This AFO Course is being offered in conjunction with the NRPA Annual Conference in Philadelphia and will be held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Further details about the specific room we will be using will be available closer to the conference.
Course Schedule
Saturday, September 26, 8:00 – 5:00 PM instruction
Sunday, September 27, 8:00 – 5:00 PM Instruction and exam (2:00 – 5:00 PM)
Registration begins at 7:30 AM both days and include Lunch and refreshments
AFO Course and Exam$360.00 Members$395.00 Non-members
AFO Exam only $125.00 Members$150.00 Non-members
Cost includes instruction, a course manual and breaks and lunch each day.
Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) Course & Exam
As part of the NRPA national conference in Philadelphia, the PA Recreation and Park Society will be hosting a Pre-conference Aquatic Facility Operators (AFO) Certification Course. The purpose of the AFO certification is to provide the most comprehensive and up-to-date training for pool operators. It includes information on water chemistry, disinfection, mechanical systems, operations, healthy pools and safety. (1.5 CEUs).
The Aquatic Facility Operator Course (AFO) is a comprehensive two-day in-person training conducted by an AFO Instructor, and the exam is administered at the end of the second day. This course provides in-depth instruction on all facets of aquatic facility operation and management. Including: Water Chemistry, Filtration, Disinfection, Water Testing and Treatment, Mechanical Systems, Facility Environment, Hot Tub and Special Case Pool Operation and Risk Management.
The Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) certification is the premier certification program for swimming pool operations. AFO certification will help you and your staff better understand the entire pool system and safely, efficiently, and confidently operate all types of aquatic facilities.
•You will learn from expert instructors and network with other professionals from the field.
•You will join an elite group of more than 8,000 AFOs who are committed to advancing the field.
•You can reduce your agency’s liability and take your career to the next level.
What We'll Cover
•Introduction
•Health Department – Code Review
•Filtration
•Chemical Compounds Review
•The Future: New Directions
•Pool Water Balancing
•Pool Water Testing
•Aquatic Facility Management
•Design Considerations
•Chemical Feeders
•Sanitation
•Disinfection
•Qualities of a Healthy Pool
•Circulation
•Heating and Pool Covers
•Specialty Chemicals
•Breakpoint Chlorinating
•Preventive Maintenance
•Dosages/Dosing
•Automation and Control
•Special Case Pools
•Stabilization
•Safety Considerations
•Risk Management
*Now available in Latin American Spanish upon request.
Potential Funding Sources
The Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow's Workforce Act update (H.R. 1151 - Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to treat certain postsecondary credentialing expenses as qualified higher education expenses for 529 accounts) has opened 529 funds for use on eligible credentialing programs. All NRPA certification programs are designated as eligible credentialing programs. If you are the beneficiary of a 529 fund, please get in touch with the organization that manages your fund for more information.
NRPA certifications are also listed on numerous Department of Defense (DOD) COOL databases, which may provide DOD military and civilian employees with access to certification funding. Please visit the DOD COOL site for more information.
Special Accommodations
In order to properly accommodate all individuals with disabilities, it is recommended that requests be submitted in writing no less than 30 days prior to the course and exam.
Cancelation Policy
PRPS will refund your registration, less a $50 processing fee, if your cancellation is received in writing before course materials are shipped (note: PRPS ships course materials as soon as they are received from NRPA and cannot guarantee shipping dates).
No refunds can be made for cancellations less than 30 days prior to the beginning of the course.
To Register:
1: Sign in or create a new account.
2: Select registration option
3: Add session selections to your itinerary
4: Proceed to checkout to complete transaction.
Starts At
09/26/2026 8:00 AM
Ends At
09/27/2026 5:00 PM