This document provides an overview of the modules covered in the National Child Passenger Safety Technician Renewal Testing Course. The course aims to update technicians on changes in child passenger safety laws, technologies, and best practices. Key topics covered include updated guidelines for rear-facing and forward-facing car seats, booster seats, seat belts, lower anchors and tethers, airbags, and child passenger safety in different vehicle types. The course emphasizes the technician's role in educating caregivers to make informed choices for safely transporting children.

1. National Child Passenger Safety TechnicianNational Child Passenger Safety Technician
Renewal Testing CourseRenewal Testing Course
National Child Passenger Safety TechnicianNational Child Passenger Safety Technician
Renewal Testing CourseRenewal Testing Course
Module 2Module 2
CPS UpdatesCPS Updates
2-1

2. 2-2
Module 2 ObjectivesModule 2 Objectives
• Identify state-specific occupant restraint laws
and local CPS resources.
• Describe technical changes and trends in the
child passenger safety field.

3. Module 1: Program IntroductionModule 1: Program Introduction
• Training program
goals
• Course completion
requirements
• Updated statistics on
use of car seats,
booster seats, and
seat belts
2-3

4. Module 2: The CPS TechnicianModule 2: The CPS Technician’s Role’s Role
Emphasis is on the Learn, Practice, Explain
model.
LEARN the facts/skills/information. Seek ways to
stay updated. Then …
PRACTICE your new skills and share
information.
EXPLAIN (teach) what you have learned to
caregivers.
The focus is on CPS Technicians as educators,
NOT installers. 2-4

5. The caregiver always makes the choice aboutThe caregiver always makes the choice about
the transport of their child.the transport of their child.
CPS Technicians can never support a caregiver in either
breaking the law or going against manufacturer
instructions. When the caregiver does not make the safe
choice, document it on your Check Form.
2-5

6. CPS Technician RoleCPS Technician Role
• Identify the best way to transport a child safely,
according to manufacturer instructions.
• Explain best practice – gold standard of
protection based on child’s age, height, weight,
and developmental levels – to caregiver.
• Often, when caregivers do not understand the
reason for it, they do not choose the best
practice. As a CPS Technician, it is your job to
know the reason and explain it to the caregiver
in simple, clear terms.
2-6

7. Module 3: Injury Prevention &Module 3: Injury Prevention &
Crash DynamicsCrash Dynamics
Weight X Speed = Restraining Force
•Vehicle going 40 mph would hit a tree with same
force as hitting ground after falling off a 50-foot
cliff
•Person inside the vehicle would hit windshield
with same force as hitting ground after a fall
from a
5-story building
2-7

8. 2-8
Module 3: Injury Prevention &Module 3: Injury Prevention &
Crash DynamicsCrash Dynamics (continued)(continued)
Car seats, booster seats, and seat belts prevent
injury.
•Keep people in the vehicle.
•Contact the strongest parts of the body.
•Spread forces over a wide area of the body.
•Help the body to slow or "ride down" the crash
forces.
•Protect the head, brain, and spinal cord.

9. Module 4: Seat Belt SystemsModule 4: Seat Belt Systems
• Updated federal standard information
• Types of latchplates and retractors
2-9
Buckle Retractor Anchor Webbing Latchplate

10. Types of LatchplatesTypes of Latchplates
2-10
Locking Switchable
Sliding Sewn-On

11. Dynamic Locking Latchplate – NEWDynamic Locking Latchplate – NEW
• Currently located in
front seat of some
vehicles
• Lock the lap-and-
shoulder belt when
loaded by occupant
during a crash
• Not intended to
provide locking of
seat belt for a car
seat
2-11

12. Types of RetractorsTypes of Retractors
• Emergency Locking
• Automatic Locking
• Switchable
2-12
Switchable Retractor

13. When to Use a Locking ClipWhen to Use a Locking Clip
• Retractor =
emergency locking
• Latchplate = sliding
• Lap-and-shoulder
belt all one piece of
webbing
2-13

14. Install a Locking ClipInstall a Locking Clip
2-14

15. When to Use a Belt-Shortening ClipWhen to Use a Belt-Shortening Clip
• Retractor = emergency
locking
• Latchplate = sewn-on
• No locking feature (there
may or may not be a
separate shoulder belt)
2-15

16. Install a Belt-Shortening ClipInstall a Belt-Shortening Clip
2-16

17. Module 5: Air BagsModule 5: Air Bags
This module covers:
•Air bags and what you
need to know for car
seat and booster seat
installation
•New information on
inflatable seat belts
2-17

18. Inflatable Seat BeltInflatable Seat Belt
• Generally opens in frontal,
side, and rollover crashes
• Located in shoulder
portion of lap-and-
shoulder seat belt
• Has 2 retractors and a
sewn-on latchplate
• Spreads belt loads over a
greater area of chest than
standard seat belts
• Provides additional head
and neck support during a 2-18

19. Module 6: Lower Anchors &Module 6: Lower Anchors &
Tethers for CHildrenTethers for CHildren
• Use the term LATCH
when referring to both
lower anchors and
tether use.
• Always encourage
tether use for forward-
facing car seats when
allowed, whether
secured using the seat
belt or lower anchor
connectors.
2-19

20. Lower Anchors & TethersLower Anchors & Tethers
• Both lower anchors and tether anchors have
weight limits set by the vehicle and car
seat/booster seat manufacturers.
• If different weight limits are listed, the lower
limit must be used.
• If there are no stated weight limit for vehicle
lower anchors or tether anchors, you MUST
assume that they may be used until total weight
of child and car seat equals 65 pounds.
2-20

21. Module 7: Introduction to Car Seats &Module 7: Introduction to Car Seats &
Booster SeatsBooster Seats
• NHTSA’s FMVSS 213 now provides car seat
performance standards for children up to 80
pounds.
• NHTSA updated their stages of use and
selection recommendations.
• Car seats and booster seats should be chosen
by child’s age, size, and fit in the vehicle.
• Children should be kept in seats for as long as
they fit in the manufacturer’s height and weight
requirements.
2-21

22. Birth to 12 MonthsBirth to 12 Months
• A child under 1 should
ALWAYS ride in a rear-
facing car seat.
• There are different types of
rear-facing car seats: rear-
facing-only, convertible,
and 3-in-1.
2-22

23. 1 to 3 Years1 to 3 Years
• Children should ride in
rear-facing car seats
AS LONG AS
POSSIBLE.
• Remain in a rear-
facing car seat until
reaching the top
height or weight limit
allowed by car seat
manufacturer.
2-23

24. 4 to 7 Years4 to 7 Years
Children should be kept
in a forward-facing car
seat with a harness
until they reach top
height or weight limit
allowed by the
manufacturer.
2-24

25. 8 to 12 Years8 to 12 Years
Children should be kept
in booster seats until
big enough to properly
fit in a seat belt.
2-25

26. 2-26
Module 8: Children in Rear-FacingModule 8: Children in Rear-Facing
Car SeatsCar Seats
• Many seats have extended rear-facing capacity,
often 30 pounds or more
• There are now 5 steps for correct use:
1. Selection
2. Direction
3. Location
4. Installation
5. Harnessing - NEW

27. 2-27
Module 9: Children in Forward-FacingModule 9: Children in Forward-Facing
Car SeatsCar Seats
• Many seats have extended forward-facing
capability, with harnesses up to 65 or more
pounds.
• Weight limits on lower anchors and tether
anchors can affect the seating position choice.
• Check the manuals. When in doubt, secure the
car seat using the seat belt rather than the
lower anchor connectors.
• Encourage tether use whenever possible!

28. 2-28
Module 10: Children in Booster Seats &Module 10: Children in Booster Seats &
Seat BeltsSeat Belts
• Booster Seats:
- Must NEVER be used with just a lap belt.
- Are NEVER used on airplanes.
- May fit children up to 80 or 100+ pounds.
• Always consult the booster seat owner’s manual
for weight ranges and correct use instructions.

29. High-Back & Backless Booster SeatsHigh-Back & Backless Booster Seats
2-29

30. Recommendations for Children in Seat BeltsRecommendations for Children in Seat Belts
Seat belts can be used to safely secure a child
when he or she is:
•Tall enough to sit without slouching.
•Able to keep his or her back against the vehicle
seat.
•Able to keep his or her knees naturally bent over
the edge of the vehicle seat.
•Able to keep his or her feet flat on the floor.
2-30

31. Module 11: CPS in Other VehiclesModule 11: CPS in Other Vehicles
Basics related to:
•Pickup trucks
•15-passenger vans
•School buses
•Airplanes
•Emergency
transport vehicles
2-31

32. Module 12: Installation & CommunicationModule 12: Installation & Communication
• Safest seating
positions
• Appropriate restraints
for all occupants
• Communicating
effectively with
caregivers
2-32

33. Module 13: Closing & Checkup EventModule 13: Closing & Checkup Event
• Course Check Form
• Requirements for
CPST recertification
• Preparing for a
checkup event
• Conducting a checkup
event
• Debriefing after a
checkup event
2-33