certification

CPO for Operators

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 400,000 students have been trained since 1972.

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).

Find a CPO Class

Please Note:

  • Students who have started and need to finish the course, click here
  • Students who have purchased the course but have not yet started it, click here.

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

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).
  • Recertification or Expired? Candidates have two options:
    • Candidates can register for a two-day CPO course with an instructor—in-person or virtual. Please check your local jurisdiction for approval regarding the virtual delivery option.
    • Candidates can register for the hybrid option with an instructor—CPO Fusion course accompanied by the second-day in-person or virtual delivery.

Resources

Certified Pool & Spa Operator™ Handbook

This fundamental training and reference manual is for aquatic professionals, including operators, health officials, service technicians, retailers, property managers, and manufacturers. Industry leaders recognize this handbook as the single most important resource for the recreational water industry. Handbook features include:

  • Full color throughout
  • Color-coded chapter identification
  • Expanded keyword index and table of contents
  • Mathematical and calculation guides

Pool Math™ Workbook

The Pool Math™ Workbook is the industry's leading textbook focused solely on making swimming pool and spa calculations easier. The workbook begins with a basic math skills test, allowing students to determine basic math knowledge and ability, and also includes important conversions and calculation review.

Still have questions? Email us at service@phta.org.