contact for help?
  2. How do I change my name in my online profile? 
  3. How do I get a copy of the most recent version of the manual? 
  4. Do you have an online store where I can buy CPS Tech merchandise? 
  5. Why isn't the Web site also available in Spanish? 
  6. Porque la red del Internet acerca de la Seguridad del Niño Pasajero no esta disponible en Español? 
  7. Our agency has a new employee who claims he/she is a certified technician. How can I be sure? 
  8. How can I see if I am a senior checker? 
  9. I am concerned about the skills demonstrated by another technician. What should I do? 
  10. What should I do if I forgot my log-in information?
  11. Why do email addresses no longer show up in FIND A TECH?

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 

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2. How do I change my name in my online profile? 

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 ([email protected]) 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 (202-875-6330) as our spam filters may have blocked your message.

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3. How do I get a copy of the most recent version of the manual? New in 2020!

Existing technicians (anyone) can download, view or print content from the latest edition of the participant manual at from the National Child Passenger Board's website. If you would prefer to buy a printed manual, individual copies will be available for $20 each from Safe Kids Worldwide. 

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4. Do you have an online store where I can buy CPS Tech merchandise? 

There are a variety of CPS Tech and CPS Tech-Instructor items at http://cert.safekids.org/store.  In addition to shirts and other tech gear, you can find information on checkup event signs and course training dolls.

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5. Why isn't the Web site also available in Spanish? 

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.

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6. Porque la red del Internet acerca de la Seguridad del Niño Pasajero no esta disponible en Español? 

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.

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7. Our agency has a new employee who claims he/she is a certified technician. How can I be sure?

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.

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8. 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.

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9. 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.

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10. 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]
  • EMAIL NOTE: It may take 1-2 business days for a reply. 

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.

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11. Why do email addresses no longer show up in FIND A TECH?

Publishing email addresses is no longer considered a good policy as they easily become targets of all phishing scams. To send an email, click on the icon of the envelope.

FAQs

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