MRPA typically offers the Aquatic Facility Operator course and exam twice yearly, in Spring and Fall. Check back for details on the next offering. Below is information on the AFO training.
The Course 
Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) is the most advanced training program in the industry. This comprehensive, two day course provides an in-depth instruction on all facets of aquatic facility operation and management, including:
Filtration
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Disinfection |
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Risk Management |
Water Testing & Treatment
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Design Considerations |
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Hot Tub & Spa Operation |
| Facility Management |
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Pool Safety |
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Facility Trouble Shooting |
Free from product bias, AFO course materials are updated as changes occur in the field to ensure information covers the current trends and methods in the industry. To ensure quality, AFO Instructors are subject to an application and training process before they are approved to present the AFO course curriculum. The minimum qualifications to become an AFO instructor are among the highest in the industry.
The Certification
In order to earn the AFO certification the aquatic professional must successfully pass the AFO certification exam. The AFO is an open book 50 question exam. Individuals who obtain the AFO credential are knowledgeable in the systematic approach to pool operations including pool chemistry, management, pool safety and risk reduction. Upon successful completion of the exam the National Recreation and Park Association will add all newly certified AFO’s to the National AFO certification database. The AFO certification is valid for five years. At the end of the five year certification period, the AFO certification must be renewed.
The Difference
Participation the AFO program creates more dynamic operators, who in turn give us safer water, more efficient facilities, and increasingly appealing programs for our popular aquatic venues. The AFO program exceeds the Michigan health code requirements. In addition, previous AFO participants have shared the following benefits of the AFO program over similar aquatic facility training:
- Highly experienced subject matter experts
- Skills that can be applied right “to the deck”
- Simplified arithmetic
- Up to date course materials that reflect changes in technology and legislation
The Background
In 1989 the National Aquatic Section of NRPA set out to assemble a training program for pool operators that was appropriate for community swimming pools, free of product bias, instructed by professionals who are thoroughly trained and continually evaluated, and which trained participants not only about daily pool operations but also contained information about risk management, staffing, budgeting and purchasing for those participants that manage their aquatic facilities. In 1992 NRPA’s National Certification Board voted to approve the association’s Aquatic Facility Operator training and exam, and the most comprehensive aquatic facility operations training in the industry was launched.