CPO program is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2023!
The Certified Pool & Spa Operator® (CPO®) certification program is the world’s leading education and certification program for keeping pools safer and keeping them open. Over 500,000 students have been trained since 1973.
CPO certification provides individuals with the knowledge, techniques, and skills required for proper pool operations. This course is available as both a blended training program or completely virtual (completely online), and is also eligible for IACET Continuing Education Units (CEUs).
Prerequisites to Apply (no industry experience required!):
- Successful completion of the Certified Pool Operator® (CPO®) course
- Pass the CPO exam
You will learn how to:
- Reduce risks in and around the water
- Prevent drowning, recreational water illness, suction entrapment, evisceration, diving accidents, electrocutions, chemical hazards, and slips and falls
- Address regulatory guidelines
- Maintain disinfection and water balance
- Manage water problems
- Perform troubleshooting, chemical testing, and record keeping
- Manage chemical feed
- Utilize automation and technology
As a Certified CPO, you will:
- Receive a 5-year CPO Certification
- Receive an electronic CPO Certificate and Wallet Card and receive a hard copy within 4 weeks of passing your exam
- Receive Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
- Have access to supportive career growth with additional Service and Maintenance Certifications
- Receive a CPO Badge that you can add to your social media and email signature that allows the industry to verify you are current and certified with PHTA
- Join communities online to better support your efforts in the industry
- Have the option to become a PHTA Member to continue your education and have further support in your jurisdiction or chapter
Course Options
The curriculum of CPO® Certification courses is taught by certified instructors and will cover information from the Pool & Spa Operator™ Handbook and local codes. Course completion can occur through the following:
- Classroom Course: This is a 14-16-hour, two-day program taught by a certified instructor.
- Blended Format: This hybrid option allows you to take the online CPO Fusion course and a one-day, in-person class of instruction (which can also be taken as a stand-alone refresher course). Total of 14-16 hours.
- Recertification Options: Must hold an active CPO Certification
- Candidates can register for the second day of the CPO course with an instructor, followed by the exam—in-person or virtual. Please check your local jurisdiction for approval regarding the virtual delivery option.
- Candidates can register for the CPO Fusion Course (8-hour course) with an instructor, followed by the exam—in-person or virtual. Please check your local jurisdiction for approval regarding the virtual delivery option.
Contact us to learn more about our Certified Pool & Spa Operator course!