CPS Certification

Tens of thousands of individuals have been certified as Child Passenger Safety Technicians and Instructors since the national certification program began in 1997. CPS technicians and instructors put their knowledge to work through a variety of activities, including car seat checks where parents and caregivers receive education and hands-on assistance with the proper use of child restraint systems and safety belts.

What we do

The program is a partnership among the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the National Child Passenger Safety Board and Safe Kids Worldwide.

NHTSA developed the standardized curriculum in the mid-1990s and continues to update it with the latest technical information.

The National Child Passenger Safety Board provides recommendations and guidance to NHTSA and Safe Kids regarding curriculum and test development and serves as a panel of experts and advocates for the program as a whole.

In 2004, Safe Kids Worldwide stepped in as the certifying body for the program, replacing AAA. It is responsible for administering all aspects of certification and maintaining a directory of nationally certified CPS technicians and instructors and available courses.  

How we get things done

At the heart of the program are the dedicated instructors who teach certification courses and the committed technicians who work directly with parents and caregivers. The instruction, testing and skills verification required by the certification program ensure that instructors and technicians know and transmit the most up-to-date technical information.

Why it's important

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading killer of kids in the United States.  Many injuries and deaths can be prevented by properly using car seats.  With four out of five seats misused, certified technicians provide a valuable (and usually free) service to parents and caregivers concerned with safe transport for their most precious cargo.