What Does it Mean to Be a RESNA Certified ATP
RESNA ATP Certification Q&A
What is RESNA ATP Certification?
The Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) Certification was developed by the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA) to establish a standard of quality assurance offered by professionals who support people with disabilities.
How do I describe what RESNA does?
RESNA is a non-profit professional organization whose members serve people with disabilities seeking technology applications to maximize their ability to function in their environment. RESNA’s membership consists of researchers, clinicians, suppliers, manufacturers, consumers and educators who work in nonprofit and for-profit companies. All members are dedicated to promoting the exchange of ideas and information for the advancement of assistive technology.
Why is ATP Certification important?
ATP certification is a clear way to identify professionals who have expertise in helping people with disabilities select the proper assistive technology that meets their needs, such as persons in need of wheelchairs, access to computers, aids for communications, etc. The ATP Certification recognizes professionals who have reached an internationally accepted standard of knowledge in assistive technology, promoting RESNA's code of ethics and highest ethical standards.
What are some of the other advantages of being ATP certified?
AT professionals with different educational and practice backgrounds can communicate with a common language and understanding.
New employment opportunities, greater earning potential, and career advancement.
Requirement of ongoing continuing education and work experience promotes current knowledge and practice.
Certification provides a basis for trusting a certificant's work.
Certification promotes best practices in the field.
There is a process of adjudication to protect the public and other members of the broad field of AT when a certificant is in violation of a standard of practice or code of ethics.
What is the ATP certification process like?
To become certified as an Assistive Technology Professional, you must be approved for and pass a 200-item examination that tests competency in the broad field of assistive technology practice. Suggested resources on www.RESNA.org in the Certification section, under the Resources link, will help you prepare for the exam.
In order to take the exam, candidates must first meet both the Educational and Work Experience Requirements for one of the combinations listed on the RESNA website.
How many ATP certified professionals are there in the U.S.?
There are almost 4,000 rehabilitation engineers, occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech and hearing pathologists, suppliers, educators and other professionals who have successfully received their certification.
