CEUs & Certifications


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Certification Programs

Through national certification you join thousands of people who are committed to fostering the highest standards of ethical and professional practice in the delivery of park and recreation programs and services. 

5 Reasons To Become A Certified Professional

  1. Greater career opportunities and advancement
  2. Demonstration of your commitment to the parks and recreation profession
  3. Enhanced quality of parks and recreation services nationwide
  4. Recognition for your accomplishments and ability to meet national standards
  5. Expansion of your skills and knowledge through continuing professional development

The National Recreation and Park Association certification programs are governed by the National Certification Board; four certifications are currently offered.

The Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) certification is granted to individuals employed in the recreation, park resources and leisure services profession who meet high standards of performance.


The Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE) certification can be achieved by individuals employed in the recreation, park resources and leisure services profession who meet high standards of performance at a mastery (middle to upper management level).

The Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) is a state-of-the-art certification for pool operators and aquatic facility managers. More than 16,000 aquatic facility operators have gained certification in the program's 16 years of existence.

The Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) provides the credentials to inspect playgrounds for safety ensuring that each playground meets the current national standards set by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

For questions or further information on certification, please email [email protected]

Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) Certification

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The Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) program is a state-of-the-art 5 year certification for professionals managing and operating aquatic facilities. Individuals who obtain the AFO credential are knowledgeable in the systematic approach to pool operations including pool chemistry, management, pool safety and risk reduction.

How do I become a Certified AFO?

The key to the certification is the successful completion of the fifty question AFO examination. The AFO certification examination is a valid and reliable instrument that is written and reviewed by subject-matter experts in collaboration with a professional testing company. A professional must pass the AFO exam, with a score of seventy-eight percent (78%) or better, in order to receive their AFO certification.

How do I prepare for the AFO exam?

There are multiple ways to prepare for the AFO Examination including the AFO course, a two day advanced, state of the art educational training program for pool operations and management staff in aquatic facility operation and management, the Aquatic Facility Trainers (AFT) course online, and review of the AFO handbook.

How do I renew my AFO Certification?

Renewal of the AFO Certification ensures that professionals are knowledgeable of the current best practices in aquatic facility operation and management. There are two methods of renewing your AFO certification. The first method is through successfully passing the AFO examination (offered in coordination with the AFO course sites). The second method is through the completion of 2.0 Continuing Education Units in the aquatic field, for a list of applicable CEUs please click here.

How do I apply to retake the AFO exam?

Candidates wishing to retake the AFO certification exam should refer to the AFO course calendar to determine a scheduled exam accessible to them and call the course contact; or contact the host/instructor of the course you attended to schedule to retake the exam. If you have any additional questions please contact NRPA at (800) 626-6772.

How do I obtain confirm another individual's certification?

If you would like to obtain basic information, including expiration date and certification number, on an individual's certification status please visit the AFO registry at http://apps.nrpa.org/afo_registry/default.aspx