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Frequently Asked Questions

General/ Certification/ Re-certification/ Course Administration/ Instructor Candidacy/ Organization Management / Online Services

Answers - General

Who do I contact for help? (Aug. 24, 2007)

If you have questions regarding the following, please contact the Safe Kids Worldwide headquarters directly:

Instructor candidacy processing and approval

Challenges, complaint and appeals

For all other 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

Contact information for both customer service and Safe Kids Worldwide headquarters can be found in Resources->Contact Us or by clicking the Contact Us button to the right.

How can I see if I am a senior checker? (edited Aug. 3, 2005)

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, reviews and assigns Senior Checker numbers specifically for that program.

If you are interested in working with Safe Kids as a Senior Checker, please contact your local Safe Kids coalition or Marcela Tozzini with Safe Kids Buckle Up.

I'm a currently certified technician. How do I get a copy of the most recent version of the manual? (edited Aug. 24, 2007)

Existing technicians can view or print content from the revised participant manual at www.cpsboard.org.

The 2008 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.

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

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.

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 www.safekids.org /certification using the Find A Technician/Instructor search engine. 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.

Answers - Certification

What is the difference between a course reservation and a course registration? (Aug. 1, 2005)

A course reservation is a seat in the course is being held for you for a limited period of time. A course reservation does not guarantee you a seat in the course, as you must complete the registration process by submitting payment prior to the start of the course.

Course registration means that Safe Kids has received and processed your registration and payment. You have a guaranteed spot in the course.

It is not possible to reserve a seat for public courses. However, for controlled courses, you can only register after receiving approval from the lead instructor. As opposed to registering for a controlled course, you request a reservation. If approved, that reservation will hold your seat for 10 days or the first day of the course, whichever comes first. You must complete the registration process, by submitting payment, to secure you seat. If you do not complete registration within the 10 days of approval your reservation will time out. If this happens you need to speak to the lead instructor about re-approval.

I can't attend the course I registered for. What are my options? (Aug. 1, 2005)

If you have completed the registration process and can no longer attend the course, you have three options:

Reschedule/transfer your registration to another course

Substitute/transfer your registration to another eligible person

Cancel your registration and receive a refund

Detailed information about each of these options can be found in Certification-> Rescheduling, Substitutions and Cancellations.

How do I pay for my registration with a check or purchase order? (Aug. 1, 2005)

At this time, all payments with a check, purchase order or money order require that you submit a paper application with your payment. Applications MUST be printed off the web site. They will automatically include your contact and course information so all you will need to add is payment information.

Go to www.safekids.org/certification and click on ONLINE SERVICES.

Log in (sign up to create a new profile if you've never been certified or accessed the system before).

Under action items, click on REGISTER FOR A COURSE.

Search for available courses (you may want to check the invitation only box to include controlled courses in your search).

Choose a course from the results list to view the course details.

If the course is public, continue to step 6. For controlled courses, skip to step 11.

From the course detail page, click on REGISTER FOR THIS COURSE.

Confirm your information and click on COMPLETE THE REGISTRATION PROCESS.

Click on PAY BY CHECK OR PURCHASE ORDER (PAPER APPLICATION).

NOTE: A registration form with the course and your information will appear in a new window, so be sure your browser allows pop-ups.

Print the personalized registration and include it with your payment.

NOTE: At this stage, your seat in the course is not guaranteed or reserved. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis once payment is received.

Send in your registration and payment promptly to hold your seat in the course.

NOTE: Check on your registration's processing by logging in and clicking on COURSE REGISTRATION HISTORY.

The following steps are only for controlled or "invitation only" courses and replace steps 6 - 10.

From the course details page, click on REQUEST INSTRUCTOR APPROVAL TO REGISTER FOR THIS COURSE.

Review your information and click on COMPLETE REGISTRATION REQUEST.

You will see the message: "You have made a request to register for this course. Once your request is processed, you will receive an email to let you know the outcome. It will also appear in your course registration history."

Check your e-mail and course registration history to see when you have been approved. This may take up to five days.

To view your course registration history, log in and click on VIEW COURSE REGISTRATION HISTORY. The registration status will be marked Registration-Request until it is approved. Once approved, it will be marked Reservation.

Once you have been approved:

From the registration history page, select the registration with the "reserved" status to view the course details and continue the registration process.

Note memo at top of the course details page: "This reservation does not guarantee a seat in the course. To confirm your seat, you must complete the registration by providing payment by XX/XX/200X or the first day of class."

To continue, click on PAY BY CHECK OR PURCHASE ORDER (PAPER APPLICATION).

NOTE: A registration form with the course and your information will appear in a new window, so be sure your browser allows pop-ups.

Print the personalized registration and include it with your payment.

NOTE: At this stage, your seat in the course is reserved for 10 days or the first day of the course, whichever is earlier. This date is noted at the top of the course information. Registrations are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Send in your registration and payment promptly to hold your seat in the course.

NOTE: You can check on your registration's processing by logging in and clicking on COURSE REGISTRATION HISTORY. Once the lead instructor has responded to your reservation request, the status will be Reservation or Reservation-Denied. Once the payment has been processed, the status will be Registered.

Answers - Re-certification 2007 CEU FAQs

What is a CEU? (added Sept. 25, 2006)

Generally, one hour of technical contact time counts for one continuing education unit (CEU), with a few specific exceptions. All categories of CEUs must meet the content requirements of improving CPS technical knowledge such as LATCH, a child restraint manufacturer workshop or CPS technical update. Non-technical CPS sessions, such as how to get funding or run an inspection station do not qualify.

What if the CPS technical session I attend is only 50 minutes? (Sept. 25, 2006)

A 45 or 50-minute session may be rounded up and counted as 1 hour of continuing education. Sessions shorter than 45 minutes may not be included.

You may not combine shorter sessions to equal one hour.

Why don’t the number of seat checks done count toward recertification? (rev. May 9, 2008)

Allowing check up events were specifically discussed at length by members of the National CPS Board. They felt strongly that only structured on-going education should be included as CEUs. Because check-up events cannot be structured (ex: you may: only have 3 seat checks, only see booster seats, or only one brand, they do not count as CEU’s.

Assisting families in feeling competent and confident in their skills to install their children’s car seat or properly wear their seat belt is the desired outcome of a technician’s training and experience. This follows the Learn, Practice, Explain core of the course. Continuing education to keep the technician updated and current in a field of continuously changing technology is a must and needed to maintain this public trust. The parent or caregivers understanding and ability to follow the recommendations of a nationally certified technician are what are important not the number of seat checks the technician completes.

Can a workshop I attended last year count? (Sept. 25, 2006)

The educational sessions must be within your current certification cycle and meet approved content areas. If your certification cycle is 7/1/2005 – 6/30/2007 and the session was in November of 2006, it would qualify for credit under category #1. A session taken in June of 2005 would not qualify.

What if I go to a retailer with another tech and look at the new seats? (Sept. 25, 2006)

To qualify for credit under category #1, educational sessions must be researched, prepared and organized. Although it is practical and prudent for a technician to periodically review the selection of seats at a local retailer, this activity would not count towards CEUs.

If, however, the activity was structured as a class that met category #1 requirements, such as including an agenda, sign in roster, etc., then it could qualify for CEUs.

What are some acceptable and unacceptable CPS CEU content? (Sept. 25, 2006)

Examples of content that would qualify:

CR manufacturer workshops/product updates

CPS Q& A panel at a conference

Vehicle manufacturer workshops specific to occupant protection

The latest LATCH technology

Case studies of child occupants in crashes

Car seats and school bus safety

Restraining tweens

Examples of content that would NOT quality:

How to run an inspection station

Cultivation and retention of CPS Technicians

Working with legislators to pass a booster bill

Using data to dissect the CPS problem

Impaired driving victim impact panel

Older drivers

How to use the national CPS certification online system

Children around cars/Spot the Tot

Setting up a CPS program in your hospital

Fund Raising

How to write a grant

Tips on how to better teach you CPS Cert. Class

Data collection methods (how to)

Operation Kids courses (subsets of certification course

Can I watch a video for CEUs? (Jan. 4, 2007)

Although watching a CPS technical video on your own would not qualify for CEUs, you could organize an update where you and fellow techs meet to watch and then discuss the video. This would be considered category 1 (in-person session). It might just be you and the technicians you work with, but with an agenda, sign in sheet, and proof of attendance, it will be organized and meet the requirements. It could also be submitted for pre-approval for CEUs. As with all CPS CEUs, the content must be CPS technical, such as LATCH or special needs transportation options, rather than programmatic.

Form for pre-approval for CEUs

When the 2007 version of the LATCH manual comes out, can I submit each version (2005 and 2007) for one CEU each (2 total) towards a single recertification cycle?

You may only submit one LATCH quiz (either edition) for a 2005-2007 cycle of recertification. Please choose one or the other to enter for a CEU. If you submit the 2005 or 2007 quiz for your 2005-2007 certification cycle, you are welcome to submit 2007 quiz (or later) for your 2007-2009 cycle.

Can I work on my seat checks and get CEUs?

If you are working on your seat checks/sign offs, you can not also get credit for CEUs. If you need CEUs, the time must be used for practice only. No double dipping!

What is the Renewal Course and who it for?

The 8-hour National CPS Training Certification Renewal Course is a way for once-certified individuals to become certified again. In order to be eligible for this course, the student must have a CPS profile with a certification status of EXPIRED. There is no limit for how long ago their certification expired.

All students MUST be current in their CPS knowledge and skills and come ready to test! Students must pass the skills test (only two attempts per station) and make at least 84% on the written test. There is no limit to the number of times students can take this course but if students do not pass, it is recommended that they retake the full Certification Course.

How do I register?
Technicians with expired certifications must register using the online system. If you are not able to register online, it is likely you logged in as a new user. If you did, your status will show as CONTACT rather than as EXPIRED in your online profile (see right column).

If you have ever held national CPS certification, you already have an assigned username and password. If you log in as a new user instead, the system will show no record of your certification history. If you do not know your username or password, and you have the same email address you did when you were originally certified, try clicking on "Forgot Your Password?" at the log in screen. You may also contact CPS customer service at cps.certification@safekids.org or toll-free at 877-366-8154.

Answers - Course Administration

Where is the four-page evaluation form for students to provide comments on the instructors and the course?

Safe Kids only collects an evaluation of the course and overall instruction. However, there is a sample course evaluation available in Resources->Forms.

This course evaluation does not need to be submitted to Safe Kids. Comments on individual instructors may be sent to the National CPS Board, using either the www.cpsboard.org site or the feedback form in the manual.

How do I calculate instructor teaching hours? (edited Aug 21, 2007)

Teaching hours are based on the number of hours of lecture and participation in hands-on skills exercises and testing. You will need to round to the nearest whole hour. Just being in the classroom does not qualify for teaching hours.

Example 1: I was a lead instructor with no lecture, but I participated in eight hours of hands-on work. I earned eight teaching hours.

Example 2: I was an assistant (non-lead) instructor with five hours of lecture and 10 hours of hands-on work. I earned 15 teaching hours.

At the end of the course, the Lead Instructor must enter in teaching hours for each member of the instructor team. As this can be time consuming, the LI should consider calculating them after every day of class.

As Safe Kids Worldwide is not able to make changes to teaching hours, the LI should be very sure of their calculations before entering them into the online system. The LI might choose to verify with the team the number of hours prior to submitting them. This avoids surprises and ensures accuracy. Once they are submitted, they are applied to each CPSTI's online profile.

Teaching hours are based on the number of hours of lecture and participation in hands-on skills exercises and testing. You will need to round to the nearest whole hour. Just being in the classroom does not qualify for teaching hours.

CPSTI may earn up to 8 hours as an Instructor Candidate mentor. Since mentors often teach portions of the certification courses, they can earn additional teaching hours as well. In order to do this, you must be listed on the instructor roster twice: once as an assistant/lead instructor and a second time as a mentor.

What counts for mentoring (non-teaching) hours?

Observing/Coaching while the IC is working with students during activities

Helping the IC set up a skills evaluation

Observing/coaching the IC while they are teaching chapters

Being the primary point of contact for any questions or concerns about the IC's evaluation

If the candidate needs improvement, using the course time to help him or her learn

Providing clear and constructive criticism through daily reviews with the IC

What counts for teaching hours?

Teaching a chapter

Co-teaching a chapter (both are active lecturers)

Leading a classroom exercise

Participating in an outside activity/skills test

Actual time at check up event (while students are checking seats) – e.g. 12 noon to 3 pm

What does not count for teaching hours?

Back up for a colleague (following along in the book, etc.

Adding a comment to the teaching instructor's presentation

Setting up a classroom activity

Setting up an outside activity

Setting up the check up event

Breaking down check up event

Answers - Instructor Candidacy

What are the deadlines to be an Instructor Candidate and complete the process?

Once the application fee of $75 is paid, the applicant has 6 months to submit a complete application. A complete application includes having been a course assistant and both skills and classroom teaching testimonials.

There is no reason why someone must wait until after paying to get their course assistant experience.

Once the paperwork is complete and they are officially an IC, they have 1 year to complete their candidacy by successfully teaching a course (with mentor).

Answers - Organization Management

Why should I register my organization with the new Safe Kids organization management system? (Dec. 15, 2005)

Registering your organization allows you to:

Better track affiliates certifications

Allow your affiliates to pay for courses, re-certification or instructor candidacy online using your organization's POs and/or e-voucher

Register your affiliates for courses and manage those registrations (e.g. reschedule, cancel, substitute)

How can I register my organization? (added Dec. 15, 2005)

Click on ONLINE SERVICES in the navigation bar above
Click on ORGANIZATION MANAGEMENT NOTE: The background color will be peach when you are in the organization management system.
Choose REGISTER YOUR AGENCY

NOTE: Each agency can have only one contact. This will be the point person for the agency and is responsible for adding POs, reviewing charges, and paying the invoice. You will be notified via email of your organization's log in information.

NOTE: Once your organization is registered, you will have several of Action Items available.

Do I have to be CPS certified to use the organization management system? (Dec. 15, 2005)

No. Anyone is able to register their organization with Safe Kids. In many instances, this will be the administrative or accounting contact person for your agency. This person, referred to as the organization manager, will be responsible for registering the organization with Safe Kids and managing online payments by purchase order or e-voucher. Through the Web site, the organization manager will also be able to track affiiliates' certifications, reschedule registrations and handle substitutions. Responsible for accounting and affiliate management, the organization manager does not provide CPS training or education unless they are currently CPS certified.

Why can't I use the same login information for both the certification and organization management systems? (Dec. 15, 2005)

This system operated independently from the certification system. The link between them is made when someone in the certification system selects your organization as "Affiliated-To".

How soon after I register my organization may purchase orders be added and used online? (Dec. 15, 2005)

Once your organization registers with Safe Kids, you will be able to add purchase orders immediately. As soon as the required information is entered, the PO will be available for use. You may provide the purchase order number to your affiliates for them to use online.

What is an e-voucher and how soon after I register my organization can it be used? (Dec. 15, 2005)

An e-voucher is basically a line of credit from Safe Kids Worldwide. Once an e-voucher application is submitted by the organization manager, it will be reviewed and responded to within three business days.

Once approved and assigned a number, it can used for online payment, using the EV#. The system will automatically check for availability of funds. EV's are billed monthly.

What is an affiliate? (Dec. 15, 2005)

Affiliates are members of an organization who allow that organization manager to view their contact and certification information. Affiliates are able to pay their fees online with this organization's purchase orders or e-vouchers if these numbers are provided to them by the organization manager.

Answers - Online Services

What is an SK ID? (Aug. 1, 2005)

Your SK ID is your unique identifier we use for the certification system. Because it's possible to have both a technician and instructor ID (although only one is active at any given time), we need a number that uniquely identifies you.

For new users, this number is also to be used as your username for logging into the system.

How can I change my password? (Aug. 1, 2005)

In addition to having a "Forgot my password" link at the log in screen, you can now change you password as often as you like through your online profile.

To access your profile, click on Online Services and log in. Choose CHANGE PASSWORD from the list of action items. Edit as desired and click SUBMIT.

New users, it is recommended that you change your password to something you're more likely to remember upon first creating your profile.

How can I change what appears when I show up in the technician/instructor search? (Aug. 1, 2005)

If you agreed to have your information included in the public search, you can choose what you want displayed by changing the Posted Address section of your online profile. The only exceptions to this are your name and language proficiencies, which will be automatically displayed upon permission to post.

To access your profile, click on Online Services and log in. Choose UPDATE PROFILE AND CONTACT INFORMATION from the list of action items. Edit the "Posted Address" section as desired and click SUBMIT at the bottom of the page.

If you do not want any information to be available in the public search, be sure to uncheck the "permission to post" checkbox and click SUBMIT.

How can I change what appears when I show up in the technician/instructor search? (Dec. 15, 2005)

With identity theft an ever-increasing issue, it is our policy to ask questions to determine the identity of any caller. This is a standard practice for username/password retrieval over the phone and is done to protect your identity. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.