The Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) certification provides the most comprehensive and up-to-date training on operations, mechanical systems, water chemistry, disinfection, safety and much more. AFO certification will help you or your staff better understand the entire pool system and run all types of aquatic facilities safely, efficiently and confidently.

Why Become an AFO?

  • Learn from expert instructors and network with other professionals from the field.
  • Join an elite group of more than 8,000 AFOs who have committed to advancing the field.
  • Reduce your agency’s liability and take your career to the next level.

Eligibility

AFO candidates should be at least 18 years of age. There are no education or experience prerequisites for taking the AFO exam.
 

How to Become an AFO 

To become an AFO, you must successfully pass the AFO exam. The AFO exam is 50 questions, open-book and covers five core competencies: water chemistry and disinfection, mechanical systems and operations, health and safety, daily operations and maintenance. AFO certification is valid for five years.

 

Individuals have multiple options to become certified:

In-Person Course and Exam

This is a comprehensive two-day in-person training conducted by an AFO Instructor, and the exam is administered at the end of the second day.

  • AFO In-Person Course: This course provides in-depth instruction on all facets of aquatic facility operation and management. Including: Water Chemistry, Filtration, Disinfection, Water Testing and Treatment, Mechanical Systems, Facility Environment, Hot Tub and Special Case Pool Operation and Risk Management.
  • AFO Exam: The exam is paper/pencil and administered by the AFO Instructor. Results are provided immediately. 

AFO candidates are highly encouraged to take the in-person course for initial certification.

Virtual Course and Exam

This is a comprehensive two-day virtual training conducted by an AFO Instructor, and the exam is administered at the end of the second day.

  • AFO Virtual Course: This course provides in-depth instruction on all facets of aquatic facility operation and management. Including: Water Chemistry, Filtration, Disinfection, Water Testing and Treatment, Mechanical Systems, Facility Environment, Hot Tub and Special Case Pool Operation and Risk Management.
  • AFO Exam: The exam is online and administered by the AFO Instructor. Results are provided immediately. This course is administered through the NRPA online learning platform and Zoom. A webcam is needed to be on video during the course and exam.

Blended Learning Course and Exam

This course is a combination of the AFO Online Learning Course, a one-day in-person training with an AFO Instructor, and the exam is administered at the end of the in-person training. 

  • AFO Online Learning Course: This course provides in-depth instruction on all facets of aquatic facility operation and management. Including: Water Chemistry, Filtration, Disinfection, Water Testing and Treatment. It includes 6 modules = 7 hours of learning. Participants must complete the entire Online Learning Course and provide a certificate of completion prior to coming to the in-person training.
  • In-Person Instructor Training: This course provides in-depth instruction on all facets of aquatic facility operation and management. Including: Mechanical Systems, Facility Environment, Hot Tub and Special Case Pool Operation and Risk Management. 
  • AFO Exam: The exam is paper/pencil and administered by the AFO Instructor. Results are provided immediately. 

All AFO Course options offer 1.5 CEU's.

Register for a Course


Proctored Exam-Only

AFO candidates have the option to take the AFO exam-only, administered by an approved NRPA proctor. Secure a proctor in your area and take the paper/pencil exam or request an online exam. The AFO exam is open-book, so candidates taking the exam-only are highly encouraged to purchase and review the Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) Manual.

Download The Exam Application 


AFO Prep Materials and Resources

Looking for study materials and other AFO resources? Learn more about the AFO certification with our prep materials and handbooks, review aquatics standards and guidelines, and access special testing accommodations forms.

AFO Prep Materials and Resources



For more information about becoming an AFO, please contact NRPA Certification at certification@nrpa.org. 

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