ATRI Aquatic Therapeutic Exercise Certification Information
The mission of the Aquatic Therapy & Rehab Institute (ATRI) is to enhance the education of therapeutic, health, and fitness professionals working in aquatic environments, promoting better health and longevity for the clients and populations we serve. The ATRI Division of AEA is a leading source of multidisciplinary aquatic therapy, rehabilitation, exercise training, and continuing education.
ATRI Certification Summary
The ATRIC Exam is for competent, knowledgeable professionals in aquatic therapy, rehab, and therapeutic exercise. Being ATRI Certified demonstrates that you are a knowledgeable, more well-rounded aquatic therapy practitioner. This certification will not make you a therapist if you are not a licensed therapist.
The education you gain from completing the recommended 10 hours of pre-exam coursework in aquatic therapy helps you better care for your clients. The certification is popular because most practitioners want to advance their careers, expand their client base, and earn this credential's recognition. That's why many practitioners are certified by multiple organizations. It may also benefit job opportunities, salary increases, and pool access. All of this depends on the title you desire, the patients or clients you work with, and your personal goals. If you want to grow and develop, then certification is the right choice for you.
ATRI Aquatic Therapy & Rehabilitation Certification (ATRIC) Candidate Handbook
Please read the Candidate Handbook. The Candidate Handbook covers the protocols, details, and information you need to fully understand the process of studying, preparing for, and taking the Aquatic Therapy & Rehab Institute Certification (ATRIC) Exam. Additionally, it provides protocols for certification holders, certification policies and procedures, and requirements for certification renewal. Click here for the Candidate Handbook.
ATRI Certification Exam Description
The ATRIC Exam consists of 75 multiple-choice questions designed to assess a standard level of theoretical and practical competence. This timed exam has a maximum duration of 90 minutes. It is intended for skilled, knowledgeable professionals in aquatic therapy, rehabilitation, and therapeutic exercise.
The exam evaluates your ability to meet the Aquatic Therapy & Rehab Industry Standards to Practice. These Standards are included in the ATRIC Candidate Handbook, or you can download here. Click Here to Download Standards to Practice.
Passing the exam allows you to use the title “ATRI Certified” or the initials “ATRIC” after your name. However, it does not make you a licensed therapist if you are not already licensed.
The exam fee is $255.00. The Retake Fee is $95.00. If you have purchased any ATRIC recommended Prep Courses or Study Bundles, please follow the directives as indicated in the courses to register for your ATRIC Exam. If you are purchasing the ATRIC Exam without recommended preparation or study, you will be notified within 72 hours of your exam purchase with directives on how to proceed with the one-time exam. NOTE: The Self-Study ATRIC Exam Prep Bundle INCLUDES the exam fee.
Exam Preparation
It is strongly advised that all ATRIC Exam candidates prepare thoroughly using proper resources, courses, recommendations, and materials to enhance their knowledge and skills in aquatic therapeutic exercise applications and the ATRI Standards to Practice.
Option 1 – ATRI Certification Self-Study Bundle. Includes the Intro to Aquatic Therapy & Rehab Online Course (previously recorded), Essential Principles of Aquatic Therapy and Rehab, and ATRIC Exam Fee (one-time fee). Essential Principles of Aquatic Therapy and Rehab is a study guide and self-teaching tool that includes implementation skills, related keywords, and a self-test for each of the six ATRI Standards to Practice. NOTE: There are many additional resources that provide valuable information related to the ATRIC Exam; some are listed below and a detailed resource list is included in the Essential Principles of Aquatic Therapy and Rehab. Click Here to Purchase the ATRI Certification Self-Study Bundle
Option 2 – No Study. If you are confident in your knowledge, experience, and skills in all areas of the ATRI Standards to Practice, you can purchase the exam at your convenience. NOTE: It may take up to 72 hours from the time of purchase to registration and access to the exam. Click Here to Register/Purchase ATRI Examination.
Additional Recommended Resources for Preparation
Essential Principles of Aquatic Therapy & Rehab by Ruth Sova (purchase from AEA, also included in the Self Study Bundle)
AEA Aquatic Fitness Professional Manual, 8th Edition by the Aquatic Exercise Association. Of particular interest for aquatic therapy and rehab: understanding of muscle actions in water, with and without equipment (Chapter 4); important considerations of the aquatic environment (Chapters 5-8); and awareness of various populations and medical conditions that have unique programming considerations (Chapter 13).
Aquatic Therapy Rehabilitation by Dr. Caroline Co
Aquatic Therapy: Translating Science Into Practice by Dr. Beth Scalone (a future release)
Exam Registration and Confirmation
You must purchase and register for the exam in advance. This can be done through Option 1 ATRI Certification Self-Study Bundle (the exam link is provided within the course) or Option 2 (NOTE: It may take up to 72 hours from the time of purchase to registration and access to the exam) mentioned above.
Notification of Scores
Upon completion of the exam, you will be notified immediately of your score. If you successfully pass the exam and have your current CPR/AED on file, your digital/printable certificate will be issued within 10-14 days.
Exam Scores
You must receive a passing score of 75% in order to pass the ATRIC examination.
Cancellation/Rescheduling
Exam fees are non-refundable, and you are taking your exam at will. If you do not pass your exam on the first attempt, retake fees apply.
Certification Renewal
ATRI Certification is valid for 2 years. To maintain your ATRI Certification, you must obtain a minimum of 20 continuing education hours from the date of your exam or your last renewal. Click Here to access the Certification Renewal Form Save time & renew online. Visit aeawave.org home page and review the ATRI Cert Renew video for more assistance.
Helpful information regarding your ATRIC renewal:
ATRI Certification is valid for 2 years.
Current CPR/AED is required for this Certification and is worth 3.0 CEC/CEUs.
Renew in your own account at the AEA/ATRI main website by logging in at www.aeawave.org.
You need to obtain a minimum of 20 ATRI CEU/CECs (Continuing Education Units/Credits) to renew. If you earn more than 20 CEU/CECs per renewal period, they do NOT carry over.
Track your CEU/CECs online through your login at the AEA/ATRI website.
There is a two-year renewal fee for the recertification period; a separate fee from membership.
You can renew your certification as early as 90 days prior to your expiration and no later than 90 days following expiration without incurring additional late fees.
IMPORTANT NOTE: If you do not renew within 2 years from the date of your expiration, you may need to re-take the exam. Please email with any questions about your renewal options or to request a retake of the exam.
Obtaining Continuing Education Units (CEU/CECs)
AEA/ATRI provides education through in-person, virtually live through Zoom, and online education to keep your certification up to date. You can also earn continuing education units from other AEA/ATRI approved CE Providers.