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Assistive Technology Professional Certification

The Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America formed in 1979 as a nonprofit professional organization for professionals in the field of assistive technology, devices used to help disabled people perform everyday tasks. In addition to its training seminars and network events, RESNA offers the Assistive Technology Professional certification program for those who sell assistive technology devices.

  1. Qualifications With Related Degrees

    • Candidates who hold an associate degree in rehabilitative science who work at least 36 hours per week must have a minimum of two years of work experience in the last five years assistive technology to qualify for RESNA certification. Those who work at least 17.5 hours need three years of experience. With a bachelor's degree in rehabilitative sciences, full-time professionals in assistive technology can qualify for certification with two years of part-time employment or three years of employment working at least nine hours per week. Full-time professionals with bachelor's degrees need only one year of work experience.

    Qualifications Without Related Degrees

    • Candidates who have a bachelor's degree in a field other than rehabilitative science can qualify for RESNA certification, provided they worked for at least 17.5 hours per week for four out of the past five years. Those who have an associate degree in another field need 36 to 40 hours of work in assistive technology per week for four years. Part-time employed individuals with an associate degree need five years of work experience during the previous six years. Professionals in assistive technology with only a high-school diploma can receive certification provided they have one year of full-time work experience in assistive technology. Candidates with only a high-school diploma or its equivalent must also show evidence of completing at least 20 hours of training in assistive technology.

    Examination

    • RESNA assistive technology certification requires candidates to pass a written examination. The test consists of 200 multiple-choice questions and lasts up to four hours. Candidates use a computer to take the exam at one of more than 700 RESNA-approved testing centers in the United States. Topics covered on the exam include assessing patients' needs, intervention strategies, implementing and evaluating interventions, and professional conduct. To register for the examination, applicants must pay a fee, the amount of which was $500 as of March 2011. Candidates can purchase practice tests and other preparation materials from RESNA for an additional fee.

    Renewal

    • Once issued, assistive technology certification from RESNA remains valid for two years. To qualify to renew their credentials, professionals in assistive technology must work in assistive technology for a minimum of nine hours per week during the certification cycle. Professionals must also complete a professional development requirement. One option to fulfill the requirement is to retake the initial certification test. In addition, candidates can complete 20 hours of assistive technology continuing education training or two academic college credit hours to satisfy the renewal requirements.

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