You do NOT have to be certified or obtain aquatic therapy certification in order to practice it
However, if you want to become certified, you may do so through the Aquatic Therapy & Rehab Institute:
Prerequisites to take the exam & become certified are listed on the ATRI/AEA website
Certification is only valid for 1 year
Credentials: ATRIC (ATRI Certified)
To maintain, you must obtain a minimum of 10 CE hours within one-year from the date of your exam or last renewal
** Note: becoming certified in aquatic therapy does not make you a therapist if you are not already a licensed therapist.
ATRI/AEA website and OccupationalTherapy.com are great platforms to gain further education in aquatic therapy
Access to many helpful resources & CEU courses
ATRI courses must be paid for
Courses on OccupationalTherapy.com are free with a student membership, but can also be accessed with an annual OT membership