The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) is looking for park and recreation agencies to host an Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) certification course. The AFO certification course provides the most comprehensive and up-to-date training on operations, mechanical systems, water chemistry, disinfection, safety and much more. In the two-day online training, attendees will gain practical knowledge from highly qualified AFO instructors. Attendees will take the exam on the second day and will be provided with their results upon completion.

Why Host a Course?

  • The AFO course is the most cost-effective way to train your staff in pool operations, mechanical systems, water chemistry, disinfection, safety and much more.
  • Opening registration to the public will turn your AFO course into a revenue generator.
  • Hosting the online course is as easy as securing an instructor and inviting participants.

How to Host

AFO hosts have two course options: an Independent Instructor course or a Contracted Instructor course. Both of these can be offered In-person or Virtually. 

Independent Instructor Course

To host an independent instructor AFO course, contact an instructor directly and partner with them to host and teach the course. There is no minimum requirement for participants.

  • Browse a list of independent AFO instructors. This list is updated regularly.
  • Once an instructor is confirmed, submit a course request form.
  • Order course materials. Manuals should be provided to participants prior to the beginning of the course.
  • For Virtual courses a final attendee list must be provided to the Aquatics Program Manager at least 10 business days prior to the course date so participants can be registered for the course. The Aquatics Program Manager will then send a follow-up email with instructions on how participants can access their course through their NRPA Online Learning dashboard.

Submit AFO Course Request Form

Contracted Instructor Course

To host a contracted instructor AFO course, contact NRPA so we can provide you with an AFO Instructor to teach the course. Course minimum requirement is 20 participants.

  • Submit a course request form. NRPA will provide you with an AFO instructor and put you in contact with them to coordinate details for the course.
  • Order course materials. Manuals should be provided to participants prior to their attendance in the course.
  • For Virtual courses a final attendee list must be provided to the Aquatics Program Manager at least 10 business days prior to the course date so participants can be registered for the course. The Aquatics Program Manager will then send a follow-up email with instructions on how participants can access their course through their NRPA Online Learning dashboard.

Submit AFO Course Request Form

 

Resources

A complete How to Host Guide is available to assist you with both course hosting options. If you are interested, please contact NRPA Certification at certification@nrpa.org. 

 

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