The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) began offering the Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) certification in 1995.1 Governed by the National Certification Board, the AFO is one of four certifications offered, being joined by the Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP), the Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE), and the Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI).
This five year certification is for professionals who manage and operate aquatic facilities and covers pool chemistry, management, safety, and risk reduction practices. The fifty question examination must be passed with a 78% score or better.2
To prepare for the certification examination, the National Recreation and Park Association offers a two day Aquatic Facility Operator training course, the Aquatic Facility Operator handbook, and the Aquatic Facility Trainers (AFT) course outline. The AFO examination is given wherever an AFO training course is given. The training course is designed for supervisory and operations staff working in public, semi-public, and municipal pool or water park facilities.3
Renewing the AFO certification can be done by retaking the AFO examination or by completing approved 2.0 Continuing Education Units in the aquatic field.4
- 1. “Certification Programs.” The National Recreation and Park Association. < http://www.nrpa.org/certification/ > 28 Aug. 2011.
- 2. “Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) Certification. The National Recreation and Park Association. < http://www.nrpa.org/Content.aspx?id=414 > 10 Aug. 2011.
- 3. “Aquatic Facility Operator Certification Course.” City of Santa Clara, California – News. 8 March 2011. < http://santaclaraca.gov/index.aspx?recordid=981&page=50 > 28 Aug. 2011.
- 4. Op.cit., “Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) Certification.
