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Best swim instructor certifications
The best certifications for a swim instructor are First Aid, CPR and AED Instructor, Lifeguard Certification, and Instructor.
Swim instructor certifications demonstrate your competency as a swim instructor to employers. However, not all swim instructor certifications provide the same value.
Below is a list of the best swim instructor certifications. Obtaining a swim instructor certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
8 best certifications for swim instructors
| Rank | Swim instructor certification | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | First Aid, CPR and AED Instructor | NSC |
| 2 | Lifeguard Certification | American Red ... |
| 3 | Instructor | NAUI |
| 4 | Basic Life Support for Healthcare and Public Safety (BLS) | American Red ... |
| 5 | Basic Life Support (BLS) | AHA |
| 6 | Student Electronics Technician (SET) | ETA |
| 7 | Open Water Diver | PADI |
| 8 | Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) | NCTRC |
8 best swim instructor certifications
1. First Aid, CPR and AED Instructor
Knowing how to respond to a first aid or CPR emergency is one of the most important skills a person can possess. The Standard First Aid, CPR and AED course meets the OSHA requirements and is your tool for training employees or the general public on the latest skills, techniques and expertise in life-saving procedures. The practice and feedback of using related skills in a realistic situation is integrated into the actual teaching experience.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? No
- Renewal required? No
2. Lifeguard Certification
Earn your lifeguard certification from the American Red Cross. Our lifeguard certification courses are designed to ensure that you are properly trained and prepared in the event of a water emergency.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? No
- Renewal required? No
3. Instructor
A NAUI Instructor is a person dedicated to the motto of "Dive Safety Through Education"; a person whom others look to for leadership and knowledge. NAUI has always been and remains today the most prestigious agency focusing on diving instruction. You can share the adventure - and help create it! If you believe your work should be enjoyable and exciting, if you are eager to share your knowledge with others, if you believe that to train the best you must be among the best trained, join the finest. Join the adventure!
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? No
4. Basic Life Support for Healthcare and Public Safety (BLS)
Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers (BLS) uses a scenario-based approach to develop the critical thinking and problem solving skills that drive better patient outcomes. Consistent with AHA Guidelines for CPR/ECC. Covers breathing and cardiac emergencies - including CPR, AED, and obstructed airway - for adult, child, and infant patients. Free, two-year digital "Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers" certificate upon course completion..
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
5. Basic Life Support (BLS)
The Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers Classroom Course is designed to provide a wide variety of healthcare professionals the ability to recognize several life-threatening emergencies, provide CPR, use an AED, and relieve choking in a safe, timely and effective manner.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
6. Student Electronics Technician (SET)
The Student Electronics Technician Certification is aimed for High School students. It allows high school students and entry level technicians, with minimal training, the opportunity to earn a basic beginners certification.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
7. Open Water Diver
If you've always wanted to take scuba diving lessons, experience unparalleled adventure and see the world beneath the waves, this is where it starts. Get your scuba diving certification with the PADI Open Water Diver course - the world's most popular and widely recognized scuba course. Millions of people have learned to scuba dive and gone on to discover the wonders of the aquatic world through this course. To enroll in a PADI Open Water Diver course or Junior Open Water Diver course, you must be 10 years old or older. You need adequate swimming skills and need to be in good physical health. No prior experience with scuba diving is required.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
8. Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS)
Established in 1981, the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) is a non-profit, international organization dedicated to professional excellence for the protection of consumers through the certification of recreation therapists. Professional recognition is granted by NCTRC to individuals who apply and meet established standards for certification, including education, experience, and continuing professional development. The Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) credential is offered to qualified individuals based on these stringent requirements. NCTRC supports quality human service and health care standards and maintains recognition by the Joint Commission and the Commission for Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). NCTRC provides credential verification services to employers and health care agencies. These services are strongly encouraged by NCTRC to monitor personnel adherence to the standards of the Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
What is the best certification for a swim instructor?
The best swim instructor certification is First Aid, CPR and AED Instructor. The First Aid, CPR and AED Instructor is awarded by the National Safety Council.
Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this swim instructor certification:
- To become a certified First Aid, CPR and AED Instructor, you don't need to pass the exam.
- Lucky you - certification doesn't require more than two years of work experience.
- No renewal for certification, if you earn it once it is valid all time.
What are some of the most in-demand certifications for swim instructors?
The most in-demand swim instructor certification is Lifeguard Certification based on all active job postings. Having this swim instructor certification will give you access to more swim instructor jobs with higher salaries.
What certifications can impact a swim instructor career and salary?
The First Aid, CPR and AED Instructor certification will help you to secure a lifeguard/swim instructor position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. A lifeguard/swim instructor's average salary is $24,653 whereas swim instructors make an average salary of $25,815.
The most common combination of swim instructor certifications include: First Aid, CPR and AED Instructor, Lifeguard Certification, and Instructor.
Online courses for swim instructors to earn certifications
1. Total Immersion Swimming: Swim Better, Easier, Faster!
Official Course: Total Immersion head coach Terry Laughlin teaches you how to swim faster and further using less effort...
2. Basic Certificate in Health Safety & Environment-HSE Level 2
A comprehensive course for Safety Officers, Supervisors, Managers and Aspiring Safety Professionals...
3. Supervisor Leadership Skills for a Safe Workplace
Learn safety communication skills to foster safety accountability, responsibility and correct safety behaviours...
4. Occupational Health & Safety Training
Workplace Health and Safety Course For Employees & Managers...
5. Business Communication Skills: Handling Clients & Customers
Soft Skills Training Social Skills Business Etiquette Business English Customer Service Training...
6. Customer Service Success: Take Your Skills to the Next Level
3-in-1 Customer Service Training: Levels 1, 2, 3 Improve Your Soft Communication Skills, Customer Support & Experience...
7. Fire Safety and Prevention Planning
Become an expert in understanding Fire Safety and Prevention Planning for your workplaces and organizations...
8. Fire Safety: Become A Fire Safety Expert
Become an expert in Fire Safety, Fire Hazards Control, Fire Evacuation Plans, and Fire Risk Assessment...
9. Voice of Customer VOC Techniques Training and Certification
Get Trained to use the VOC Techniques and achieve the VOC Techniques Specialist Certification (Earn PDUs)...
10. OSHA Safety Training: Conducting Safety Meetings
A Brief Safety Management Course for Current and Aspiring Safety Professionals...
11. Fun food safety and sanitation course
The food safety course will help prepare you for safely working in a kitchen and food handler tests like Servesafe...
12. OSHA Workplace Safety (General Industry 6 Hr Class)
Learn the requirements and standards associated with OSHA and workplace safety. Safety best practices for the workplace...
13. Communications for New Managers
Learn from an Emmy-Award Winner and a #1 Linked In Instructor on developing effective leadership communications skills...
14. OSHA Safety Pro: Personal Protective Equipment
Impress management or get that job with you your ability to display life and dollar saving work place safety practices...
15. NEBOSH FIRE SAFETY
Managing Fire Safety in Workplace...
16. Food Safety for Managers and Supervisors
The Highfield Food Safety Level 3 syllabus presented in two hours of video tutorials. Boost your food safety knowledge...
17. Functional Safety for Safety Instrumented Systems
The most complete course available on Functional Safety. 2+ hours of videos, case studies, assignments, & more...
18. Dog CPR, First Aid + Safety for pet pros + dedicated owners
Essential training to keep your dogs safe, attract clients & gain skills & confidence to take action in an emergency...
19. [2023] Customer Service 2.0: Learn Digital Customer Service
Used by Chase®, Intel®, & more! Learn soft skills, social media customer service, diagnosing user problems, & more...
20. ISO 22000:2018. Food Safety Management System
Understand the requirements for a food safety management system applicable for any organization in the food chain...