The goal of the WaterART Certification programs is to provide the highest standard of theoretical, practical and leadership skills to become an excellent Instructor, Trainer, Specialist or Fitness Consultant. Certification Programs are divided into 2 categories:
1) Comprehensive Certification
2) Specialty Certification
Comprehensive Examination Certification requires that each candidate complete both a theory exam and a practical assessment to become fully Certified.
Specialty Examination Certification requires that candidates who are currently WaterART Certified, only need to complete the theory component of the exam process to renew and achieve another level of qualification. Any candidate NEW to WaterART Fitness or expired in their qualifications will be required to complete BOTH the theory and practical assessment to become fully Certified. Note that if an Instructor is only Water Certified and wish to become Land Certified - they will be required to do complete a Land Practical Assessment. The same applies to Land Certified Instructors if they wish to become Water Certified will have to complete both parts of the exam process.
All
candidates have up to six months from the purchase date or the onsite
training date to complete the examination process without penalty,
except the Instructor Certification onsite, which must be
completed within 4 months after the training. Exams submitted after deadline, will be subjected to a $35.00 late for each exam.Those candidates completing a Speciality certification for renewal and have expired, will be required to pay a late renewal fee and be required to complete the practical assessment.
If a candidate has multiple Certifications, all Certifications will have the same common renewal date (which is two years from the passing date of the newest exam). When successfully completing another level of Certification before the candidates expiration date, there will be no fee will be required and candidates will automatically be issued electronic Certification Diplomas from the passing date. If hard copies of the Certification Diploma are required (shipped) candidates will be charged shipping fees. See options.
All candidates will need to maintain their own Emergency Safety Qualifications such as either a CURRENT Life-guard Qualification OR a valid CPR/FIRST AID/AED. This is written on the Certification Diploma that the qualification is only valid when Emergency Safety Qualifications are current (as dates typically do not coincide with your WaterART Certification).
Comprehensive Certification Programs that require both theory & practical assessment to complete examination process are:
Additional Candidates who will also require Practical Assessments
Anyone new to WaterART Fitness
Anyone without a Comprehensive Certification (completing a Specialty Certification)
Your first Land Fitness Certification with WaterART
Your first Water Fitness Certification with WaterART
Additionally, anyone may request a practical assessment for any level of qualification that they feel they would be better served to have their practical skills reviewed
Speciality Certification Programs (require only a theory examination if your WaterART Certification is currently valid. Completing another level of Certification automatically upgrades your existing qualifications as well as gives you more qualifications for 2 years from passing date. )
Additionally, all candidates will need to maintain their own Emergency Safety Qualifications such as either a current Life-guard Qualification OR basic CPR/First Aid/AED prior to becoming full qualified and certified to meet industry standards. Please note that some employers may require more advanced emergency safety qualifications so we recommend that you check with your employer prior taking your emergency safety qualifications. Each organization for emergency safety has unique standards. Candidates are required to keep their own emergency safety qualifications up to date. Each Certification Diploma has this stated on the diploma that emergency safety must be valid for full Certification and Qualifications. Please email us any questions.
Completing 5 levels of WaterART Certification to be listed as a Gold Certified and have a website page on www.waterart.org.
If you are a WP member, your discount will increase to 25% level.
How to submit the THEORY portion of the exam
1) Emailing the answers Click Here to Email Answers
2) Snail mailing the hard copy of the exam (address below)
When emailing the Theory Exam: Candidates simply type the question number and then their answer (no need to retype the questions). Be sure to include candidates name, address and current email. WaterART confirms all exams via email or phone (if the candidate doesn't have a working email address). WaterART confirm all emails.
*Please note we cannot read faxed or scanned documents for theory exams so please mail or email. Additionally, WaterART cannot download from video websites or other websites because of viruses and cannot risk nor compromise our system. OR when Mailing hard copy of exam (keep a copy and we suggest getting a tracking number but no signature required on package details)
If you live in USA, please mail to: WaterART Fitness International Inc, 210 South 8th Street, Lewiston NY 14092
If you live in CANADA, please mail to: WaterART Fitness International Inc, 83 Galaxy Blvd Unit 19, Toronto, ON M9W 5X6
You have two options to complete your practical assessments:
1) Book onsite Practical Assessment directly with a Certified WaterART Master Trainer(MT)/Assessors (please make the time mutually convenient with the Master Trainer)
or
2) Submit a Video via a DVD or USB stick flash drive of your program. (45-60 minutes depending on program). We recommend .AVI, MT., MOV, MP4 or VLC format. The video should follow the lesson plan as written out in your theory examination. WaterART
recommends keeping the video program simple (without too many people in
the video). In fact, you may even pretend to teach someone (we call
that ghost teaching). The goal is the practical assessment is to see YOU
(the candidate) demonstrate skills, competencies, and the specific
exercise design applications understanding exercise safety. The
examiner must be able to see and hear the candidate teaching a safe,
effective & enjoyable exercise program to evaluate the program.
Realize filming doesn't have to be professionally filmed - but we do
review entire session and cross reference with your theory so review
prior to mailing final copy. The marking guidelines are in the back of each manual for your reference.
We do not allow emailing or dropboxing a video file because of
liability and copyright laws. Should you like the USB stick
returned - please send a self addressed stamped envelope with the
original package.
3) Please note that All candidates for Aquatic Personal Training, Aquatic Rehabilitation, Weight Management Consultant are required to submit a practical video because the onsite training takes far too long case study (via USB stick or DVD submission only). We do evaluate these programs very carefully so we make sure you have completed the entire case study properly which involves cross referencing your theory case study with your practical teaching methodology.
The Onsite Practical Assessment involves with Certified Master Trainer: teaching other instructors who attend the assessment session or the Master Trainer if this is an individual assessment. When there are several people in a group- the group acts as the class for the person being assessed (as they can learn from each others performances). The goal is to assess how each instructor completes the competencies required for the practical (see below). Each Instructor planning on-site assessment must attend the pre-arranged group session or work with the MT at a convenient time & location, once you are scheduled to do so. If you cannot attend you MUST give 24 hours notice and re-schedule.
Each Candidate will put together a 30 minute abbreviated class ( with or without music) The session may be done either on land (as if you are teaching on deck OR in the water)
Be sure to have your lesson plan written out and be prepared to modify or progress a lesson plan to suit both swimmers and non swimmers.
Candidates should be able to demonstrate the ability to show a variety of basic moves though working positions. The 30 minute lesson plan should include:
a) teaching a 5-10 minute warm up (be sure to introduce yourself and include safety and basic skills)
b) teaching a 3-5 minute Cardiovascular segment (intensity depends on program). Be sure to monitor and regulate intensity and provide modifications and progressions.
c) teaching two 3-5 minute Muscular Strength /functional fitness segments or sets (be sure to perform enough sets & repetitions)
d) teach a 5-10 minute Warm Down/Cool Down to help with relaxation and stretching of the tight musculature. Add proper closure to the program.
You are evaluated based on:
1) Do you understand the exercise objective?
2) Can we see, hear and understand your coaching and teaching tips ?
3) Is the exercise safe and effective? ( we do deduct 5 marks for any dangerous exercises)
4) Are the client(s) enjoying the program? Did you show how to modify and/or progress the exercises?
WaterART is Exercise with a Purpose - become Qualified & Competent!
Certification Report and Diploma: When all parts of the certification are completed (as specified above), report cards are written and emailed to you.
Once you are successful - you will receive an official WaterART Certified Diploma, Certified status and an online profile.
For a better understanding of where a practical assessment is required please check the chart below.
| TIME TO COMPLETE EXAM WITHOUT PENALTY FEE(S) | DO YOU HAVE TO COMPLETE A PRACTICAL ASSESSMENT | PRACTICAL ASSESSMENT OPTIONS **If you are required to complete a practical |
Comprehensive Exam
Process for Certifications |
|
|
|
Shallow & Deep H20 Instructor Certification via Onsite Training
(Land or Water) | 4 months for
onsite
6 months home
study | Yes | Onsite Assessment or
Video or DVD/USB stick |
Shallow & Deep H20 Instructor Certification via Home Study
(Land or Water) | 6 months | Yes | Onsite Assessment or
Video or DVD/USB stick |
Seniors Instructor
Certification via
Onsite Training or
Home Study
(Land or Water or Sit & Stand) | 6 months | Yes | Onsite Assessment or
Video or DVD/USB stick |
Personal Trainer
Certification via Onsite
Training or Home Study
(Water) | 6 months | Yes | Submit 5 Personal training assessments and suggested programs for weeks 1 4 & 8 Must submit Video or DVD/USB stickof one program card. |
Rehabilitation Instructor
(General Populations or Athletic Populations) Certification via
Onsite Training or Home Study
(Water)
| 6 months | Yes | Submit Video or DVD/USB stick demonstrating 3 stages of a case study with a client |
Weight Management
Consultant Certification
via Onsite Training
or Home Study
(Land or Water)
| 6 months | Yes | Onsite Assessment of one week of presentation or
Video or DVD/USB stick |
Sports Conditioning Instructor Certification | 6 months | Yes | Onsite Assessment or
Video or DVD/USB stick |
Specialty Certification Exam Process for the following programs:
(Note: Candidates do not require practical assessment if WaterART qualifications are current)
|
Shallow H20 Instructor
Certification via Onsite
Training or Home Study
(Land or Water) | 6 months | No, unless it is
your first water
certification with
us OR Cert is
expired
| Onsite Assessment or
Video or DVD/USB stick |
Deep H20 Instructor
Certification via Onsite
Training or Home Study
(Land or Water) | 6 months | No, unless it is
your first water
certification with
us OR Cert is
expired
| Onsite Assessment or
Video or DVD/USB stick |
Arthritis Instructor
Certification via Onsite
Training or Home Study
(Land or Water) | 6 months | No, unless it is
your first water
certification with
us OR Cert is
expired
| Onsite Assessment or
Video or DVD/USB stick |
Kids Instructor
Certification via
Onsite Training or
Home Study
(Water) | 6 months | No, unless it is
your first water
certification with
us OR Cert is
expired
| Onsite Assessment or
Video or DVD/USB stick |
Pre & Post Natal Instructor Certification via Onsite Training or Home
Study (Water) | 6 months | No, unless it is
your first water
certification with
us OR Cert is
expired
| Onsite Assessment or
Video or DVD/USB stick |
Managing a Healthy
Weight Instructor
Certification via
Onsite Training or
Home Study
(Land or Water) | 6 months | No, unless it is
your first water
certification with
us OR Cert is
expired Yes | Onsite Assessment or
Video or DVD/USB stick |
Mind Body Instructor
Certification via Onsite
Training or
Home Study (Water) | 6 months | No unless it is your first water certification with us OR Cert is expired | Onsite Assessment or
Video or DVD/USB stick |
Shape Up and Water
Training Certification
via Onsite Training
or Home Study
(Water) | 6 months | No unless it is your first water certification with us OR Cert is expired | Onsite Assessment or
Video or DVD/USB stick |
Water Walking Instructor
Certification | 6 months | No unless it is your first water certification with us OR Cert is expired | Onsite Assessment or
Video or DVD/USB stick |
Parent & Tot/Toddler
Instructor Certification
via Onsite Training or
Home Study | 6 months | No unless it is your first water certification with us OR Cert is expired | Onsite Assessment or
Video or DVD/USB stick |
Common Movement
Disorders Instructor
Certification via
Onsite Training or
Home Study
(Land or Water) | 6 months | No, unless it is
your first water
certification with
us OR Cert is
expired
| Onsite Assessment or
Video or DVD/USB stick |
Aquatic Running Instructor
Certification | 6 months | No unless it is your first water certification with us OR Cert is expired | Onsite Assessment or
Video or DVD/USB stick stick |
Aquatic Running Instructor
Certification | 6 months | No unless it is your first water certification with us OR Cert is expired | Onsite Assessment or
VHS Video/DVD submission/USB stick |
In order to maintain the certified status see Re-Certification process CLICK HERE.
If you are having difficulty with any exam you may email us your questions at any time.
The Candidate must score a grade of 75% on all exams to become certified.
All re-write of theory exams or re-takes of practical assessments are $35.00 / exam per attempt.
After a year without completion you will be required to forfeit the program or exam and re-do the program.
Note: Certified Instructors or Trainers are eligible for Liability Insurance coverage through OFC in Canada or Sport & Fitness USA.
How to Complete WaterART Certification Process
Renewal Procedures
Certification Renewal Procedures (PDF)
Certification Standards
Refund & Cancellation Policies
Gold Certified Instructors - a Professional has completed 5 levels of Certification
Should you have any questions - please email us
