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 650,000 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).

Find a CPO Class

To find out if your state or jurisdiction requires operator training, please view our training map (click image to enlarge):

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

Download the CPO Certification Training brochure.

Already a CPO, but lost your certificate? Click here to receive a replacement.

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.
• Expired? Candidates have two options:
  • 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.

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.

CPO Instructors

Are you ready to take your career and education to the next level by becoming a CPO Instructor? Download our How to Become a CPO Instructor brochure to learn more.

Have questions about becoming a CPO? Email us at service@phta.org.