Become a Certified Pool & Spa Maintenance Specialist

Designed for those new to the pool industry or working a pool maintenance route, this course takes you through the PHTA Service Tech Manual and gives you what you need to conform to industry standards.  

After completing this pool maintenance certification course, you will have:

• Gained a strong understanding of safety, pool circulation and filtration, pool maintenance, and water quality
• Learned about other important topics such as electrical systems, pool structures and finishes, heaters and controls, and customer service
• Earned a name for yourself in the pool industry as a maintenance person in the know

Prerequisites to Apply (no industry experience required!)

• 24 hours of continuing education credit
• Pass a 100-question, open book, multiple-choice exam

Exam Information

To become certified as a CMS (Certified Maintenance Specialist®), you must complete the CMS course and take the CMS Exam. An additional registration form and $115 fee for the CMS Exam is required. The CMS Exam is 2.5 hours long, open book, with 100 multiple choice questions. You must score 75% or better to pass (answering at least 75 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 a 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.

Online CMS Course

This self-paced online format is interactive and engaging with videos, quizzes, and exercises. You have the option to purchase the full course or a specific module. Those who complete the course will earn 24 CEUs, and are eligible to take the CMS certification exam.

Purchase the CMS Course

Course Modules:

• Safety & Health (140 minutes /CEUs: 2.5)
• Practical Knowledge - Customer Service & Legal (40 minutes/CEUs: .75)
• Pool Mathematics (1.5 hours/CEUs: 1.5)
• Water Quality (2 hours and 20 minutes/CEUs: 2.5)
• Structures & Finishes (1 hour and 35 minutes/CEUs: 1.5)
• Circulation (1 hour/CEUs: 1.0)
• Filtration (1 hour/CEUs: 1.0)
• Electrical Components (1 hour and 50 minutes/CEUs: 2.0)
• Heaters (2 hours/CEUs: 2.0)
• Chemical Feeders & Generators (1 hour and 20 minutes/CEUs: 2.0)
• Control Systems (1 hour and 10 minutes/CEUs: 1.0)
• Maintenance (2 hours and 25 minutes/CEUs: 2.0)

Information for States Requiring Certification

Due to licensing requirements, some states do not require the CMS course, and only require successful completion of the exam, in which case the CMS Challenge Exam is available.

Download the CMS Challenge Exam application

Testing Options

The CMS certification exam costs $115. Candidates must submit a completed application at least 14 days in advance of their anticipated testing date.

1. Test at a PHTA national, regional or chapter-sponsored education and testing event: Access a list of upcoming events here.

2. Test at an accredited community college or university in your area. Additional proctoring fees may cost up to $40. Contact your local community colleges and libraries to find your nearest proctored testing center.

   Additional responsibilities if you test at a college or university:

   • Scheduling an appointment for testing.
   • Providing PHTA University with your name, mailing address and exam date.

Course Materials and Forms

• Application: Must be submitted at least two weeks before your testing date.
• Exam Retest Form: If you didn’t pass the exam, you can reschedule a retest within a year of your testing date and not have to take the course again.
• PHTA Service Tech Manual and CMS Certified Maintenance Specialist Workbook: Included in the price of the Online CMS Course.
• Certification Policy Handbook: Find many of the answers to your certification questions in our Certification Policy Handbook.

Maintain Your Certification

Learn more about maintaining your status as an PHTA-certified individual and continue to enjoy the associated benefits. Find the recertification application here.