CPST - Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician Forward-Facing Car Seat Use Questions and Answers

Question 1

A caregiver wants to move their 2-year-old child to a forward-facing car seat.
The child has met the minimum height and weight requirements for forward-facing use according to the car seat manual.
Which of the following is the most critical next step before making the transition?

Accepted Answer

Confirm the child has also reached the maximum rear-facing height or weight limit of their convertible car seat.

Answer

Ensure the child is mature enough to sit properly without slouching.

Answer

Check that the vehicle has a dedicated top tether anchor in the desired seating position.

Answer

Verify state law allows children over age two to be forward-facing.

Question 2

When securing a child in a forward-facing car seat with a 5-point harness, what is the correct positioning for the shoulder straps?

Accepted Answer

At or just above the child's shoulders.

Answer

Slightly below the child's shoulders.

Answer

Directly even with the child's armpits.

Answer

At the midpoint between the child's shoulders and ears.

Question 3

Which of the following is a mandatory component for installing ANY forward-facing car seat, regardless of whether the LATCH system or the vehicle's seat belt is used?

Accepted Answer

The top tether strap.

Answer

A locking clip for the seat belt.

Answer

The vehicle's headrest must be removed.

Answer

An anti-rebound bar.

Question 4

A 4-year-old child weighs 45 pounds and is riding in a forward-facing car seat that weighs 25 pounds. The caregiver has installed the seat using the lower anchors (LATCH). What potential issue must a CPST address?

Accepted Answer

The combined weight of the child and car seat may exceed the LATCH system's weight limit.

Answer

The child is too old to be using a 5-point harness.

Answer

The car seat is too heavy to be installed correctly.

Answer

Lower anchors cannot be used for children over 40 pounds.

Question 5

When is a child considered to have outgrown their forward-facing car seat with a harness and is ready to move to a booster seat?

Accepted Answer

When their legs are long enough to bend comfortably at the vehicle seat's edge.

Answer

When they turn five years old, regardless of size.

Answer

When their shoulders are above the top harness slots, or they exceed the seat's stated height or weight limit.

Answer

When the child can buckle the 5-point harness by themselves.

Question 6

A parent is installing a forward-facing convertible car seat. Which of the following installation checks is essential for ensuring safety?

Accepted Answer

The seat moves less than 1 inch side-to-side and front-to-back when checked at the belt path.

Answer

The car seat reclines at a 45-degree angle.

Answer

The vehicle seat belt is routed through the rear-facing belt path for a more secure fit.

Answer

The harness chest clip is buckled at the child's belly button.