2009 AEA Aquatic Fitness Professional Certification Information
United States
Updated January 2009
The Aquatic Exercise Association is an internationally recognized organization specializing in Aquatic Fitness Education. AEA offers intermediate level aquatic fitness instructor certification and numerous continuing education programs throughout the world.
AEA highly recommends that all candidates, regardless of educational background, prepare at least 8-12 weeks prior to the Certification Examination. AEA also recommends having at least 6 months practical experience in aquatic exercise prior to the Examination. AEA provides all Certification candidates with the Information & Study Objectives to assist candidates with advanced self-study and preparation.
For those who need extra preparation assistance, AEA also offers various optional resources and training opportunities:
• AFP Certification Practical Applications DVD – Recommended techniques for shallow and deep water leadership based on the Aquatic Fitness Professional Manual.
• AEA Certification Prep Course – Developed by AEA and Human Kinetics, this online educational course includes a pre-test, educational unit activities & quizzes and a course test to confirm understanding of the material. With an interactive format, various learning styles are addressed helping each learner to achieve his/her maximum potential. Based on the Aquatic Fitness Professional Manual. Completed on the Internet at your convenience! CLICK HERE to order yours now - and remember that our Members get a 15% discount!
• Practical & Skill Applications Review – A 6-hour program designed to reinforce the knowledge learned in the AEA Certification Prep Course. This hands-on program includes interactive theory, classroom movement and practical applications in the pool targeting the practical and skill related aspects of aquatic fitness leadership. Based on the Aquatic Fitness Professional Manual. A “live” workshop conducted by AEA Aquatic Training Specialists in locations throughout the US and abroad!
The AEA Certification Examination Committee continually monitors the Examination process; revisions have been made to the exam in 1995, 1997, 2001 and 2006. AEA examination procedures follow examination guidelines set forth by NOCA (National
Organization for Competency Assurance) and NCCA (National Commission for Certifying Agencies).
Candidates must successfully complete a 100-question (multiple choice) written examination that covers both theoretical and practical application skills to receive Certification with AEA. All Candidates must also have current Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) status to be eligible for AEA Certification. AEA provides assistance to Candidates with special requirements or testing needs if a Disability Form is properly completed and submitted with the examination registration. The Examination is computer scored by an independent testing company and results are mailed to each Candidate within approximately 4 weeks.
The AEA Fitness Professional/Instructor Certification is valid for two years from the examination date. All Certified instructors must renew AEA Certification every two-year period with a minimum of 15 continuing education credit hours and current CPR status.
AEA is not only committed to aquatic fitness, but also to each individual within the industry and strives to make everyone successful through increasing awareness, education and networking opportunities. With AEA, achieving healthy lifestyles though aquatic fitness is a team effort and is supported worldwide.
Download the 2009 AEA Certification & Education Brochure Here
AEA highly recommends that ALL Candidates have a minimum of 6 months practical experience in aquatic exercise and allow at least 8-12 weeks of advanced study utilizing the AFP Manual and Study Objectives.
Certification Facts:
- Approximately 28% of all candidates taking the examination do not successfully pass the first time.
- Preparation is the key to success!
- Candidates that register and prepare with less than 45 days tend to fall into the percentile indicated above and more often than not have to retake the examination at a later date.
- 72% of all USA Candidates do successfully pass the examination the first time when Study Recommendations are followed.
Prepare in advance with the right tools!
- 85% of the candidates that prepared as recommended by AEA and did participate in the AEA Online Prep Course through Human Kinetics, did successfully pass the examination.
- 80% of the candidates that did purchase the AEA 5th Edition Manual and followed the Examination Objectives a minimum of 8 weeks in advance did successfully pass the examination.
Examination Special Assistance
If you require special assistance due to a disability, please complete the disability assistance form. This form must be completed and sent in with your registration form. Please call AEA to be mailed or faxed the form.
Certification Candidate Requirements
- You must be at least 16 years of age. If you are under 18, you will be required to show parental consent to sit for the examination. Parental consent must be in writing and received with examination registration form.
- Current and valid CPR is required to obtain certification. Verification can be submitted in advance with registration or brought to the examination site.
2009 AEA Certification Candidate Information
- Pre-registration is mandatory. Absolutely no candidate registrations will be accepted within 28 days of examination date. No exceptions. Registrations information can be found under the Calendar Pages or by contacting AEA. A Confirmation/Receipt/Invoice form will be mailed with appropriate study materials; confirmation will also supplied electronically if an email address is listed on registration form.
- Bring your Confirmation/Receipt/Invoice with you to the Certification.
- Information submitted on the examination Registration Form is kept strictly confidential.
- AEA recommends a minimum of 8-12 weeks advance study utilizing the AEA Aquatic Fitness Professional Manual and Study Objectives specific to the designated Certification. Furthermore, AEA highly recommends a minimum of 6 months practical teaching experience prior to sitting for an examination.
- Photo identification is required at the examination site.
- Cell phones are not permitted in any examination.
- Candidates must bring No. 2 pencils to complete the examination.
- Candidates requiring special assistance due to disability must complete the Disability Assistance Form and submit with the Exam Registration at least 28 days prior to the scheduled event.
Certification Retake Option
If you do not successfully complete the AEA AFP Certification Examination, you may register for a Retake Exam at a future date. Your personalized exam scores will provide the general subject areas where you need to concentrate your studies using the Aquatic Fitness Professional Manual and Examination Objectives. Keep in mind that additional study materials are available, including the Online Prep Course and the AFP Cert Practical Applications DVD. The Retake Fee also allows you to participate in the AFP Review Course when offered on the day of the exam (available at most locations).
Candidate Information-Examination/Scoring and percentiles
AQUATIC EXERCISE ASSOCIATION
Aquatic Fitness Professional Certification
Examination Scoring
Updated January, 2009
The Aquatic Exercise Association is committed to excellence in training and certifying Aquatic Fitness Professionals. Currently, the passing score for the AEA Fitness Professional Examination in the United States is 68%. In 2007 and 2008, 72% of all USA Candidates sitting for the examination successfully met the minimum required passing score.