Tech Update – December 2006

OPINION SURVEY - CEUs or ONLINE EXAM?

Less than 7 percent of techs/instructors have responded to a survey offered by National Safe Kids! Please share your opinion! Which do you prefer: online test or CEUs?

Please take a very short survey at: http://sk.convio.net/site/R?i=Php-adgxZsaETrUCJkwseg

THE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES?

The Policies and Procedures and Web site have been updated to include all the information on recertifying in 2007, including seat checks and CEUs. (Go to http://www.safekids.org/certification and click on Resources.)

REGISTRATION FOR RECERTIFICATION WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE IN JANUARY 2007

Due to the programming requirements of moving to a new process, users will not be able to access or enter recertification information in January.

All technicians with an expiration date in January or February will automatically get a two-month extension. Examples:

  • If your expiration date is 1/13/2007, it will be automatically changed to 3/13/2007.
  • If your expiration date is 2/25/2007, it will be automatically changed to 4/25/2007.

These technicians remain eligible for the one-page extension request available at:
http://sk.convio.net/site/R?i=cdszMEMFIwNvZ_Ctl3LQoQ

We appreciate your understanding as we make the transition to the new system. Please plan accordingly.

Also, because your expiration date is during January-April 2007, you have a choice in how you want to recertify.

WANT TO RECERTIFY BY TAKING THE ONLINE TEST?

If you want to recertify by taking the online test, you must register for re-certification on or before 12/31/2006. Your seat checks must also be entered, and you must be within 4 months of your expiration to see the CLICK HERE button on your online profile (look under REPORT/REVIEW RECERTIFICATION ACTIVITIES).

If you choose to register for re-certification on or before 12/31/2006, you will have the full test period of 30 days after your registration is processed.

RENEWAL COURSE GOING ON VACATION IN 2007?

If you or someone you know may be interested in taking advantage of this course, do not delay! There will be a period of time when the renewal course will not be available in 2007.
Since NHTSA is planning to update the Renewal Course to reflect the changes in the new course curriculum, it is only on hiatus and not permanently gone.

Renewal Courses will not be available after December 31, 2006, until the new Renewal Course materials are available.

NATIONWIDE CONTINUING EDUCATION WEB PAGE

Child Passenger Safety Team Colorado is very pleased to announce the availability of the Nationwide Continuing Education Web Page. The calendar is accessible and available to anyone interested in viewing and/or posting continuing education activities.

CPS Team Colorado has been a very strong advocate of supporting nationally certified technicians and instructors with accessible continuing education. With the understanding that the CPS field is so rapidly changing in technology, the CPS Team Colorado is very pleased to offer an "Internet Hub" where technicians and instructors can find locations close to home and nationwide to network, further their knowledge, and hone their skills.

To access the calendar:

  1. http://sk.convio.net/site/R?i=A-UUp4SCdZtOlLqsNYqwJg
  2. Click on “Training Opportunities.”
  3. Click on “Continuing Education for Certified Technicians.”
  4. On the drop-down menu, select “CEU Sessions Nationwide Listing.”

CATEGORIES OF CEUs FOR RECERTIFICATION

  1. In-person Session/Workshop (maximum 6 CEUs)
  2. Observing a CPS Certification or Renewal Course (maximum 3 CEUs)
  3. Teleconferences (maximum 5 CEUs)
  4. Online/Web sessions (maximum 5 CEUs)
  5. Newsletters/Manuals/Journals (maximum 3 CEUs)

What counts?

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.

There are some requirements, such as preparation in advance of proof of attendance. Details are available by CEU type at: http://www.safekids.org/certification under the heading Recertification 07.
http://sk.convio.net/site/R?i=6v5lGf5LKcqFQ3uxc4F_8A

Examples of Mix and Match of CEUs

Example #1

  • Read Tech Update = 1 CEU
  • Complete LATCH Quiz = 1 CEU
  • Attend 2-hour technical update = 2 CEUs
  • Attend new CR test run at local retailer for two hours = 2 CEUs

Example #2

  • Read Tech Update = 1 CEU
  • Submit child restraint manufacturer quiz = 1 CEU
  • Subscribe to Safe Ride News or SafetyBeltSafe USA newsletters (proof of purchase from publisher) = 1 CEU each
  • Attend 45-minute local update = 1 CEU
  • Complete two online courses (coming soon to http://sk.convio.net/site/R?i=olAlMxegzoXfWbeCmNqIBA) = 2 CEUs

To view CEU types, details, and audit requirements, go to: http://sk.convio.net/site/R?i=GBfxnmwA1ObYrRpQyh7xKA

QUESTIONS? Contact CPS Customer Service toll free at 877-36-8154 or e-mail: cps.certification@safekids.org

2006 RECERTIFICATION REMINDER

Don't Risk Your Certification. You may recertify up to four months before your certification expiration date. http://www.safekids.org/certification/recertification.html
  • Seat checks may be logged at any time during your certification cycle and must be approved before you can register for recertification.
  • You may complete registration up to four months in advance of your certification expiration date. Registration must be completed by your certification expiration date.

Once your recertification registration is processed, you will have 30 days to complete the online exam. The test does not have to be completed by your certification expiration date.

If your test is never started, is inadvertently submitted, or is incomplete when the 30-day limit expires, it will be graded and your money will not be refunded.

Basic recertification requirements and deadlines:

  • Five seat checks approved by a certified instructor (may use technician proxy option). These seat checks may be done at any time during your certification cycle as long as they are entered online and approved before your recertification date.
  • Community Education (choose one): 2 hour seat check or 4 hours of presentations to non-CPSTs (details on Web and in P&P).
  • A minimum of 6 hours of CPS technical continuing education units must be earned and reported during a current certification cycle (two years). You cannot “carry-over” CEUs from one period to the next, even if you have more CEUs accumulated than are required. Once the programming is complete in January, CEUs may be entered at any time during your certification cycle and must fit into one of the five approved categories and meet content requirements. Details: http://sk.convio.net/site/R?i=_nJG1Ri3FiaQslRxD59HmA
  • Register and pay the fee by the end of the certification expiration date.

Once your registration is complete, your recertification will be processed in 2-4 days.

Source: CPS Express – November and December, 2006, National Safe Kids and National Child Passenger Safety Board (www.cpsboard.org) Renewal Information, December 11, 2006.

CPS UPDATE TRAINING - February 22, 2006

Safe Riders and the Travis County . Sheriff's Department is offering an Update Class in Austin on February 22, 2006.  This class will qualify for 3 hours of CEUs. For information contact Safe Riders at saferiders@dshs.state.tx.us   

4-DAY NATIONAL STANDARDIZED CHILD PASSENGER SAFETY TECHNICIAN TRAINING

Passenger Safety, Texas AgriLife Extension Service will be conducting a 4-Day National Standardized Child Passenger Safety Technician Training  in Victoria March 27-30, 2007. If you know of anyone interested in becoming a certified technician, please contact Myrna Hill at 210-452-1496 or mr-hill@tamu.edu. 

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Last updated: 26 July, 2010

Educational programs of the Texas AgriLife Extension Service are open to all people without regard to race, color, sex, disability, religion, age, or national origin.