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RESNA ATP Certification Exam Evaluation –
Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology
Society of North America – 2026/2027 Academic Year
Verified Questions and Answers for Assistive
Technology Professionals
About This Exam Guide
This comprehensive examination preparation resource has been
developed for candidates preparing for the Rehabilitation Engineering
and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA) Assistive
Technology Professional (ATP) certification examination for the
2026/2027 academic year.
The ATP certification recognizes demonstrated competence in analyzing
the needs of consumers with disabilities, assisting in the selection of
appropriate assistive technology for the consumer's needs, and
providing training in the use of the selected device(s) . The goal of ATP
certification is to ensure that the health and wellbeing of people with
disabilities is paramount and to help consumers seek out quality
support .
The examination consists of approximately 180 multiple-choice
questions that test overall knowledge of assistive technology concepts,
tools, and the RESNA Code of Ethics . The exam covers the spectrum of
assistive technology practice across five key domains :
Assessment of Need (approximately 27-32% of the exam)
Development of Intervention Strategies – Action Plan (approximately
27-29% of the exam)
Implementation of Intervention (Once Funded) (approximately 23-26%
of the exam)
,2|Page
Evaluation of Intervention – Follow-up (approximately 15% of the
exam)
Professional Conduct (approximately 3% of the exam)
Areas of AT practice covered include seating and mobility,
augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), computer access,
electronic aids to daily living (EADLs), technology for sensory
impairment, recreation, environmental modification, accessible
transportation, cognitive aids, and technology for learning disabilities .
This guide contains 300 exam-style questions organized by core
competency areas aligned with the official RESNA ATP exam content
outline. Each question includes the Correct Answer, a detailed rationale
explaining why that answer is correct, and an explanation of why
alternative options are incorrect. The content reflects the essential
competencies required for ATP certification and the Body of Knowledge
for assistive technology professionals.
SECTION A: ASSESSMENT OF NEED (Questions 1-80)
1. During an assistive technology assessment, which factor should be
considered FIRST?
a) Funding source requirements
b) Device brand preferences
c) Functional goals of the client
d) Availability of loaner equipment
Correct Answer: c) Functional goals of the client
Rationale: ATP best practice emphasizes a client-centered approach.
Functional goals drive assessment decisions and technology selection .
The assessment process begins with understanding the client's needs
and expectations before considering funding, specific devices, or
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equipment availability . Without clear functional goals, subsequent
assessment and intervention lack direction.
Why others are wrong:
Option a (Funding source): While funding is important, it should follow
the clinical assessment, not precede it. The ATP first identifies client
needs and matching technology, then addresses funding.
Option b (Brand preferences): Device preferences are considered later in
the process after functional needs are identified. Focusing on brands
prematurely can bias the assessment.
Option d (Loaner equipment): Loaner availability is a practical
consideration that comes after the clinical evaluation and device
selection.
2. A 56-year-old with diabetes mellitus is referred for wheelchair
assessment because she is having difficulty walking and has had
several falls. The FIRST thing the ATP should assess for is:
a) The type of wheelchair she currently uses
b) Her insurance coverage and funding options
c) Impaired sensation and foot problems
d) Her preference for wheelchair color and style
Correct Answer: c) Impaired sensation and foot problems
Rationale: Clients with diabetes are at high risk for peripheral
neuropathy and foot problems. Impaired sensation can lead to
unrecognized pressure injuries, ulcerations, and amputations . Before
recommending a wheelchair, the ATP must assess for sensation loss
and foot issues to ensure the seating system protects vulnerable tissues.
This is a critical safety consideration.
Why others are wrong:
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Option a (Current wheelchair): Current equipment use is relevant, but
safety assessment of diabetic foot complications takes priority.
Option b (Insurance coverage): Funding considerations come after
clinical assessment and identification of appropriate technology.
Option d (Color preference): Aesthetics are important but secondary to
functional needs and safety.
3. A client with a C6 spinal cord injury reports difficulty using a
standard keyboard due to decreased finger strength and endurance.
Which intervention is MOST appropriate to trial first?
a) Eye gaze system
b) Speech recognition software
c) Keyguard with reduced-force keyboard
d) Switch scanning interface
Correct Answer: c) Keyguard with reduced-force keyboard
Rationale: A client with C6 function often retains some wrist extension
and partial hand use. A reduced-force keyboard paired with a keyguard
can improve typing accuracy while maximizing existing motor skills
before transitioning to more complex access methods . The ATP should
trial the least complex, most natural access method that meets the
client's functional needs.
Why others are wrong:
Option a (Eye gaze): This is a more complex and expensive access
method that should be considered only if simpler methods are
unsuccessful.
Option b (Speech recognition): Speech recognition may be appropriate
but should be trialed after simpler keyboard modifications that leverage
existing motor function.
RESNA ATP Certification Exam Evaluation –
Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology
Society of North America – 2026/2027 Academic Year
Verified Questions and Answers for Assistive
Technology Professionals
About This Exam Guide
This comprehensive examination preparation resource has been
developed for candidates preparing for the Rehabilitation Engineering
and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA) Assistive
Technology Professional (ATP) certification examination for the
2026/2027 academic year.
The ATP certification recognizes demonstrated competence in analyzing
the needs of consumers with disabilities, assisting in the selection of
appropriate assistive technology for the consumer's needs, and
providing training in the use of the selected device(s) . The goal of ATP
certification is to ensure that the health and wellbeing of people with
disabilities is paramount and to help consumers seek out quality
support .
The examination consists of approximately 180 multiple-choice
questions that test overall knowledge of assistive technology concepts,
tools, and the RESNA Code of Ethics . The exam covers the spectrum of
assistive technology practice across five key domains :
Assessment of Need (approximately 27-32% of the exam)
Development of Intervention Strategies – Action Plan (approximately
27-29% of the exam)
Implementation of Intervention (Once Funded) (approximately 23-26%
of the exam)
,2|Page
Evaluation of Intervention – Follow-up (approximately 15% of the
exam)
Professional Conduct (approximately 3% of the exam)
Areas of AT practice covered include seating and mobility,
augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), computer access,
electronic aids to daily living (EADLs), technology for sensory
impairment, recreation, environmental modification, accessible
transportation, cognitive aids, and technology for learning disabilities .
This guide contains 300 exam-style questions organized by core
competency areas aligned with the official RESNA ATP exam content
outline. Each question includes the Correct Answer, a detailed rationale
explaining why that answer is correct, and an explanation of why
alternative options are incorrect. The content reflects the essential
competencies required for ATP certification and the Body of Knowledge
for assistive technology professionals.
SECTION A: ASSESSMENT OF NEED (Questions 1-80)
1. During an assistive technology assessment, which factor should be
considered FIRST?
a) Funding source requirements
b) Device brand preferences
c) Functional goals of the client
d) Availability of loaner equipment
Correct Answer: c) Functional goals of the client
Rationale: ATP best practice emphasizes a client-centered approach.
Functional goals drive assessment decisions and technology selection .
The assessment process begins with understanding the client's needs
and expectations before considering funding, specific devices, or
,3|Page
equipment availability . Without clear functional goals, subsequent
assessment and intervention lack direction.
Why others are wrong:
Option a (Funding source): While funding is important, it should follow
the clinical assessment, not precede it. The ATP first identifies client
needs and matching technology, then addresses funding.
Option b (Brand preferences): Device preferences are considered later in
the process after functional needs are identified. Focusing on brands
prematurely can bias the assessment.
Option d (Loaner equipment): Loaner availability is a practical
consideration that comes after the clinical evaluation and device
selection.
2. A 56-year-old with diabetes mellitus is referred for wheelchair
assessment because she is having difficulty walking and has had
several falls. The FIRST thing the ATP should assess for is:
a) The type of wheelchair she currently uses
b) Her insurance coverage and funding options
c) Impaired sensation and foot problems
d) Her preference for wheelchair color and style
Correct Answer: c) Impaired sensation and foot problems
Rationale: Clients with diabetes are at high risk for peripheral
neuropathy and foot problems. Impaired sensation can lead to
unrecognized pressure injuries, ulcerations, and amputations . Before
recommending a wheelchair, the ATP must assess for sensation loss
and foot issues to ensure the seating system protects vulnerable tissues.
This is a critical safety consideration.
Why others are wrong:
, 4|Page
Option a (Current wheelchair): Current equipment use is relevant, but
safety assessment of diabetic foot complications takes priority.
Option b (Insurance coverage): Funding considerations come after
clinical assessment and identification of appropriate technology.
Option d (Color preference): Aesthetics are important but secondary to
functional needs and safety.
3. A client with a C6 spinal cord injury reports difficulty using a
standard keyboard due to decreased finger strength and endurance.
Which intervention is MOST appropriate to trial first?
a) Eye gaze system
b) Speech recognition software
c) Keyguard with reduced-force keyboard
d) Switch scanning interface
Correct Answer: c) Keyguard with reduced-force keyboard
Rationale: A client with C6 function often retains some wrist extension
and partial hand use. A reduced-force keyboard paired with a keyguard
can improve typing accuracy while maximizing existing motor skills
before transitioning to more complex access methods . The ATP should
trial the least complex, most natural access method that meets the
client's functional needs.
Why others are wrong:
Option a (Eye gaze): This is a more complex and expensive access
method that should be considered only if simpler methods are
unsuccessful.
Option b (Speech recognition): Speech recognition may be appropriate
but should be trialed after simpler keyboard modifications that leverage
existing motor function.
