This course is designed to prepare participants for designing challenging and effective aquatic classes for a variety of individuals. Complete the Aquatic Fitness Instructor Certification course and learn how to design workouts for three different water depths, teach students how to control their own exercise intensity, use many different kinds of equipment, organize routines to create classes that run smoothly, and design routines for people who are just starting to exercise & seasoned water exercise veterans.

Water exercise is a popular choice for many people and an excellent way to create a fitness program that will get people started and keep them exercising for a lifetime!

Aquatic Instructor Certification Course Learning Objectives:

• Describe the components of an effective and healthy teaching philosophy.
• Explain where water exercise fits into the health care continuum.
• Identify exercise science and training principles of cardiorespiratory endurance training.
• Define key terms and concepts relating to anatomy and biomechanics.
• Examine the physical environment of water, comparing land to water.
• Apply the properties of water to class design.
• Define fundamental skills used for balance and safety.
• Examine training guidelines targeting specific training objectives.
• Discuss four important components in water fitness programs.
• Examine workout essentials and training options using a blueprint to design effective classes in shallow, transitional, and deep water.
• Review a number of evaluation questions that can assist instructors to choose and use equipment for specific exercises, sets and programs.
• Describe the exercise modifications for older adults and those with various limitations and medical conditions.
• Demonstrate a safe, effective and sound water exercise program from land and/or water with modifications.

Topics Covered by the Aquatic Instructor Certification Course:

• Program Development and Leadership
• Leadership Principles for Instructors
• Water Exercise Program Safety
• Healthy Lifestyle and Fitness Principles
• Healthy Lifestyle Principles
• Fitness Principles
• Fundamentals of Water Exercise
• What Research Reveals About Water Exercise
• Physical Laws and Properties of Water
• Fundamental Skills and Exercise Design
• Specificity of Training and Training Guidelines
• Water Fitness Class Design
• Designing a Workout: A "Blueprint" for Success!
• Teaching Responsively
• Progressing Your Programs: Equipment and Advanced Formats
• Responsive Programs for Participants With Individual Challenges
• Functional Training for Healthy Living on Land
• Exercise Considerations for Older Adults
• Guidelines for Working With Special Populations
• Guidelines for Functional Fitness Assessments
• Program Forms
• Additional Workouts
• Poolside Cue Cards

Minimum Prerequisites for the Aquatic Instructor Certification Course:

• 18 years of age.
• Functional knowledge of English and arithmetic
• CPR not required to take examination but may be required by employer or to obtain liability insurance.

Aquatic Instructor Certification Course Includes:

• No travel is necessary.
• All materials & examination are sent to you at the same time - 2 Instructor Textbooks, 1 Instructional DVD.
• There are no extra or added fees for course materials and examination.
• Upon successful course completion and passage of final exam your certificate will read "Certified Aquatic Instructor ". 
• AFPA Membership packet with wallet size laminated member ID card.
• Toll-Free technical support during and after examination, or email AFPA any time.
• Access to the Members Only section on the web with job listings and career enhancement tools
• Updates on new and exciting programs to advance your career.
• Free weekly email newsletter with updates, event postings and job listings.
• Continuing Education opportunities with courses and AFPA Fitness Education Conferences.
• AFPA offers many fitness specialty and advanced certification programs when you are ready to expand your career options in the fitness field.

Requirements for AFPA Aquatic Instructor Certification Program:

• Complete the online order information, mail in application or phone in your order.
• Receive and review all your materials.
• Complete the final certification exam. Final exam includes 100 open ended questions and a case study. Complete a visual demonstration of an Aqua class that you would instruct to a group of individuals. The visual demonstration may be accomplished through photographs, DVD, CD or UTube presentation on deck, in the pool, at a pool or at home. Detailed instructions will be included with your certification program.
• You have up to 6 months to complete your Aquatic Instructor Certification course. 
• You may submit your final exam once completed anytime prior to the 6 months.
• 90% is required to pass your certification exam.

Re-testing:

• You must receive a passing grade of 90% or better to receive certification.
• If you do not meet this minimum requirement you will be mailed/or emailed your results.
• You will be the opportunity to correct your answers within a 90 day time period.
• Students that do not achieve this score are able to retake a final exam within 3 months at no added fee.
• Additional attempts are subject to a $50 administrative fee.

How to Order, Shipping & Handling:

• You may place your order online anytime with VISA, MasterCard, AMEX and Discover.
• AFPA has a secure online system 24 hours a day.
• You will receive confirm via email once your order has been received.
• Your order is processed for shipping within 24 business hours.
• You may place your order by phone with a major credit card by calling 1.800.494.7782, M-F 9:00am-5:00pm EST.
• You may mail check or money order, along with completed Enrollment Application to AFPA.
• Standard shipping is USPS Priority Mail. Please allow 3-5 business days for delivery.
• Optional Shipping is 2 Day FED EX or Next Day FED EX for an additional fee.
• All international orders are shipped Economy Fed EX to insure delivery.
• Select your shipping option upon check out.
• Orders are processed immediately and shipped w/in 24 business hours.