Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) Certification

The Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) program is a  5 year career  certification for professionals managing and operating aquatic facilities. Individuals who obtain the AFO credential are knowledgable in the systematic approach to pool operations including pool chemistry, management, pool safety and risk reduction.

This certification was developed and is managed by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), which offersa two-day Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) Certification Course in your area to train and certify park and recreation staff in all aspects of facility operation, including facility management, water testing and treatment, disinfection, design considerations, facility trouble shooting, hot tub and spa operation, and much more.

The key to the certification is the successful completion of the sixty-five question AFO examination.  The AFO certification examination is a valid and reliable instrument that is written and reviewed by subject-matter experts in collaboration with a professional testing company.  A professional must pass the AFO exam, with a score of seventy-eight percent (78%) or better, in order to receive their AFO certification. 

There are multiple ways to prepare for the AFO Examination including the AFO course, a two day advanced, state of the art educational training program for pool operations and management staff in aquatic facility operation and management, the Aquatic Facility Trainers (AFT) course online, and review of the AFO handbook. 

There are two methods of renewing your AFO certification.  The first method is through successfully passing the AFO recertification exam. The second method is through the completion of 2.0 Continuing Education Units in the aquatic field, for a list of applicable CEUs please click here.