Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) Certification

The Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) program is a state-of-the-art 5 year 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.

How do I become a Certified AFO?

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. 

How do I prepare for the AFO exam?

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.  

How do I renew my AFO Certification?

Renewal of the AFO Certification ensures that professionals are knowledgeable of the current best practices in aquatic facility operation and management. 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.

How do I apply to retake the AFO exam?

Candidates wishing to retake the AFO certification exam should refer to the AFO course calendar to determine a scheduled exam accessible to them and call the course contact; or contact the host/instructor of the course you attended to schedule to retake the exam.  For the exam application please click here.  If you have any additional questions please contact NRPA at (800)626-6772.