This overview includes information to help you prepare for the Assistive Technology Professional, or ATP, exam offered by RESNA. You’ll find details about eligibility, the test format, registration, costs, test-day expectations, scoring, retakes, and study resources.
Exam Background and Purpose
The Assistive Technology Professional, or ATP, certification is offered by the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America, or RESNA. The credential is designed for professionals who help people with disabilities select, use, and benefit from assistive technology.
The ATP exam measures knowledge and skills related to assessing client needs, developing assistive technology intervention plans, implementing assistive technology solutions, evaluating outcomes, and following professional standards of practice.
Test Overview
The ATP exam is a computer-based exam with 180 multiple-choice questions. The time limit is 4 hours, and the exam is currently delivered in English at Prometric testing centers.
The exam is based on the current RESNA ATP exam outline. The major content areas include:
- Assessment of Need (29%) — This area covers reviewing referrals, assessing client needs, evaluating settings of use, reviewing relevant records, collaborating with stakeholders, assessing functional abilities and limitations, identifying environmental factors, reviewing existing assistive technology, and helping clients clarify goals and desired outcomes.
- Development of Intervention Strategies — Action Plan (29%) — This area covers identifying assistive technology products, services, and strategies; comparing possible solutions; conducting demonstrations and trials; identifying training and support needs; documenting recommendations; and advising clients and stakeholders about the procurement process.
- Implementation of Intervention — Once Funded (23%) — This area covers reviewing the implementation plan, monitoring procurement, preparing and installing technology, checking safety and function, fitting and adjusting equipment, training users and stakeholders, providing maintenance information, and documenting the implementation process.
- Evaluation of Intervention — Follow-Up (19%) — This area covers documenting outcomes, reviewing progress toward client goals, identifying changes that may require reassessment, modifying intervention strategies when needed, and making sure follow-up is in place.
- Professional Conduct — This area is integrated throughout the exam rather than assigned a separate percentage. It includes RESNA’s Code of Ethics, Standards of Practice, professional responsibility, mentoring, education, advocacy, policy, and advancement of the assistive technology field.
Assistive technology topics may include augmentative and alternative communication, accessible transportation, aids to daily living, cognitive aids, computer access, electronic aids to daily living, environmental aids, learning and study aids, recreation and leisure, seating and mobility, sensory aids, and vocational accommodations.
Eligibility Requirements
ATP eligibility is based on a combination of education, assistive technology training, and paid work experience providing direct assistive technology services.
Candidates with higher levels of qualifying education generally need fewer work-experience hours, while candidates with less formal education may need more work experience and documented assistive technology training. Depending on the candidate’s background, the required work experience may range from 1,000 hours to 6,000 hours.
Candidates without a degree in special education or a rehabilitation science field may also need a required number of assistive technology training hours. Eligibility rules are detailed, so candidates should review the current RESNA requirements before applying.
Costs and Payment Options
RESNA charges separate fees for the ATP application and exam. The application fee is free for RESNA members and is charged for non-members. The exam fee, retake fee, recertification fee, and reinstatement fee are listed separately by RESNA.
Fees can change, so candidates should check the current RESNA certification pricing page before submitting an application or scheduling a retake.
Registration/Times/Locations
Candidates apply through RESNA. After the application is reviewed and approved, candidates receive instructions for scheduling the ATP exam through Prometric.
The exam is administered by computer at Prometric testing centers. Testing availability can vary by location, so candidates should schedule early and carefully review their appointment confirmation.
Test Scores
The ATP exam is reported as pass or fail. Scores are based on the number of questions answered correctly and converted to a scaled score ranging from 200 to 800.
A scaled score of 600 or higher is required to pass. Candidates who do not pass receive a numerical score and diagnostic information for the major knowledge domains to help guide future study.
Retaking the ATP Exam
Candidates who do not pass may retake the ATP exam, but a waiting period applies. RESNA currently requires candidates to wait 90 days after taking the test before retesting.
A reduced retake rate may be available within one year of the original test date. Retake fees and policies can change, so candidates should confirm the current RESNA rules before applying again.
What Should I Expect on Test Day?
On test day, follow the instructions from RESNA and Prometric. In general, you should be prepared to:
- Arrive at the testing center early.
- Bring the required valid identification.
- Follow all check-in and security procedures.
- Store or leave behind prohibited personal items.
- Complete the exam tutorial before beginning the test.
- Manage your time across the 4-hour exam.
- Answer every question, since your score is based on correct answers.
Personal items such as phones, cameras, laptops, bags, notes, and study materials are typically restricted. Candidates who need ADA-related accommodations should request them according to RESNA’s current accommodation process.
How Can I Prepare for the ATP Exam?
Start by reviewing the current RESNA ATP exam outline. The largest content areas are Assessment of Need and Development of Intervention Strategies, so make sure you understand how to evaluate client needs, compare assistive technology options, collaborate with stakeholders, and document recommendations.
Then review implementation and follow-up topics, including procurement, fitting and adjustment, training, maintenance, outcome documentation, reassessment, and modification of intervention strategies. Professional conduct should be treated as part of every content area, not as a separate afterthought.
Practice questions are useful because they help you apply assistive technology knowledge the way it may appear on the exam. After each practice session, review missed questions carefully so you understand the assessment process, intervention strategy, implementation step, follow-up decision, or professional standard behind the correct answer.
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RESNA®, ATP®, Assistive Technology Professional®, and related certification terms are associated with the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America. RESNA is not involved with or affiliated with Mometrix Media LLC or StudyGuideZone.com, nor does RESNA endorse or sponsor any products or services offered by Mometrix Media LLC or StudyGuideZone.com.