What’s an ATP?

What’s an ATP? 

An Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) is someone obtains their ATP certification from the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA), an organization responsible for certifications [1]. 

Why does the ATP title matter? 

The ATP certification is the only NCAA recognized assistive technology certification and all who become certified have proven to have the required hours and a deep understanding of assistive technology service delivery by passing the ATP exam [1]. This certification is important for assistive technology specialists and others occupations in the assistive technology field to demonstrate their knowledge in assistive technology to improve outcomes, have career growth, and demonstrates a commitment to the field 

[2]. To further add, personnel and provisions are 2 of the 5 priority areas in assistive technology for improving access to assistive technology, the 5 being personnel, people, products, policy, and provision. Personnel entails the training and development of professionals in the field and provision is the service delivery of access, assessment, and otherwise meeting assistive technology needs, both of which can be improved by people getting their ATP certification [5].    

How to become an ATP?

You need to be eligible to take the ATP exam; this includes a range in degrees, hours required, and amount of years. There is also a $125 application fee for the exam [3]. The exam consists of 180 multiple choice questions; and to pass, you must get a score of at least 600 on a scale of 200-800 [4]. 

Conclusion 

Although the ATP exam may appear rigorous or intimidating, it's essential for people working in the assistive technology field to consider becoming ATP certified and taking the necessary steps to do so. 

Sources

[1] https://www.resna.org/Certification/Assistive-Technology-Professional-ATP  

[2] https://tsengcollege.csun.edu/blog/assistive-technology-specialist-career-path 

[3] https://www.resna.org/Certification/Assistive-Technology-Professional-ATP/ATP-Exam-Eligibility,https://www.resna.org/Certification/Assistive-Technology-Professional-ATP/Apply-for-the-ATP

[4] https://www.resna.org/Certification/Assistive-Technology-Professional-ATP/About-the-ATP-Exam

[5] https://www.who.int/initiatives/global-cooperation-on-assistive-technology-(gate)