CPST - Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician LATCH System Installation Questions and Answers

Question 1

A caregiver wants to install their forward-facing child restraint in the center rear seating position using the LATCH system.
The vehicle manual indicates there are no dedicated lower anchors for the center seat, but allows for 'borrowing' the innermost lower anchors from the outboard seating positions.
The distance between these anchors is 15 inches.
What is the MOST critical next step for the CPST to take?

Accepted Answer

Check the child restraint manual to see if it permits installation with non-standard lower anchor spacing.

Answer

Proceed with the installation as both manuals permit it.

Answer

Advise the caregiver to use the seat belt for installation instead, as borrowing is never recommended.

Answer

Measure the LATCH strap length to ensure it can reach the borrowed anchors.

Question 2

Which of the following statements about the top tether is MOST accurate for a forward-facing child restraint installation?

Accepted Answer

The top tether should be used for all forward-facing installations, regardless of whether the seat is installed with the seat belt or lower anchors.

Answer

The top tether is optional if the lower anchors are used and the seat feels secure.

Answer

The top tether can be attached to any sturdy cargo hook in the rear of the vehicle.

Answer

The top tether is only required when the child exceeds a certain weight, as specified by the vehicle manufacturer.

Question 3

A CPST is checking a rear-facing convertible car seat installed with LATCH. The seat moves less than 1 inch side-to-side when checked at the belt path. The lower anchor webbing is twisted, and the caregiver asks if this is a problem. What is the BEST response?

Accepted Answer

"Yes, twisted webbing can compromise the strength of the LATCH strap in a crash and should be corrected."

Answer

"No, as long as the seat is tight, a small twist doesn't affect performance."

Answer

"You only need to worry about twists if you are using the vehicle seat belt for installation."

Answer

"Let's untwist it, but the main concern is that it doesn't interfere with the buckle."

Question 4

What is the federal requirement for LATCH equipment in passenger vehicles manufactured after September 1, 2002?

Accepted Answer

LATCH systems (lower anchors and tether anchors) in at least two rear seating positions, and a tether anchor in at least one additional position.

Answer

LATCH systems (lower anchors and tether anchors) in all rear seating positions.

Answer

Lower anchors in two rear seating positions and tether anchors in all three rear seating positions.

Answer

Lower anchors in three rear seating positions and tether anchors in two.

Question 5

A caregiver has installed a forward-facing car seat using both the LATCH system's lower anchors and the vehicle's seat belt simultaneously, believing it makes the seat 'extra safe.' What should the CPST advise?

Accepted Answer

Using both systems at the same time is prohibited unless specifically allowed by both the vehicle and car seat manufacturers.

Answer

This is the safest method and should always be recommended.

Answer

This is only allowed for car seats made after 2020.

Answer

This method is acceptable as long as the seat moves less than one inch at the belt path.

Question 6

When must a CPST advise a caregiver to discontinue using the lower anchors and instead install the child restraint using the vehicle's seat belt?

Accepted Answer

When the combined weight of the child and the child restraint exceeds 65 pounds, or a lower limit specified by the manufacturer.

Answer

When the child can buckle themselves into the harness.

Answer

When the vehicle is more than 10 years old.

Answer

When installing a convertible seat in the rear-facing position.