ATP exam: 'We encourage people to study for it'

ARLINGTON, Va. - Andrea Van Hook, RESNA's new communications and marketing manager, says mobility providers all want the same thing from her: info about the ATP credential. Van Hook recently told HME News how to get the credential and how to keep it.

HME News: How do you become ATP certified?

Andrea Van Hook: There are some eligibility requirements to qualify. Part of it is to have actual work experience in assistive technology with consumer related service. Part of the eligibility can be to have a degree. (Different combinations of education and field experience are available at resna.org.) You submit an application and the $500 fee, and then you take the exam.

HME: What's on the exam?

Van Hook: It's quite an extensive exam, with more than 200 questions that cover the full range of assistive technology practice. We encourage people to take it seriously and study for it, because most folks are working in one area of assistive technology. We have partners who provide courses, we offer a fundamentals course and there are books and quizzes you can take to prepare.

HME: What happens if you fail?

Van Hook: You can retake it as many times as you like. We do ask that you give yourself 90 days in between to have the opportunity to study and de-stress before you take it again. You have to pay to retake it, but only half price. After a year, though, you need to start the application process again.

HME: What is a passing score?

Van Hook: 67.6%

HME: Once an ATP has his or her credential, are they all set?

Van Hook: Every two years, they need to renew. They need to actively engage in professional development and working in the field. There are different combinations of contact hours and continuing education credits (CEUs) that you can put together over two years that you can use to qualify for renewal. The goal is to keep moving along in terms of your knowledge and expertise.