certification
Become a Certified Pool & Spa Service Professionals
Earning a highly sought-after swimming pool certification is your ticket to marketing, business, and employment opportunities. The Certified Service Professional® (CSP) certification shows potential customers as well as potential employers that you have the knowledge and skills that set you apart from the rest. This nationally recognized designation can help you raise confidence among customers and increase your visibility with pool and spa manufacturers, distributors, and buying groups.
Prerequisites to Apply
- 5 years of industry experience
- Holds a current Certified Pool & Spa Service Technician® (CST) certification
- Pass the CSP Exam
Exam Information
To become certified as a Certified Service Professional® (CSP), you must hold a current Certified Pool & Spa Service Technician® (CST) certification and successfully complete the CSP Exam. An additional registration form and $250 fee for the CSP Exam is required. The CSP 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).
Exam Content Breakdown
| Unit | Number of Questions |
|---|---|
| Unit 1: Safety and Health | 6 questions |
| Unit 2: Practical Knowledge | 10 questions |
| Unit 3: Water Quality | 32 questions |
| Unit 4: Structures and Finishes | 9 questions |
| Unit 5: Circulation, Filtration & Hydraulics | 27 questions |
| Unit 6: Electrical Requirements | 9 questions |
| Unit 7: Pump Motors | 5 questions |
| Unit 8: Heaters & Optional Equipment | 21 questions |
| Unit 9: Control Systems | 9 questions |
| Unit 10: Maintenance | 18 questions |
| ANSI 7 | 4 questions |
| 150 questions total |
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.
- On a computer remotely proctored at your convenience. Remote proctored computer testing gives immediate test results and unparalleled flexibility 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.
Please contact PHTA at certification@phta.org for additional information on the CSP Exam and application process.
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 schedule a retest within a year of your testing date without needing to take the course again.
- 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.
From Our Members
“When I decided to get serious about my family’s pool business, the first thing I did was sign up for the CSP course and exam. Right after that, I went for my CBP. I knew earning these two certifications was important. It was another thing that helped give my clients confidence that they were working with the right company. I also had more confidence when doing the work or explaining to my team how to do the work. We reference the manuals often while training our team."”
– Mitch Katz, CSP, CBP | ELITE Landscaping Inc. | Poughkeepsie, NY
