[Dallas, TX] JUNE 18, 2026 — AIMS International, the world leader in amusement industry safety education and certification, today announced updates to the certification renewal requirements and Level III Maintenance & Operations certification criteria.
These updates are designed to strengthen continuing education standards, encourage greater in-person industry engagement, and enhance the value of AIMS certifications by ensuring certificate holders participate in meaningful educational experiences with instructors, peers, and industry subject matter experts.
Effective June 2026, all AIMS Level II and Level III certification holders will now be required to attend an in-person AIMS-approved seminar or educational event at designated renewal intervals to maintain active certification status.
Level II and Level III certifications will continue to renew every two years. However, in-person attendance at an AIMS-approved safety seminar will be required during the third renewal cycle (year six) for Level II certification holders and during the second renewal cycle (year four) for Level III certification holders.
For example, a level II certification obtained in 2026 would be eligible for an online renewal in 2028 and 2030, the first two renewal cycles. To renew a third time, 2032, the certificate holder will be required to attend an AIMS-approved safety seminar in person.
In the same example, a level III certification obtained in 2026 would be eligible for an online renewal in 2028 only. To renew a second time in 2030, the certificate holder will be required to attend an AIMS-approved safety seminar in person.
Level II Example:
- 2026 – Certification obtained
- 2028 – Renewal #1 (online eligible)
- 2030 – Renewal #2 (online eligible)
- 2032 – Renewal #3 (in-person attendance required)
Level III Example:
- 2026 – Certification obtained
- 2028 – Renewal #1 (online eligible)
- 2032 – Renewal #2 (in-person attendance required)
In addition to the level II & III renewal requirements, AIMS International updated its Maintenance and Operations Professional level III certification requirements to include a 50-question examination and an in-person presentation during an annual AIMS International Safety Seminar.
The 45-minute presentation must be vetted by a subject matter expert (SME) or certification committee member and delivered in person during an AIMS International Safety Seminar to a class of at least 20 students. The presentation must be proctored by one (1) SME and two (2) certification committee members, or by three (3) certification committee members.
In addition to the exam and presentation, level III certification prospects need to meet the following criteria:
- Current AIMS Level II Maintenance Certification
- 12 CEU (120 hours) from industry seminars or other applicable courses
- 120 months of current employment in the amusement maintenance field
- Approved submission of two Safety Seminar course lesson plans
- Documented volunteer service in the amusement industry
AIMS also announced an update to its certification equivalency policy. Certification equivalency will now be granted only for NAARSO Level I certifications in Operations, Inspection, and Aquatics.
All applicants seeking AIMS Level II or Level III certification will be required to complete the applicable examination and all certification requirements.
These updates reflect AIMS’ continued commitment to advancing professional development, safety education, and industry leadership through meaningful continuing education and participation opportunities.
Complete certification requirements and renewal information are available in the AIMS Certification Guide and on the AIMS International website. For additional information, contact info@aimsintl.org.