Aquatics Operations Technician Certification
Who Needs this Certification
The Aquatics Operations Technician Certification is intended for operators, water quality control technicians, maintenance professionals, and supervisors working in water parks, cruise ships and aquatic facilities who are directly involved in the safety, daily operation, maintenance, and water quality management of aquatic attractions and systems, including pools, slides, interactive water features, and related infrastructure.
Program Requirements
The Aquatics Operations Technician Certification Program is designed to confirm the knowledge of individuals working in the aquatics field within the amusement industry. Certification is an outward demonstration of one’s knowledge of general activities and technologies that are an integral part of a daily operations, water quality program and his or her participation in such activities and programs. Certification is useful for securing additional business opportunities and jurisdictional accreditation as well as personal development.
There is one level of Aquatics Operations Technician Certification
Certified Aquatics Operations Technician Level I
In order to achieve certification, an individual must provide verification of his or her industry experience and education. In addition, he or she must receive passing scores on the certification exams. The certifications are renewable. In order to maintain the certification, receipt of continuing education units (CEU), attendance in an AIMS-approved curriculum, and involvement in the amusement industry must be documented.
ASTM International Standards
Those seeking certifications need to know the specific ASTM standards that apply to their facility and operations to be able to pass the exams. As there are no national standards for ride inspection, AIMS will instruct on the ASTM standards, state standards and other universally accepted industry practices
Certification Information
All certifications are valid for two years
AIMS Certified Aquatics Operations Technician Level I
Qualifications
Education: Applicant must attest to having a high school diploma, college diploma, or GED (General Equivalency Diploma). Note: if documentation of education cannot be provided, applicant must provide dates of employment in the amusement ride inspection field for a minimum of 36 months.
Experience: Applicant must provide dates of employment in the amusement maintenance field that equals at least 12 months (36 months if no proof of education).
Examination: Applicant must receive a passing score on the Operations Technician Level I exam. Students with the above required experience should have enough knowledge to pass the exam. Unsuccessful applicants will be eligible to reapply for the exam 60 days after the initial examination date.
Eye Exam: An eye examination is not required for this type of certification nor is it a renewal requirement.
Courses (CEUs)
Coursework is not required to take this Level I exam to receive your initial certification, only for renewals.
Certificate Renewal
- 4 CEU (40 hours) AIMS - approved curriculum every 2 years (earned during the renewal period) from seminar attendance or AIMS ConnectED online courses
- Expired Certificates: It is required to retest after a certification has expired 5 years or more
Exams
Online Exams
Available for Level I Only
*Applications will be active approximately 1 month before the exam dates
March 17, 2026 @ 11:00 am ET
March 18, 2026 @ 1:00 pm ET
Exam applications are due by 5:00pm ET on March 12, 2026
May 19, 2026 @ 11:00 am ET
May 20, 2026 @ 1:00 pm ET
Exam applications are due by 5:00pm ET on May 14, 2026
August 18, 2026 @ 11:00 am ET
August 19, 2026 @ 1:00 pm ET
Exam applications are due by 5:00pm ET on August 13, 2026
October 20, 2026 @ 11:00 am ET
October 21, 2026 @ 1:00 pm ET
Exam applications are due by 5:00pm ET on October 15, 2026
Seminar Exams
This exam is available to take at the these seminars:
AIMS International Safety Seminar
FEES
- Application Fee to test during AIMS Seminar - $85
- AIMS on the Road or Regional Event Application Fee - $110
- Online Exam Application Fee - $135
- On-Time Renewal Fee - $75
- Expired Certification Reinstatement of up to one year - $100
- Expired Certification Reinstatement beyond one year - $80 per certification period plus $100