AqP Sets You Apart and Brings You Into an Exclusive Network

Imagine the endless benefits...

  • Use AqP in your signature to let others know of your designation

  • Continue to earn Continuing Education Credits (CEU's) online or while attending the AOAP Conference and Exposition

  • Demonstrate your commitment to aquatic education, certification, and professional development

  • Set yourself apart from other aquatic professionals when pursing career opportunities

  • Join a group of outstanding Designated Aquatic Professionals who share your passion

AqP is now certified Model Aquatic Health Code compliant!

Why I Earned my AqP Designation

Christopher Drummond, AqP

Sometimes it’s hard to stand out in the Aquatics crowd, but having the AqP means that a respected organization has verified that I have industry standard training in how to properly run an aquatic facility. - The AqP helps me to show that I have beyond the minimums of knowledge and skills to be a true Aquatics leader.

How to Earn Your AqP Designation

The first step is to register for the AqP Designation. This will establish your account on Splash-EDU. Here you will be guided through the requirements and upload your documentation. 

Prerequisites

  • Be a current member of the Association of Aquatic Professionals and maintain membership throughout your designation period. If you are not a current AOAP member you can join here.
  • A minimum of 2 years full-time or 4 years part-time aquatic work experience
  • Current pool operator certification
  • Current Basic First Aid and CPR/AED certification 
  • Current lifeguard instructor certification and/or swim instructor trainer certification
  • Sign off on a safety-oriented, excellence-driven commitment statement


CORE Content

 Complete the five (5) core educational sessions by attending in-person at the AOAP conference or registering for the recorded session on Splash-EDU. The CORE sessions vary by year. 

  • Risk Management CORE
  • Programming and Staff Training CORE
  • Drowning Prevention CORE
  • Leadership/Executive Development CORE
  • Diversity and Inclusion CORE


Continuing Education CEU's

Earn these CEU credits from any recognized education source such as courses on Splash-EDU, conferences, seminars, workshops, and even relevant experience. You can go back five (5) years but cannot submit any education event or certification twice.

  • .2 CEU (2 hours) in Risk Management
  • .2 CEU (2hours) in Programming and Staff Training
  • .2 CEU (2 hours) in Drowning Prevention
  • .2 CEU (2 hours) in Leadership/Executive Development
  • .2 CEU (2 hours) in Diversity and Inclusion
  • 1.5 CEU (15 hours) in a wide variety of elective categories


Degree or Equivalent Requirement

AqP applicants must have a degree from an accredited College or University with at least 120 credit hours.   

If you have not earned a degree there is an additional CEU requirement based on any higher education credit hours you may have completed:

  • 4.0 (40 hours) additional elective CEU's required if you have 0-59 credit hours
  • 2.0 (20 hours additional elective CEU's required if you have 60-119

Final Exam 

Pass a 100 question multiple-choice exam. Questions evaluate your knowledge across the prerequisites and CORE categories.  

Why I Earned my AqP Designation

Michelle Streifel, AqP

I wanted to become an AqP so that I could stand out professionally in the field of aquatics. But ultimately I was provided with so much more. More education, more support, a community that wants to help others, positivity, collaboration, and a common goal of making water safe for everyone.

AqP Education Available on Splash-EDU

Click the panel below to see the current course offerings.

Why I Earned my AqP Designation

Hannah Qauney, AqP

Throughout the AqP process I have really been able to grow as an Professional in Aquatics. The wealth of knowledge and the network of other professionals I have gained as I worked toward the designation, gave me the tools to really become a better, stronger, more informed leader.

FAQ

  • What is the process?

    The application process is tracked in the AqP Designation course on Splash-EDU. Here you will upload proof of education, certifications, training, etc. When all requirements are met you will be given access to the online final exam.

  • How long does the designation last?

    The designation is for a two (2) year period. To renew the designation you must maintain the core requirements and complete all requirements in continuing education.

  • What are the fees?

    Initial Designation Registration Fee ‐ $125.00 There is no charge for the renewal process. Webinar Fee AOAP Member: $20.00/webinar Webinar Fee Non-Member: $30.00/webinar

  • What First Aid, CPR/AED courses are accepted as prerequisites?

    American Heart Association, American Red Cross, American Safety & Health Institute (ASHI), Medic First Aid, National Safety Council; other by request for review and approval

  • What lifeguard instructor and swim instructor trainer courses are accepted as prerequisites?

    American Aquatics and Safety Training, American Red Cross, Ellis & Associates, PADI Swim School, StarGuard, Starfish Swimming, YMCA; others by request for review and approval.

  • What pool operator courses are accepted as prerequisites?

    AquaTech, Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO), Certified Pool Operator (CPO), Practical Pool Management+ (PPM+); other by request for review and approval

  • What are the requirements for CEU's?

    You can go back five (5) years but cannot submit any education event or certification twice.

  • What are the elective CEU categories?

    Marketing / fundraising / development, aquatic sports coaching/officiating, aquatic operations (technical), budgeting/ financial management, diversity and inclusion, paddlesports training (kayaking, canoeing, SUP, etc.), hazardous materials /chemical training, teaching lifeguarding/CPR/swim instructor development (no more than 5 hours), advanced medical training, publishing about aquatic topics, presenting aquatic Information at state, regional or national conferences

  • How is AqP renewed when the designation period ends?

    You will submit a renewal application and take the final exam. There is no cost for renewal. Go here to renew: https://www.splash-edu.org/courses/renewal-aquatic-professional-designation-aqp

Why I Earned my AqP Designation

Damaris Shiavi Schaeflein, AqP

Be A Part of LIFE In the FAST LANE today like me! Earn your AqP Designation, stand out, be recognized as an Aquatics Professional within the Industry. As a newer AqP Designee, I have been set apart with my education, experience, background, training and able to partake in endless benefits to an exclusive network while sharing my passion. Follow the easy to navigate - step by step process to earn your way towards your goal of obtaining your AqP. The Association of Aquatics Professionals (AOAP) is the first and only Aquatic Organization to offer this high level Designation as an Aquatics Professional. Be a Part of our Team ~ The benefits are endless!

  • Please note that the AqP designation means that an individual has the education, background and training for what the AOAP believes describes an aquatic professional. In no way does it guarantee that an individual will perform any specific job duties or requirements.

Start your journey to earning your AqP Designation

Register Here