AqP Sets You Apart and Brings You Into an Exclusive Network
Imagine the endless benefits...
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Use AqP in your signature to let others know of your designation
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Continue to earn Continuing Education Credits (CEU's) online or while attending the AOAP Conference and Exposition
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Demonstrate your commitment to aquatic education, certification, and professional development
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Set yourself apart from other aquatic professionals when pursing career opportunities
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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
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
AqP Education Available on Splash-EDU
Click the panel below to see the current course offerings.
Why I Earned my AqP Designation
FAQ
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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What are the requirements for CEU's?
You can go back five (5) years but cannot submit any education event or certification twice.
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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
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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