Value of AEMA Certification

AEMA Certification is the professional credential offered by the Athletic Equipment Managers Association (AEMA) and represents a nationally recognized standard of knowledge, competency, and professionalism for athletic equipment managers. The AEMA certification demonstrates a commitment to:

  • Athlete safety and risk management
  • Best practices in equipment management and procurement
  • Operational excellence
  • Ongoing professional development

It is designed for AEMA members and equipment managers working across all levels of athletics, including high school, collegiate (Division I–III, FBS/FCS), professional sports, and related athletic organizations. To become AEMA Certified, a member must pass the AEMA Certification Exam. 

A recent review of current job postings suggests:

  • Many institutions require AEMA Certification as a condition of job eligibility or as a stipulation within a probationary period. Other employers list it as preferred or as a strong advantage in hiring decisions. Some job descriptions accept “ability to become certified within a year”- acknowledging the value of certification even if not present at hire. 
  • AEMA certification continues to be a valued credential in the collegiate and professional league hiring market, even when not formally mandated.

AEMA certification helps demonstrate:

  • Professional proficiency in critical skills like equipment fitting and safety
  • Ongoing engagement with continuing education (CEUs)
  • Alignment with industry standards and best practices
  • Credibility when working with coaches, medical staff, and league officials

What the AEMA Certification Exam Entails:

The AEMA Certification Exam assesses a candidate’s knowledge across the core responsibilities and competencies required of today’s athletic equipment managers. The exam evaluates both technical knowledge and practical application relevant to real-world equipment room operations.

The exam is developed and administered by AEMA subject-matter experts and is regularly reviewed to ensure relevance to the profession. 

Core Exam Domains Include:

  • Athlete Safety & Equipment Fitting
  • Injury prevention considerations
  • Equipment maintenance and inspection
  • Equipment Standards & Compliance
  • NOCSAE standards
  • Manufacturer guidelines
  • Reconditioning processes
  • Operations & Logistics
  • Inventory management
  • Ordering cycles
  • Travel and game-day logistics
  • Laundry, Hygiene & Sanitation
  • Health and hygiene best practices
  • Laundry operations and protocols
  • Risk Management & Liability
  • Policy awareness
  • Institutional and legal considerations
  • Personnel & Program Management
  • Student manager supervision
  • Scheduling and workflow
  • Communication with coaching and medical staff
  • Professional Conduct & Ethics
  • Industry standards
  • Ethical decision-making
  • Professional responsibilities

AEMA Certification Exam

Eligibility for the AEMA Certification exam includes having a degree and experience in a professional,  intercollegiate or high school athletic organization. 

Certification Maintenance Requirements

 AEMA Certification is maintained on a three-year renewal cycle to ensure certified members remain current with evolving standards, technology, and best practices. 

Continuing Education Units (CEUs)

 Once Certified, Certified members must earn CEUs annually, totaling the required number over the three-year cycle. To maintain certification, the minimum number of units to be accumulated each three-year (3) continuing education period shall be (6.0) CEUs. CEUs may be earned through:

  • AEMA Convention educational sessions
  • Approved webinars and Zoom programs
  • Regional and district meetings
  • Other AEMA-approved educational activities

This structure reinforces AEMA’s emphasis on lifelong learning, safety,  leadership, and professional accountability.