Top 10 Bus Monitor Certifications

Certifications are important for bus monitors in the job market because they demonstrate to employers that the candidate has the necessary knowledge and skills to perform the duties of a bus monitor. Certifications also show potential employers that the candidate is dedicated to their field and is willing to invest in their own professional development. Finally, certifications can give applicants an edge over other applicants who do not have such qualifications, making them more attractive candidates for positions.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Bus Monitors and demonstrate how these certifications can positively impact a bus monitor's career.

What are Bus Monitor Certifications?

Bus monitor certification is a program that provides professional training and education to bus monitors, who are responsible for the safety and security of passengers on public buses. This certification helps ensure that bus monitors have the necessary knowledge and skills to properly manage and protect passengers while they are traveling. The certification also serves as an assurance that all bus monitors are adequately trained in emergency procedures, such as evacuating the vehicle in case of an accident or other emergency situation. Additionally, bus monitor certification can help promote safety by ensuring that all bus monitors know how to handle difficult passengers, recognize potential security risks, and enforce rules related to passenger conduct. By having certified bus monitors on board buses, transit agencies can ensure that their passengers will be provided with a safe and secure ride.

Pro Tip: When considering bus monitor certification, make sure to research the requirements and qualifications for the specific state or county you plan to work in. This will help ensure that you have all of the necessary paperwork and certifications required for a successful application.

Related: What does a Bus Monitor do?

Top 10 Bus Monitor Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Bus Monitors today.

1. Certified Bus Monitor (CBM)

Certified Bus Monitor (CBM) is a certification program designed to help bus drivers and other transportation personnel better understand the safety, security, and customer service needs of passengers. The program provides comprehensive training on how to properly operate a bus, including proper seating arrangements, emergency procedures, and passenger assistance. To become certified as a CBM, individuals must complete an online course that typically takes about 10 hours to complete. After completing the course, individuals must pass an exam administered by the National Safety Council (NSC). The cost of the program varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $100 - $200.

2. School Bus Safety Certification

School Bus Safety Certification is a certification program designed to ensure that school bus drivers and other personnel are trained in the safe operation of school buses. The certification consists of both classroom and behind-the-wheel training, as well as a written exam.

The length of time it takes to get certified depends on the individual's prior experience with driving a school bus. For those with no prior experience, the process typically takes between four and six weeks. Those with some prior experience may be able to complete the process more quickly.

To get certified, individuals must first complete an application form and submit it to their local school district or state department of education for approval. Once approved, they will then need to attend an approved training program, which may include classroom instruction as well as behind-the-wheel training. After completing the program, they will be required to pass a written exam before receiving their certification.

The cost of School Bus Safety Certification varies depending on the location and type of program chosen. Generally speaking, costs range from around $500-$1,000 for classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel training combined. Additional fees may also apply for things such as background checks or drug testing.

3. National Association for Pupil Transportation Certified Bus Monitor (NAPT-CBM)

The National Association for Pupil Transportation Certified Bus Monitor (NAPT-CBM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of bus monitors who are responsible for providing safe and efficient transportation services to students. The certification program is administered by the National Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT).

To obtain the NAPT-CBM credential, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements and successfully complete an online exam. The exam covers topics such as student behavior management, emergency procedures, vehicle operations, and safety protocols. Once applicants have passed the exam, they will be awarded the NAPT-CBM certification.

The exam typically takes about three hours to complete. Applicants should plan to spend at least one hour studying before taking the exam in order to ensure that they are adequately prepared.

The cost of obtaining the NAPT-CBM credential varies depending on whether or not applicants are members of NAPT. For non-members, the cost is $125; for members, it is $95. In addition to this fee, applicants may need to pay additional fees for study materials or other related expenses.

Overall, obtaining the NAPT-CBM credential can be a beneficial investment in one’s career as a bus monitor. It demonstrates that an individual has achieved a level of competency in their role and can provide employers with assurance that they are hiring qualified personnel.

4. National Safety Council Certified School Bus Monitor (NSC-CSBM)

The National Safety Council Certified School Bus Monitor (NSC-CSBM) is a certification program designed to provide school bus monitors with the knowledge and skills necessary to ensure the safety of students while on the bus. This certification is offered through the National Safety Council, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting health and safety in all aspects of life.

The NSC-CSBM program requires applicants to complete an online training course that covers topics such as student behavior management, emergency procedures, and transportation laws. The course consists of eight modules and takes approximately 8 hours to complete. Upon successful completion of the course, applicants must pass a written exam in order to receive their certification.

In order to get the NSC-CSBM certification, applicants must first register for the course through the National Safety Council’s website. The cost of registration is $99 USD, which includes access to all materials needed for the course as well as a certificate upon successful completion of the exam. After registering for the course, applicants will have 90 days to complete it and take the exam before their registration expires.

Once certified, school bus monitors must renew their certification every three years by completing additional continuing education courses or re-taking the full training program and passing the written exam again.

5. American School Bus Council Certified Bus Monitor (ASBC-CBM)

The American School Bus Council Certified Bus Monitor (ASBC-CBM) is a certification program designed to provide school bus drivers with the skills and knowledge needed to monitor student behavior on the bus. The ASBC-CBM certification is designed to ensure that all school buses are safe and secure environments for students, staff, and other passengers.

The ASBC-CBM certification requires an online training course, which typically takes about 8 hours to complete. This course covers topics such as safety regulations, student behavior management, emergency response procedures, and more. Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive a certificate of completion from the American School Bus Council.

To get certified as an ASBC-CBM, individuals must first register for the online training course through the American School Bus Council website. After registering for the course, participants will be able to access all of the materials needed to complete it. Once they have completed the course successfully, they will be able to print out their certificate of completion.

The cost of getting certified as an ASBC-CBM varies depending on where you take the training course; however, it typically ranges from $100-$200 USD.

6. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Certified School Bus Monitor (NHTSA-CSBM)

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Certified School Bus Monitor (NHTSA-CSBM) is a certification program designed to provide school bus drivers and monitors with the knowledge and skills necessary to ensure the safety of students while they are being transported on school buses. The program focuses on providing training in areas such as driver safety, student behavior management, emergency evacuation procedures, and other topics related to the safe operation of school buses.

The NHTSA-CSBM certification program typically takes around 40 hours to complete. It consists of both online and in-person instruction, which includes classroom lectures, hands-on activities, and written exams. To be eligible for the certification, applicants must have a valid driver’s license and at least two years of experience driving a school bus or working as a school bus monitor.

To get certified as an NHTSA-CSBM, applicants must first complete an application form and submit it along with any required documents to their local state licensing agency. Once approved by the state licensing agency, applicants will then be able to register for the certification program through a third-party provider such as National Safety Council or American Red Cross.

The cost of getting certified as an NHTSA-CSBM varies depending on where you live and which provider you choose for your training. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $200-$500 USD.

7. Professional Transportation Institute Certified School Bus Monitor (PTI-CSBM)

The Professional Transportation Institute Certified School Bus Monitor (PTI-CSBM) is a certification program designed to provide school bus monitors with the knowledge and skills necessary to safely transport students on school buses. The program is designed to meet the requirements of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and other state and federal agencies.

The PTI-CSBM certification program consists of three components: an online course, an in-person training session, and a final exam. The online course covers topics such as passenger safety, bus operations, emergency procedures, communication techniques, and more. The in-person training session includes hands-on activities and simulations that reinforce the material from the online course. Finally, participants must pass a final exam in order to receive their certification.

The entire PTI-CSBM certification process typically takes about four weeks to complete. Participants are expected to complete the online course within two weeks of registering for the program. After completing the online course, participants will attend an in-person training session at a designated location near them. Finally, they must take and pass a final exam within two weeks of attending the in-person training session.

The cost of obtaining PTI-CSBM certification varies depending on where you live and which provider you choose to register with. Generally speaking, it costs between $200-$300 USD for registration fees and materials associated with taking the online course and attending an in-person training session.

8. International Association of Public Transportation Certified School Bus Monitor (IAPT-CSBM)

The International Association of Public Transportation Certified School Bus Monitor (IAPT-CSBM) is a certification program designed to recognize school bus monitors who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge in the areas of student management, safety, and customer service. The certification is intended to provide employers with assurance that their school bus monitors are knowledgeable and competent in their duties.

In order to become certified as an IAPT-CSBM, applicants must complete a comprehensive online training program. This program consists of six modules covering topics such as student management, safety, customer service, vehicle maintenance and inspection, and communication skills. Each module includes interactive activities and assessments designed to test the applicant's understanding of the material. Upon successful completion of all six modules, applicants will receive their IAPT-CSBM certification.

The entire process typically takes between 8-10 hours to complete. The cost for the training program is $150 USD per person.

9. National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services Certified School Bus Monitor (NASDPTS-CSBM)

The National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services Certified School Bus Monitor (NASDPTS-CSBM) is a voluntary certification program designed to recognize individuals who have met the standards and qualifications for school bus monitors. The program is intended to provide recognition for those who demonstrate a high level of knowledge and skill in the safe operation of a school bus.

To become certified, an individual must complete a training course that covers topics such as student management, emergency procedures, vehicle inspection, and driver/student interaction. The training course typically takes between two and three days to complete. After completing the course, the individual must pass an exam administered by NASDPTS. Upon successful completion of both the course and exam, the individual will receive their CSBM certification.

The cost of the certification varies depending on where you take the training course. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $150-$400 USD.

10. United States Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Certified School Bus Monitor (USDOT FMCSA-CSBM).

The United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Certified School Bus Monitor (CSBM) is a certification program for individuals who are responsible for the safety and security of students while they are on school buses. The CSBM certification is designed to ensure that all school bus monitors have the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to safely transport students.

The CSBM certification is obtained through an online training program. The training consists of two modules: one focusing on safety and security and the other focusing on student behavior management. After completing both modules, applicants must pass a written exam in order to be certified as a CSBM. The exam covers topics such as safe driving practices, student behavior management, emergency procedures, and vehicle maintenance.

The cost of the CSBM certification program varies depending on the provider, but generally ranges from $50-$100 USD. The training typically takes about 10-15 hours to complete. Upon successful completion of the training and passing of the exam, applicants will receive their CSBM certificate which is valid for three years before needing to be renewed.

Do You Really Need a Bus Monitor Certificate?

The short answer is no. You do not need a bus monitor certificate to become a bus monitor. However, having a bus monitor certificate can be beneficial and can help you obtain a job as a bus monitor more easily.

A bus monitor certificate is an official document that certifies you have completed training and have the necessary skills to work as a bus monitor. Having this type of certification may make employers more likely to hire you because it shows that you are knowledgeable about the job and have received the required training for the position. It also demonstrates that you understand the rules and regulations associated with being a bus monitor, so employers know they can trust you with their passengers.

Having a bus monitor certificate also gives you an edge over other applicants who do not have one. Many school districts require all of their bus monitors to be certified, so having this certification could give you an advantage when applying for jobs in these areas. Additionally, many states offer continuing education courses or refresher courses related to being a bus monitor which can help keep your knowledge up-to-date and ensure that your certification remains valid.

Overall, while having a bus monitor certificate is not essential for becoming a successful bus monitor, it does provide certain benefits that could make it easier for you to get hired or remain current on industry standards.

Related: Bus Monitor Resume Examples

FAQs About Bus Monitor Certifications

1. What is a bus monitor certification?

A bus monitor certification is a qualification that allows individuals to supervise, support and help transport students on school buses.

2. Who can get a bus monitor certification?

Any individual over the age of 18 can apply for a bus monitor certification. Most states require applicants to have a valid driver’s license and pass an exam prior to being certified.

3. How long does it take to get certified as a bus monitor?

The process and timeline for obtaining a bus monitor certification will vary from state to state, but most certifications are obtained within 2-4 weeks of submitting the application paperwork.

4. What are the requirements for maintaining a bus monitor certification?

In order to maintain a valid bus monitor certification, individuals must complete regular training courses and re-certification tests every two years.

5. Where can I find more information about becoming certified as a bus monitor?

The best source of information regarding becoming certified as a bus monitor is your local Department of Education or Transportation office, which will provide you with all the necessary forms and information needed to begin the process.