Aquatic Fitness Professional (AFP) 8th Edition Certification Self-Study Online Prep Course
AEA Aquatic Fitness Professional (AFP) 8th Edition Online Prep Course
This Online Ed Preparation Course, developed by AEA experts, is an excellent resource to build the skills necessary to lead aquatic group exercise, small group and personal training. Utilizing additional reading resources, quizzes, puzzles and videos, the 90 learning objectives provide in-depth education for aquatic exercise leadership and knowledge. Also included is a sample test with question format similar to the AEA Certification Examination. This course is highly recommended, but not required, for those seeking AEA Certification and is designed to reinforce the 2026 8th Edition AEA Aquatic Fitness Professional Manual. Topic areas include:
- PART I: Foundations of Fitness and Exercise
- • Physical Fitness
- • Exercise Anatomy
- • Exercise Physiology
- • Movement Analysis
- • Exercise Motivation and Behavior
PART II: The Aquatic Environment
• The Physical Laws as Applied to the Aquatic Environment
• The Pool Environment and Design
• Safety and Risk Management
PART III: Instruction and Programming
• Shallow-Water Exercise
• Deep-Water Exercise
• Aquatic Exercise Leadership
• Aquatic Exercise Programming
• Aquatic Programming: Reaching Diverse Populations
Strengthen your teaching abilities
Take at your own pace
Earn CEC/CEUs for select certification renewals/organizations
Suggested Preparation Timeline to obtain AEA Fitness Professional Certification
6-8 Months Prior: Read the Certification Learning Objectives available at the AEA website under the Certification menu to review the examination content based upon the Eighth Edition Aquatic Fitness Professional Manual (AFP Manual). Read the manual and use the key chapter concepts and review questions provided each chapter to test comprehension of the information.
6 Months: A minimum of 6 months practical aquatic fitness experience is recommended. Those seeking certification should participate or apprentice in classes led by AEA Certified Professionals. Candidates should understand and practice skills in the areas of: choreography, cueing and deck teaching; moving to music and various water tempos; monitoring participant safety; and maximizing the training benefits in the water by mastering concepts such as inertia, acceleration, frontal resistance and levers.
Minimum 3-6 Months Prior: Intently review the AFP Manual, focusing on areas of difficulty. Optional, participate the AEA Online Prep Course. The Aquatic Fitness Practical Applications in-person workshop can assist candidates in learning the practical side of being an aquatic fitness professional and how to effectively apply essential knowledge.