RESNA ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY
PROFESSIONAL (ATP) CERTIFICATION
EXAM PREP DOCUMENT 2026/2027
Q1. Which of the following best defines the role of an Assistive Technology
Professional (ATP)?
A. A clinician who prescribes medications for patients with disabilities
B. A professional who analyzes the needs of individuals with disabilities and
selects, designs, and implements appropriate assistive technology
C. A technician who repairs mobility devices exclusively
D. A researcher who develops new assistive technology devices
RATIONALE: The ATP credential, administered by RESNA, certifies
professionals who have demonstrated competency in analyzing the needs of
individuals with disabilities, assisting in the selection of appropriate assistive
technology, and providing training in the use of that technology. The ATP role
encompasses assessment, recommendation, implementation, and follow-up across
all categories of assistive technology.
Q2. When measuring a client for a manual wheelchair, the seat width should be
determined by:
A. Adding 2 inches to the client's hip width
B. Measuring the widest point of the hips or thighs plus 1–2 inches on each
side
C. Using the client's waist measurement
D. Adding 4 inches to the client's pelvic width
RATIONALE: Seat width is measured across the widest part of the hips/thighs,
then add 1–2 inches total (0.5–1 inch per side) for clearance and clothing. Too
narrow causes skin breakdown and discomfort; too wide causes poor posture and
inefficient propulsion.
,Q3. What is the primary purpose of a comprehensive seating and mobility
evaluation?
A. To prescribe the most expensive equipment available
B. To match a client's functional needs with appropriate assistive technology
C. To complete insurance documentation as quickly as possible
D. To recommend a wheelchair based solely on diagnosis
RATIONALE: The primary goal of an ATP assessment is to identify the client's
functional abilities and limitations, environmental contexts, and goals to match
them with appropriate assistive technology. The evaluation considers the
individual's medical condition, functional mobility, posture, skin integrity, and
environmental factors.
Q4. Which of the following is a key principle of the International Classification of
Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) model?
A. Disability is solely a medical condition
B. Disability is a biopsychosocial construct considering body functions,
activities, participation, and environmental factors
C. Only physical impairments matter in functional assessment
D. Environmental factors are irrelevant to disability
RATIONALE: The ICF model views disability as a biopsychosocial construct. It
considers body functions and structures, activities, participation, and
environmental and personal factors. This comprehensive framework guides
assistive technology assessment and intervention planning.
Q5. A client with a C6 spinal cord injury is being evaluated for a power
wheelchair. Which of the following is the most appropriate input method?
A. Sip-and-puff control
B. Proportional joystick control
C. Head array control
D. Chin control
RATIONALE: A client with a C6 spinal cord injury typically has partial hand
function and wrist extension. A proportional joystick is the most appropriate input
,method as it allows for fine control and is easily operated with the client's limited
hand function. Sip-and-puff and head controls are typically used for higher-level
injuries (C1–C4).
Q6. What is the maximum recommended seat depth measurement for a manual
wheelchair to prevent pressure on the popliteal fossa?
A. 1 inch from the popliteal crease
B. 2 inches from the popliteal crease
C. 3 inches from the popliteal crease
D. 4 inches from the popliteal crease
RATIONALE: Seat depth should be 1–2 inches from the popliteal crease to avoid
pressure on the popliteal fossa, which can impair circulation and cause discomfort.
Too short a seat depth reduces support, while too long causes pressure on the back
of the knees.
Q7. Which pressure redistribution method is considered the gold standard for
wheelchair seating?
A. Foam cushion
B. Gel cushion
C. Air cushion (alternating pressure or static)
D. Honeycomb cushion
RATIONALE: Air cushions are considered the gold standard for pressure
redistribution because they conform to the body's contours and distribute pressure
evenly. They are highly effective in reducing interface pressures and preventing
pressure ulcers. However, the appropriate cushion must be selected based on
individual client needs.
Q8. A client is transitioning from a manual wheelchair to a power wheelchair.
What is the most important factor to assess?
A. Insurance coverage only
B. The client's cognitive ability and visual-perceptual skills
, C. The client's age
D. The client's diagnosis only
RATIONALE: When transitioning from a manual to a power wheelchair, the
client's cognitive ability, visual-perceptual skills, and judgment are critical factors.
The client must be able to safely operate the power wheelchair, navigate obstacles,
and make safe decisions. A comprehensive cognitive and perceptual assessment is
essential.
Q9. What is the correct backrest height measurement for a manual wheelchair?
A. Measure from the seat to the client's axillae
B. Measure from the seat to the top of the scapulae (shoulder blades)
C. Measure from the seat to the client's ear
D. Measure from the seat to the client's hips
RATIONALE: Backrest height is measured from the seat surface to the top of the
scapulae (shoulder blades). This provides adequate trunk support while allowing
for optimal upper extremity mobility and propulsion efficiency. Too high restricts
arm movement; too low provides insufficient trunk support.
Q10. Which of the following seating interventions is most appropriate for a client
with a windswept pelvic obliquity?
A. Symmetrical seating with standard cushion
B. Asymmetrical seating with contouring and pelvic positioning straps
C. Flat seat with no contours
D. Only a lap belt
RATIONALE: For a client with windswept pelvic obliquity (pelvis shifted to one
side), asymmetrical seating with contouring and pelvic positioning straps is
indicated. This provides stabilization and prevents further deformity. Proper pelvic
positioning is foundational to seating and mobility interventions.
Q11. What is the primary purpose of a tilt-in-space wheelchair?
PROFESSIONAL (ATP) CERTIFICATION
EXAM PREP DOCUMENT 2026/2027
Q1. Which of the following best defines the role of an Assistive Technology
Professional (ATP)?
A. A clinician who prescribes medications for patients with disabilities
B. A professional who analyzes the needs of individuals with disabilities and
selects, designs, and implements appropriate assistive technology
C. A technician who repairs mobility devices exclusively
D. A researcher who develops new assistive technology devices
RATIONALE: The ATP credential, administered by RESNA, certifies
professionals who have demonstrated competency in analyzing the needs of
individuals with disabilities, assisting in the selection of appropriate assistive
technology, and providing training in the use of that technology. The ATP role
encompasses assessment, recommendation, implementation, and follow-up across
all categories of assistive technology.
Q2. When measuring a client for a manual wheelchair, the seat width should be
determined by:
A. Adding 2 inches to the client's hip width
B. Measuring the widest point of the hips or thighs plus 1–2 inches on each
side
C. Using the client's waist measurement
D. Adding 4 inches to the client's pelvic width
RATIONALE: Seat width is measured across the widest part of the hips/thighs,
then add 1–2 inches total (0.5–1 inch per side) for clearance and clothing. Too
narrow causes skin breakdown and discomfort; too wide causes poor posture and
inefficient propulsion.
,Q3. What is the primary purpose of a comprehensive seating and mobility
evaluation?
A. To prescribe the most expensive equipment available
B. To match a client's functional needs with appropriate assistive technology
C. To complete insurance documentation as quickly as possible
D. To recommend a wheelchair based solely on diagnosis
RATIONALE: The primary goal of an ATP assessment is to identify the client's
functional abilities and limitations, environmental contexts, and goals to match
them with appropriate assistive technology. The evaluation considers the
individual's medical condition, functional mobility, posture, skin integrity, and
environmental factors.
Q4. Which of the following is a key principle of the International Classification of
Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) model?
A. Disability is solely a medical condition
B. Disability is a biopsychosocial construct considering body functions,
activities, participation, and environmental factors
C. Only physical impairments matter in functional assessment
D. Environmental factors are irrelevant to disability
RATIONALE: The ICF model views disability as a biopsychosocial construct. It
considers body functions and structures, activities, participation, and
environmental and personal factors. This comprehensive framework guides
assistive technology assessment and intervention planning.
Q5. A client with a C6 spinal cord injury is being evaluated for a power
wheelchair. Which of the following is the most appropriate input method?
A. Sip-and-puff control
B. Proportional joystick control
C. Head array control
D. Chin control
RATIONALE: A client with a C6 spinal cord injury typically has partial hand
function and wrist extension. A proportional joystick is the most appropriate input
,method as it allows for fine control and is easily operated with the client's limited
hand function. Sip-and-puff and head controls are typically used for higher-level
injuries (C1–C4).
Q6. What is the maximum recommended seat depth measurement for a manual
wheelchair to prevent pressure on the popliteal fossa?
A. 1 inch from the popliteal crease
B. 2 inches from the popliteal crease
C. 3 inches from the popliteal crease
D. 4 inches from the popliteal crease
RATIONALE: Seat depth should be 1–2 inches from the popliteal crease to avoid
pressure on the popliteal fossa, which can impair circulation and cause discomfort.
Too short a seat depth reduces support, while too long causes pressure on the back
of the knees.
Q7. Which pressure redistribution method is considered the gold standard for
wheelchair seating?
A. Foam cushion
B. Gel cushion
C. Air cushion (alternating pressure or static)
D. Honeycomb cushion
RATIONALE: Air cushions are considered the gold standard for pressure
redistribution because they conform to the body's contours and distribute pressure
evenly. They are highly effective in reducing interface pressures and preventing
pressure ulcers. However, the appropriate cushion must be selected based on
individual client needs.
Q8. A client is transitioning from a manual wheelchair to a power wheelchair.
What is the most important factor to assess?
A. Insurance coverage only
B. The client's cognitive ability and visual-perceptual skills
, C. The client's age
D. The client's diagnosis only
RATIONALE: When transitioning from a manual to a power wheelchair, the
client's cognitive ability, visual-perceptual skills, and judgment are critical factors.
The client must be able to safely operate the power wheelchair, navigate obstacles,
and make safe decisions. A comprehensive cognitive and perceptual assessment is
essential.
Q9. What is the correct backrest height measurement for a manual wheelchair?
A. Measure from the seat to the client's axillae
B. Measure from the seat to the top of the scapulae (shoulder blades)
C. Measure from the seat to the client's ear
D. Measure from the seat to the client's hips
RATIONALE: Backrest height is measured from the seat surface to the top of the
scapulae (shoulder blades). This provides adequate trunk support while allowing
for optimal upper extremity mobility and propulsion efficiency. Too high restricts
arm movement; too low provides insufficient trunk support.
Q10. Which of the following seating interventions is most appropriate for a client
with a windswept pelvic obliquity?
A. Symmetrical seating with standard cushion
B. Asymmetrical seating with contouring and pelvic positioning straps
C. Flat seat with no contours
D. Only a lap belt
RATIONALE: For a client with windswept pelvic obliquity (pelvis shifted to one
side), asymmetrical seating with contouring and pelvic positioning straps is
indicated. This provides stabilization and prevents further deformity. Proper pelvic
positioning is foundational to seating and mobility interventions.
Q11. What is the primary purpose of a tilt-in-space wheelchair?
