Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about AQX

AQX is a program designed to provide high quality, affordable training and certification in aqua fitness leadership.
AQX differs from other certification programs because it is owned and administered by YOU, the Subscriber.
Municipalities, universities, provincial fitness organizations, and private health clubs are all recognizing the benefits of the AQX program.

Information for Subscribers

Information for facilities and organizations wanting trained, certified aqua fitness leaders:

AQX - For the Love of Fit is an aqua fitness leadership training program leading to IN-HOUSE certification for subscribing organizations.
What is AQX?
  • AQX is a complete program to train and certify aqua fitness leaders in-house.
  • AQX also offers training courses to develop qualified Mentors, Assessors and Trainers among your staff.
  • Organizations that offer aqua fitness classes, aquatic post rehabilitation, and / or aquatic personal training programs sign-on with AQX to become 'Subscribers'.
What does it cost?
  • The Subscriber pays a one-time AQX sign-on fee which includes customization of the Subscriber's training manual, exam templates, and assistance with establishing training programs for Mentor, Assessor and Trainer development.
  • Your one-time Subscriber fee will be determined based on the number of pools under your organizational umbrella.
  • There are no course fees or annual membership fees with AQX! 
  • The AQX Subscriber sets, collects, and keeps course fees that will cover the cost of the trainer, manual, practical exams, and facility rental expenses. 
  • Subscribers can choose to subsidize, break even, or make a profit on AQX training programs, based on the fees they set for AQX training and certification.
  • The AQX program is designed to develop YOUR staff to become Mentors, Assessors, and Trainers of AQX courses - the MAT-Team. 
  • Once your MAT-Team is in place, your only cost to train and certify leaders will be the purchase of AQX manuals - one for each participant, each course.
What about continuing education credits (CECs)?
  • There are no CEC fees - the Subscriber sets the required number of annual CECs.  
  • Recommendations are made to the Subscriber regarding best practices for continuing education credits CECs, which can be offered in house, on line, or at recognized training events.  AQX recommends 4 - 8 CECs annually to maintain certification.
  • The Subscriber is responsible for tracking staff CECs.
What about staff with other aqua fitness certifications?
  • Any staff holding current aqua fitness certifications with Subscriber-recognized providers can be grandparented into AQX Certification.  
  • The Subscriber will decide what external certifications will be recognized and can require a teaching audition. 
  • Individuals with strong skills are often the best candidates to train as Mentors, Assessors, and eventually, AQX Course Trainers.
How long are AQX courses?
  • AQX Leadership Training Courses are offered in 2 lengths:
  1. Complete (30 - 36 hours), for novice leaders, lifeguards and others who are starting from scratch
  2. Standard (20 - 29 hours), for small groups and groups with some leadership experience but no current certification in aqua fitness
  • The AQX program has on-line or DVD training options to augment Trainer-lead courses. AQX #3 Body Basics can be ordered through this website.  AQX #1 and AQX #2 will be available by late 2015.  Get in touch for details.
How do leaders complete certification?
  • AQX provides a theory exam to be taken following the leadership training course.
  • An AQX trained Mentor should be assigned to each course 'graduate' in preparation for the practical exam.  Therefore, it is often best to offer a Mentorship training course before or during the first AQX course held by a Subscriber.
  • AQX practical testing is typically offered within 3 months following the training course. In-house Assessors can be trained by AQX, or an external examiner can perform the assessments on-site or via video.
  • To maintain leadership quality, AQX recommends annual retesting of practical skills by an AQX trained Assessor (in-house).
Can leaders with AQX Certification be insured?
  • AQX Certified Leaders can be individually insured with Sports & Fitness Canada Insurance.  They will need to provide proof of current, valid CPR and First Aid certifications.
How do we get AQX rolling at our facility?
  • Fill out a contact form found on the previous page.
  • You can request a proposal for your facility and ask any questions you may have relevant to your specific needs.

Information for Individuals Wanting AQX Training

AQX Courses emphasize practical teaching skills, with adequate theory to support best practices.

Where can I get AQX Certified?
  • AQX Certification is offered through AQX Subscribers:
  • A Subscriber can be any organization with a pool that offers aqua fitness programming.  If you teach for such an organization, you can encourage them to become an AQX Subscriber (see information left).
  • Planning is underway to have select individuals become AQX Affiliates - offering training & certification through their business model.  Please fill out a contact form on this website if you are interested in this model.
What does it cost to become AQX Certified?
  • Each Subscriber sets and collects registration fees according to costs for Trainers, manual and practical exam as well as any facility usage fees.  
  • There are no annual membership fees with AQX Certification.
  • There are no CEC fees. Other certifying bodies require that you take their ongoing training and / or charge fees to acknowledge ongoing education courses you take elsewhere. 
  • Your certifying Subscriber will offer and acknowledge ongoing education to support your AQX Certification.
  • AQX course fees are set by each facility holding training courses or workshops.  Course fees are typically half the cost of certifications through other organizations.

What if I am already certified through an organization like: Water Art, CALA, AEA, YMCA?
  • Leaders holding current aqua fitness certifications with recognized certification providers can be grandparented into AQX Certification.  Subscribers may require a teaching audition in addition to proof of current certification.
  • As a previously certified aqua instructor, you are often the best candidate to become an AQX Mentor, Assessor, or AQX Course Trainer.
How long is the training course?
AQX Leadership Training Courses are offered in 2 lengths:
  1. Complete (30 - 36 hours), for novice leaders, lifeguards and others who are starting from scratch
  2. Standard (20 - 29 hours), for smaller groups and those with some leadership experience but no current certification in aqua fitness
  • AQX certification involves a theory exam to be taken following the leadership training course.
  • An AQX trained Mentor should be assigned to you following your course, in preparation for the practical exam.  
  • AQX practical testing is usually 3 months following the training course. It can be done at your facility, or via video.
  • To maintain leadership quality, AQX recommends annual retesting of practical skills by an AQX trained Assessor (in-house).

Can leaders with AQX Certification be insured?
  • AQX Certified Leaders seeking insurance with Sports & Fitness Canada Insurance will need to provide proof of current, valid CPR and First Aid certifications.
  • This insurance is accepted anywhere in Canada, so your AQX certification will be valid not just at your facility, but anywhere that will accept a certified, insured instructor!
© Connie Jasinskas, 2018