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

Question 1

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and NHTSA best practice recommendations, a child should remain in a rear-facing car seat until they:

Accepted Answer

Reach the highest weight or height limit allowed by the car seat manufacturer.

Answer

Reach the age of two.

Answer

Can sit up unassisted and have good head control.

Answer

Have legs that touch the vehicle's back seat.

Question 2

A caregiver is concerned that their 18-month-old's legs are bent and touching the back of the vehicle seat while rear-facing. What is the appropriate guidance for a CPST to provide?

Accepted Answer

This is a common and acceptable situation; it does not pose a safety risk and is not an indication to turn the child forward-facing.

Answer

This is a sign the child is ready for a forward-facing seat.

Answer

Bent legs are a major safety concern and the seat should be adjusted immediately.

Answer

The caregiver should purchase a larger rear-facing seat immediately.

Question 3

When positioning the harness straps for a child in a rear-facing car seat, which of the following is correct?

Accepted Answer

The straps should be positioned at or just below the child's shoulders.

Answer

The straps should be positioned at or just above the child's shoulders.

Answer

The straps can be in any slot as long as the harness is snug.

Answer

The strap position depends on the child's weight, not shoulder height.

Question 4

Which of the following is a critical rule regarding the placement of a rear-facing car seat in a vehicle?

Accepted Answer

It must never be placed in a seating position with an active frontal airbag.

Answer

It should always be installed in the center rear seat.

Answer

It can touch the front vehicle seat, but only if the car seat manual allows it.

Answer

It must be installed using the LATCH system, not the seat belt.

Question 5

A CPST is checking a rear-facing infant seat installation. When testing for tightness at the belt path, what is the maximum acceptable amount of movement?

Accepted Answer

Less than one inch of movement side-to-side or front-to-back.

Answer

Exactly one inch side-to-side and two inches front-to-back.

Answer

No movement at all should be felt.

Answer

The seat should rock slightly to absorb crash forces.

Question 6

When a newborn in a rear-facing seat needs additional support to prevent their head from slumping, a CPST should advise the caregiver to:

Accepted Answer

Place rolled receiving blankets alongside the infant's head and shoulders for support.

Answer

Use any aftermarket head support products available at retail stores.

Answer

Slightly recline the seat beyond the angle indicator's recommendation.

Answer

Place a rolled towel under the harness straps to lift the baby's shoulders.