CPST Harness Systems and Harness Fit

Question 1

Where should the harness chest clip (retainer clip) be positioned on a child in a car seat?

Accepted Answer

At armpit level

Answer

The chest clip must be positioned at armpit level to keep harness straps correctly aligned over the child's shoulders.

Question 2

What is the 'pinch test' used to verify in a properly installed car seat?

Accepted Answer

No harness webbing can be pinched at the child's shoulder

Answer

If you cannot pinch any slack webbing horizontally at the child's shoulder, the harness is correctly tightened.

Question 3

For a rear-facing car seat, the harness shoulder straps should be routed through slots positioned:

Accepted Answer

At or below the child's shoulders

Answer

Rear-facing harness straps must exit at or below the child's shoulders to properly restrain the body in a crash.

Question 4

For a forward-facing car seat, harness shoulder straps should be routed through slots positioned:

Accepted Answer

At or above the child's shoulders

Answer

Forward-facing harness straps must be at or above the child's shoulders so they restrain the body during a frontal crash.

Question 5

What is the primary function of the harness chest clip on a child restraint?

Accepted Answer

To keep harness straps properly positioned on the child's shoulders

Answer

The chest clip is a strap positioner only; it keeps shoulder straps from spreading too far apart but is not a crash-load bearing component.

CPST - Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician Practice Test