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RESNA CERTIFICATION NEWS Written by: ANDREA VAN HOOK, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, RESNA
SMS EXAM NOW ON HIATUS UNTIL FEBRUARY 2024 The SMS exam is on hiatus for the remainder of the year. RESNA will launch an updated SMS exam form in February 2024. The new SMS exam blueprint is available on the RESNA website for those who would like to take the updated exam starting next year. The SMS is a specialty certification for those working in seating and mobility. Eligibility requirements include holding an Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) certification in good standing, work experience in seating and mobility, and involvement in specific professional activities showing leadership in the field. RESNA will announce a discounted exam fee for the first test takers of the new exam. Stay tuned for more updates.
ATP CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS FOR RENEWAL Now is a good time to review the requirements for ATP certification renewal and plan for next year. Recertification is required every two years to ensure that ATPs keep knowledge and skills current through relevant work experience and ongoing education. Renewing your certification requires documentation of ongoing professional development in two areas: 1. Ongoing, relevant work experience. 2. Continuing professional education. WORK EXPERIENCE To meet this requirement, you must document work experience of 25% full-time equivalency (full-time is 36 to 40 hours a week) in assistive technology-related services during the two-year certification period. Work experience can include one or more of the following activities: 1. Evaluations, assessments and other direct-to-consumer/student services for assistive technology (AT) (needs assessment, physical/ functional/sensory assessments, educational assessments, site assessments, simulations and product trials). 2. Fitting, adjustment and readjustment services for AT (fine tuning of equipment to meet the consumer/student’s needs and reflect changes in the consumer/student’s status). 3. AT implementation and individualized training for consumers/ students and their caregivers or students/support personnel
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(training in use of AT or strategies to maximize function and interface with the environment(s) of use, instruction in use and/or maintenance). 4. Teaching and professional development in AT (e.g., pre-professional or post-professional courses, seminars or workshops for consumers, families, clinicians, AT providers, support staff). 5. Management, supervision, mentorship, consulting for direct-to-consumer service providers or within an organization (e.g., professional societies, state AT programs, private companies) that supports AT practice, principles, advocacy, provision and/or reimbursement. 6. Product development, reimbursement strategies, management, consulting, government affairs for a manufacturer of AT products. 7. Consulting/advising related to AT and policy development, government affairs, advocacy, claims review. 8. Empirical or experiential research in the field of AT. CONTINUING EDUCATION Additionally, you must submit documentation for 20 hours of continuing education in AT, earned during the two-year period. • 10 hours, or 1.0 CEUs, must be from a recognized CEU provider or equivalent. Recognized CEU providers are generally IACET-accredited (such as NRRTS and RESNA), and the IACET logo and statement will be on the course certificate. Professional associations, such as AOTA and APTA, and courses from government agencies and state licensing boards also meet this requirement. • 10 hours of contact hours or continuing education credits can be from providers that are not recognized CEU providers. A maximum of three hours of in-service product training per year (six hours total) will be accepted. RESNA also accepts up to 10 hours per renewal cycle
