CPST - Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician Vehicle Systems and Airbags Questions and Answers

Question 1

A caregiver is installing a high-back booster seat for their 8-year-old child in an outboard seating position equipped with side curtain airbags.
They are concerned about the airbag's proximity to their child.
What is the MOST accurate guidance a CPST should provide?

Accepted Answer

Side curtain airbags are generally safe with boosters, but ensure the child sits upright and does not lean against the door or window.

Answer

The side curtain airbag must be deactivated by a dealer before a child can sit in that position.

Answer

Only backless boosters are permitted in seating positions with side curtain airbags.

Answer

The booster seat must be installed using the LATCH system to prevent interaction with the side airbag.

Question 2

Which of the following is the primary safety function of an adjustable or fixed head restraint found on a vehicle seat?

Accepted Answer

To protect an occupant from whiplash-type neck injuries in a crash.

Answer

To provide comfort for the occupant during long trips.

Answer

To serve as an anchor point for a child restraint's top tether.

Answer

To automatically move forward in a crash to cushion the head.

Question 3

A caregiver driving a 2018 Ford Explorer asks about installing their child's forward-facing car seat. The CPST identifies that the vehicle is equipped with inflatable seat belts in the rear outboard seats. What is the critical next step?

Accepted Answer

Consult both the vehicle owner's manual and the car seat manual for specific instructions regarding inflatable belts.

Answer

Use a locking clip because inflatable belts cannot be locked for installation.

Answer

Inform the caregiver that these belts are safer and no special steps are needed.

Answer

Install the car seat using the LATCH system instead of the seat belt, if possible.

Question 4

Under which of the following circumstances is it permissible and appropriate to have a passenger frontal airbag turned off with an ON/OFF switch?

Accepted Answer

When a rear-facing infant seat must be placed in the front seat of a single-cab pickup truck.

Answer

When an adult passenger is shorter than 5 feet tall.

Answer

When transporting a forward-facing child who is under the LATCH weight limit.

Answer

For any child under the age of 13 who must ride in the front seat.

Question 5

A caregiver in a newer minivan with advanced, weight-based frontal airbags asks if it's now safe for their 10-year-old child to ride in the front passenger seat. What is the best practice recommendation a CPST should give?

Accepted Answer

No, all children under age 13 should ride in the back seat, regardless of airbag technology.

Answer

Yes, as long as the vehicle seat is moved as far back as possible.

Answer

Yes, advanced airbags are designed to be safe for children over the age of 8.

Answer

Only if the child weighs more than 80 pounds and can pass the 5-step test for belt fit.

Question 6

Which component of a vehicle's supplemental restraint system (SRS) is responsible for detecting the forces of a collision and signaling the airbag to deploy?

Accepted Answer

The crash sensors.

Answer

The inflator module.

Answer

The diagnostic monitoring unit.

Answer

The seat belt retractor.