The RESNA Seating and Mobility Specialist (SMS) credential
The SMS is a specialty certification from RESNA, the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America. It is not a state license. RESNA requires the Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) certification first, plus seating and mobility work experience and two kinds of recent professional activity. RESNA describes the SMS exam as focused on seating, positioning, and mobility, while the ATP covers assistive technology broadly. No fees or pass rates are copied.
Quoted from official pages checked November 10, 2026. Confirm current requirements, fees, and dates on those sites. This page is not legal advice and does not guarantee eligibility, certification, or licensure.
Sources read on November 10, 2026: RESNA’s Seating and Mobility Specialist (SMS) page, SMS Exam Eligibility page, About the SMS Exam page, Disclosure Guidelines for SMS page, and the SMS application professional activities appendix (PDF; its file name carries the date 2012_08_08). RESNA’s apply page and the fee figures on it are not copied.
What the SMS recognizes
RESNA states: “The Seating and Mobility Specialist (SMS) certification recognizes demonstrated competence in seating and mobility assessment, funding resources, implementation of intervention, and outcome assessment and follow-up.” It adds: “While the ATP is a broad-based exam covering all major areas of assistive technology, the SMS exam is focused specifically on seating, positioning, and mobility.”
Who it is for
RESNA’s SMS page states: “The program is intended for clinicians, suppliers, engineers and others involved in seating and mobility service provision.”
RESNA’s main SMS page, quoted above, names clinicians, suppliers, and engineers. The disclosure guidelines name PT, OT, and SLP. Their first example begins: “A Licensed/Certified Medical Professional (PT, OT, SLP), who has earned the ATP and SMS certification, employed by an Assistive Technology Supplier or Manufacturer introduces themselves at the evaluation with a consumer, their caregiver and/or advocate.” The SMS eligibility page lists the requirements below; its only credential requirement is the ATP. Which degrees and job titles RESNA counts for the ATP, including the assistant titles in the ATP Candidate Handbook, is on the ATP page.
Eligibility
RESNA’s eligibility page lists: “Prerequisite:” “ATP Certification”; “Work Experience: 1000 hours or more in seating and mobility-related service with consumers (at any time in your professional experience)”; and “Professional Activities: TWO types of professional activities below that you have completed in the past 5 years.”
The activity types it lists are continuing education (“1 CEU in seating and mobility-related services”), client service delivery, advocacy, mentoring/supervision, presentations/formal instruction, publication, and leadership. For continuing education it adds: “Note: CRTS designation in good standing from NRRTS fulfills this requirement”.
The appendix PDF states: “Select TWO of the seven professional activity categories and submit evidence for ONE activity from each category selected.” Its category names differ a little from the web page (for example ‘Learning/Continuing Education’ and ‘Leadership and Service’). The web page and the appendix are left side by side.
The exam
RESNA states: “The exam consists of 165 multiple choice questions.” And: “The exam is administered via computer at Prometric test centers around the world.” On scoring: “Scores are determined by converting the number of questions answered correctly to a scaled score that ranges from 100 to 600. You need a total score of 400 or above to pass the exam.” RESNA’s exam page also describes a 90-day waiting period before a candidate who did not pass can re-apply; its retake price is not copied.
Disclosing your role
The disclosure guidelines quote RESNA’s standards: “Individuals shall disclose their employer and the role they serve in the provision of assistive technology services and devices in all forms of communication, including advertising that refers to their certification in assistive technology.” Their examples show a therapist who works for a supplier explaining that role to the consumer.
Recertification
The SMS pages read for this page did not describe SMS recertification. Ask RESNA’s certification staff for the current rules.
What this page does not do
It does not copy application, exam, or retake fees or exam statistics, and does not say that any job or payer requires the SMS. It is not legal, billing, or compliance advice. Confirm current rules with the agency or organization that publishes them, your employer, and your state board.