National CPS Certification eNews
CPS Express
September 1, 2006
Special Edition: Re-certification 2007
Why get rid of the online exam?

Since the appointment of Safe Kids Worldwide as the certifying Body for national CPS certification, we have encouraged feedback from the field.  After repeated requests over the past couple of years, the exchange of the test for CEUs was brought before the National CPS Board and unanimously approved.

“The move away from the online exam to CEUs is in response to concerns from technicians and instructors regarding the ability of people to take an online test, “said Artie Martin, Certification/Re-certification committee chair.

“By eliminating the problems associated with the exam process, we will be better able to maintain a diverse network of CPS technicians,” stated Carole Guzzetta, NHTSA’s CPS Board representative.  “Our current exam format only allows us to reach those with Internet access.  We are hoping that by moving to CEUs we can make the process more user-friendly and accessible for a wider variety of people.”

The CPS Board was instrumental in defining recertification details such as the number of required CEU hours (six) and the types of opportunities available for CEUs.  Earning CEUs may include experiences such as sitting in on a certification or renewal course or reading the latest technical updates on CPS.  Artie Martin commented, “It is essential that certified personnel stay updated and not work in a vacuum.  Allowing a variety of options on how the CEUs are earned will make it easier for people to re-certify, while increasing the skill level of the certified technician.”

"The board felt it essential that we move together to improve the recertification process.  The idea of continuing education has been well received at national and state conferences," said Pam Holt, chair of the National CPS Board. "The variety of educational options is a way to assure that technicians maintain up-to-date CPS knowledge and information, beyond what was taught in the original course.  This will ensure quality technicians with current practical and technical knowledge," Holt continued. 

The CEU guidelines were developed with input from over 40 volunteers in the field who responded to a request in last month's CPS Express.   Feedback included specific requests, such as more required CEUs, in addition to general comments about the transition to CEUs.  One technician said, "Some departments might not like the idea.  However, I feel that technicians need to keep up on the ever-changing CPS world."

Safe Kids Worldwide remains dedicated to receiving feedback and suggestions from the CPS community. Overall, responses to the change in the recertification process have been overwhelmingly positive and Safe Kids will continue to evaluate the effectiveness of CEUs over time based on feedback from the CPS field.

 

2007 Pre-registration Requirements

Basic technician re-certification requirements

  1. Five (5) seat checks approved by a certified instructor (may use technician proxy option).  These may be done at any time during your certification cycle.
  2. Community education: pick one
    1. Participate in at least one two-hour check up event with at least one other CPS technician at which you serve families using any standardized checklist to provide documentation, if needed.
    2. Provide at least four hours of community education.  Examples include presenting to parents, educators, kids, organizations (PTAs, law enforcement).  These presentations are not for CPSTs.
  3. A minimum of six hours of CPS technical continuing education (CEUs) must be obtained and reported during one’s current certification cycle (two years). They may be entered at any time during your certification cycle.  CEUs must fit into one of the five approved categories and meet content requirements.
  4. Register and pay fee by the end of the certification expiration date.

Re-certification Timing

  • Registering for re-certification may take place up to four months prior to one's CPS certification expiration date. 
  • It must be completed by the certification expiration date. 
  • If the certification expiration date passes, the certification becomes expired and the technician is no longer eligible for re-certification.

Certification expiring January-April 2007?  See featured FAQ below.

A personal re-certification log is available.

 Continuing Education

How to Get a CEU

Generally, one hour of technical contact time counts for one 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.

Types of CEUs

Details on each type of continuing education unit will be posted on our Web site in the next several weeks.  Specific details for each CEU category will be sent out next week in a special CPS Express. 

#1. In-person Session/Workshop (max six CEUs)
#2. Auditing a CPS Certification or Renewal Course (max three CEUs)
#3. Teleconferences (max five CEUs)
#4. Online/Web sessions (max five CEUs)
#5. Newsletters/Manuals/Journals (max two CEUs)

You can mix and match to get the six required hours.


What are some acceptable and unacceptable CPS CEU content?

Examples of content that would qualify:
ü      CR manufacturer workshops/product updates
ü      CPS Q&A panel at a conference
ü      Vehicle manufacturer workshops specific to occupant protection
ü      The latest LATCH technology
ü      Case studies of child occupants in crashes
ü      Car seats and school bus safety
ü      Restraining tweens

Examples of content that would NOT quality:
Р  How to run an inspection station
Р  Cultivation and retention of CPS technicians
Р    Working with legislators to pass a booster bill
Р    Using data to dissect the CPS problem
Р    Impaired driving victim impact panel
Р    Older drivers
Р    How to use the national CPS certification online system
Р    Children around cars/Spot the Tot
Р    Setting up a CPS program in your hospital
Р    Fundraising
Р    How to write a grant
Р    Tips on how to better teach your CPS Certification class
Р    Data collection methods (how to)
Р    Operation Kids courses (subsets of certification course)

Auditing

CEUs are self-certified, like child restraints by the manufacturer.  CPSTs are required to keep personal written proof of the types and content of their CEU achievements. 

  • A random sample of completed re-certifications will be audited. 
  • Each category has specific written documentation requirements.  
  • The purpose of the audit is to verify existence of documentation of CEUs being completed and in accordance with policies and procedures of the certifying body.   

More information on General Rules and Auditing are available and will be posted onthe web site later this month.

Questions? Contact your CPS Board member.

 CEU Corner

This section of the newsletter will share available national CPS CEU opportunities.  We are not able to include information on state or local conferences, trainings or other technical updates. 

This information is provided as a resource only.  Mention in the Express does not indicate support by Safe Kids Worldwide of any kind.

SUBMISSIONS: Please email the required information (below) to Kerry Chausmer. 

Facilitator/provider: NHTSA
Topic: To be announced
Format: Conference calls
Date/Time: To be determined
Fees/Requirements: None
For more information:  To be announced

Facilitator/provider: Safe Kids Worldwide
Topic: Child Restraint Manufacturer
Format: Roundtable
Date/Time: October 20, 2006 (two CEUs available)
Fees/Requirements: Must be registered for conference
For more information: Lorrie Walker: lwalker@safekids.org

Just for Instructors: Required Teaching Hours Unchanged

In addition to the above requirements, instructors must also log 20 teaching hours of CPS course instruction. This has not changed.  Details are available in the policies and procedures manual and on the certification Web site.

System Down - ALERT

Users will not be able to access or enter re-certification information on December 31, 2006 or January 1, 2007 as we transition to the new system.

Please plan accordingly.

 Recertification 2007 Featured FAQ

HELP!  My certification expiration date is in the beginning of 2007.  I won’t have the CEUs needed in time.  What are my options?

The date you complete your registration (pay), not your recertification expiration date, determines whether you can recertify via the online test or whether you must show CEUs. 

If your certification expiration date is January 1 - April 30, 2007:

Option 1: Register before December 31, 2006 and take the online test.  Technician re-certification requirements:

  1. Required (5) seat checks logged and approved
  2. Pay fee
  3. Take online test
  4. Recertification completed when passing grade is processed

Option 2: Request an extension before your certification expires.  This is available for technicians with an expiration date in January, February, March or April of 2007 (form).

Option 3: Register on or after January 1 and submit CEUs towards recertification.  Technician recertification requirements:

  1. Five seat checks approved by a certified instructor (may use
         technician proxy option)
  2. Community education pick one
    1. Participate in at least one two-hour check up event with at least one other CPS technician at which you serve families using any standardized checklist to provide documentation, if needed.
    2. Provide at least four hours of community education.  Examples include presenting to parents, educators, kids, organizations (PTAs, law enforcement).  It is recommended that technicians work in teams
  3. Continuing education: minimum six hours
  4. Register and pay fee no later than your certification date. 

NOTE: This information will be mailed later this month to technicians with expiration dates January-April 2007.  Please log in and check your contact information in your online profile ASAP.

Other FAQs will be posted on the Web site later this month. 

 Contact Us

Questions? Comments? Concerns?

Safe Kids Worldwide
CPS Certification
1301 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Suite 1000
Washington, DC 20004

Phone: 877-366-8154 (toll free)
Fax: 202-393-2072
cps.certification@safekids.org

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