The National Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) Certification Training Program certifies people as child passenger safety technicians and instructors. Since the CPST certification program began in 1997, with the first courses offered in 1998, more than 230,000 people have successfully completed the CPST Certification training, including more than 40,000 currently certified CPS technicians. CPS technicians and instructors put their knowledge to work by conducting child safety seat checks and education, where parents and caregivers receive interactive guidance for proper use of car seats, booster seats and seat belts. These dedicated individuals offer education, support and guidance in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and U.S. territories. The U.S. CPS certification program is widely considered to be the gold standard across the globe. Certification courses have also been offered in Canada, China, Israel, Mexico, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.