03/23/2026
Being a CPST requires getting recertified every two years — and for good reason.
I kicked off my second recertification cycle (fancy way of saying my 4th year of being a CPST), with a Technician Skills Builder Class to not only meet my continuing ed goal for the cycle, but to make sure I’m as up to date as possible on the latest trends in car seat safety. Why?
👉 Because things are evolving. Fast.
I used to think I had to know everything about every car seat, but that’s just not sustainable. Now that I’ve knocked out dozens of car seat checks, I can confidently say that a good deal of the work is sitting with the parent or guardian and reviewing the manual before confidently installing the seat(s) together.
Here are some key things I keep coming back to after my skills refresher:
🔄 Rotating seats are becoming more mainstream. I suspected this based on what I’m seeing in the wild, but it reminds me there are several nuances I need to remind parents of.
👀 Lower anchors are just not the preference for convertible installation. I know some families think they’re more foolproof and easier to use, but starting with a seatbelt install may give you more peace of mind down the road. Check out your manual – does it say which the manufacturer prefers? Go with that.
📏 Strap placement language is getting more precise. And I’m glad! I often see straps coming from several inches above the shoulders, which is a big safety risk. I’m thankful for the revision to “just above” and “just below,” because it’s much easier for caretakers to visualize.
🤖 The tech is getting more sophisticated, the seats are getting more complicated, and the cars are getting more spaceship-like. This means we have to double down on EVERY car seat manual and EVERY car manual.
Let this post serve as a reminder that even the CPSTs need a refresher. Questioning your setup? Let’s chat.
