Assistive Technology Professional (ATP)
Credential: Assistive Technology Professional (ATP)
Credentialing Agency: Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA)
Renewal Period: 2 years
The Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA), Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) is a professional credential which recognizes demonstrated competence in analyzing the needs of consumers with disabilities, assisting in the selection of appropriate assistive technology for the consumers' needs, and providing training in the use of the selected devices. To be considered eligible for certification, applicants must have an acceptable combination of education and experience. Applicant's must also pass a written exam.
More information can be found on the certifying agency's website.
Assistive Technology Professional (ATP)
The following DOD Civilian Occupations provide training and/or experience that contributes to attaining this credential:
The following Federal Occupations provide training and/or experience that contribute to attaining this credential:
| Federal Occupation | Related As | |
|---|---|---|
| 0636 Rehabilitation Therapy Assistant Series |  Some |
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Eligibility Requirements (View Details)
- Credential Prerequisite
- Experience: 6000 hours
- Education: High School Diploma/GED
- Training
- Membership
- Other
- Fee
Note: This credential may have multiple options for becoming eligible. Listed are the minimum requirements based on the minimum degree required. To view other options, see the Eligibility tab.
Exam Requirements (View Details)
- Exam
- Written Exam
- Oral Exam
- Practical Exam
- Performance Assessment
RECERTIFICATION SUMMARY
Renewal Period: 2 years
AGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION
Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA)
1700 North Moore Street
Arlington, VA 22209
Phone: (703) 524-6686
Fax: (703) 524-6630
Email: certification@resna.org
Education/Training and/or Experience REQUIREMENTS
Candidates must meet both the educational and work experience requirements for one of the combinations below:
- Master’s Degree or Higher in Special Education and 1000 hours of work experience in 6 years.
- Master’s Degree or Higher in Rehab Science and 1000 hours of work experience in 6 years.
- Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education and 1500 hours of work experience in 6 years.
- Bachelor’s Degree in Rehab Science and 1500 hours of work experience in 6 years.
- Bachelor’s Degree in Non-Rehab Science, 10 hours of AT Training & Education, and 2000 hours of work experience in 6 years.
- Associate Degree Rehab Science and 3000 hours of work experience in 6 years.
- Associate Degree Non-Rehab Science, 20 hours of AT Training & Education, and 4000 hours of work experience in 6 years.
- HS diploma or GED, 30 hours of AT Training & Education, and 6000 hours of work experience in 10 years.
Depending on the candidate’s educational level and type, assistive technology (AT) training may be required. Candidates without a degree in Special Education or Rehab Science must complete either 10, 20, or 30 hours of Assistive Technology-related training as indicated in the Candidate Handbook.
Other REQUIREMENTS
The Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) credential has the following other requirements:
- Candidates must agree to adhere to the RESNA Code of Ethics.
Written Exam
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Assessment of Need (30%)
- Review the referral and consult with client and other team members as needed to determine client needs and expectations.
- Review relevant records and plans (e.g., caregivers, educational, family, medical professionals, therapeutic, vocational, and workplace, etc.).
- Schedule the assessment to accommodate the client needs, learning style, impairments, environments, languages, and schedules.
- Assess environmental factors (e.g., behavioral, educational, personal assistance, physical, social, and support in the environments) pertaining to the use of the assistive technology.
- Collaborate as needed with team members to assess the client's current functional abilities, capacities and limitations (e.g., physical, communication, sensory, cognition).
- Match abilities and limitations to the use of specific assistive technology. Assess functional capacities for future needs and anticipated transition.
- Refer clients, initiate requests for service/consultation, or make recommendations on the referral process for further support.
- Assist the client and other stakeholders in clarifying and prioritizing goals/needs.
- Assess the effectiveness of prior and existing assistive technology.
- Facilitate the decision making process of the team providing the assessment and implementation of assistive technology products and services.
- Present/explain findings and assessment outcomes and demonstrate/explain recommendations to the client and other team members in an accessible and appropriate format.
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Development of Intervention Strategies - Action Plan (27%)
- Define potential intervention strategies and services using an algorithmic method from lowest to highest levels of assistive technology.
- Identify product(s) which match technology features given the client’s functional abilities, capacities and limitations, as well as goals, personal preferences, environmental factors, and applicable standards.
- Determine the appropriateness of commercially available, modified, and/or custom solutions.
- Compare technology being considered with client’s current and/or previously used technology (including but not limited to what is readily available in the client’s environment).
- Conduct demonstrations, trials, and simulations (with basic training to devices/strategies).
- Document measurable objectives as appropriate and conduct subsequent analyses of data to select possible technology solutions.
- Identify issues of integration crossing all impacted environments in which the client interacts (e.g., community, home, school, social, workplace, vocational).
- Seek and integrate client and team members’ feedback during trial opportunity.
- Identify or assist in determining training and support needs.
- Identify measurable outcomes from trials to monitor progress toward achieving stated goals and milestones, including relevant data needed for determining progress and final solutions.
- Assist clients in making final selections by explaining the relevant aspects (advantages and disadvantages) of different technology solutions, e.g., reasonable useful life, cost effectiveness, availability of support, and financial implications.
- Document recommendations (e.g., sources of technology, related services, training, implementation and trials, costs, and follow-up).
- Identify and advise the client of the procurement process
- Submit recommendations for procurement of assistive technology solutions
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Implementation of Intervention (25%)
- Review and confirm the implementation plan with client and team members.
- Initiate and monitor the order process.
- Verify product for safety, function, performance, and quality.
- Prepare, install, fit and adjust the technology to client requirements.
- Train the client and team members in device operation, adjustment, care, maintenance, and the troubleshooting process across all impacted environments in which the client interacts.
- Provide information on device warranty, scheduled maintenance, and follow-up needs.
- Verify the client's ability to use equipment consistent with their goals once training has been completed.
- Provide or make recommendations regarding ongoing training or services to achieve goals.
- Educate client and team members about changes which may necessitate follow-up to make adjustments or modifications.
- Document the implementation process and progress, and communicate to interdisciplinary team members and other stakeholders.
- Inform client and team members of their rights and responsibilities and applicable complaint processes.
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Evaluation of Intervention (10%)
- Document outcomes (both qualitative and quantitative) and communicate to interdisciplinary team members and other stakeholders.
- Troubleshoot equipment failure and initiate repair and/or warranty process.
- Modify intervention strategy, as requested or required, ensuring followup is in place to address changing client goals.
- Develop (or maintain) a quality assurance plan to review achievement of client goals and the service delivery process.
-
Professional Conduct (3%)
- Maintain compliance to RESNA’s ‘Code of Ethics’ and ‘Standards of Practice’.
- Participate in opportunities to advance the field of assistive technology (e.g., mentoring/supervision, education, research, industry affairs, advocacy, policy, and legislation, etc).
Exam Preparation Resources
There are a number of resources available to help you prepare for the Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) examination:
- Best Sources
RECERTIFICATION
Assistive Technology Professional (ATP)
Renewal Period: 2 years
MOST
OTHER