Become a Certified Pool & Spa Building Professional

This nationally recognized designation will teach you how to become a pool contractor, builder, or designer who is well respected and sought after by customers and employees. Earning your Certified Pool & Spa Building Professional (CBP) certification will set you apart from colleagues and raise your industry visibility among manufacturers, distributors, and buying groups, ultimately making you and your organization more competitive. 

Prerequisites to Earn the CBP Designation

• At least five years of industry experience
• Complete an approved course such as the on-demand Pool and Spa Construction Course (PSCC) or the GENESIS Construction School, concrete or vinyl liner  
• Fill out an Application: Must be submitted at least two weeks before your test date
• Pass a 150-question, closed book, multiple-choice exam
• Exam Retest Form: If you didn’t pass the exam, you can reschedule a retest within a year of your testing date to avoid having to take the course again

Exam Information

To become certified as a CBP (Certified Builders Professional®), you must have five years of industry experience and take the CBP Exam. An additional registration form and $250 fee for the CBP Exam is required. The CBP Exam is 3 hours long, closed book, with 150 multiple choice questions. You must score 75% or better to pass (answering at least 113 questions correctly).

Choose How to Take the Exam

• On a computer at a PSI computer testing center near you. Computer testing gives immediate test results and flexible time to take the exam.
• At an PHTA national, regional, or chapter-sponsored testing event. A list of upcoming events can be found here. You will receive your exam results by US Mail approximately 3 weeks after the exam.

Please contact PHTA at education@phta.org or 703-838-0083 for additional information on the CBP Exam and application process. 

Online Pool & Spa Construction Course (PSCC)

This self-paced online course format is interactive and engaging with videos, quizzes, and exercises. You have the option to purchase the full course or a specific module.

Learn more

Course Materials and Forms

• Application: Must be submitted at least two weeks before your test date.
• Exam Retest Form: If you didn’t pass the exam, you can reschedule a retest within a year of your testing date to avoid having to take the course again.
• PHTA Builders Manual and Pool and Spa Construction Handbook: Check with PHTA University to see if the course you are signing up for includes the materials prior to ordering.
• Certification Policy Handbook: Many of the answers to your certification questions can be found in our Certification Policy Handbook.

Maintain Your Certification

Learn more about maintaining your status as a PHTA -certified individual and continue to enjoy the associated benefits.