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).
To find out if your state or jurisdiction requires operator training, please view our training map (click image to enlarge):
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). 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
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.
CPO Instructors
Interested in teaching the CPO course? Download our How to Become a CPO Instructor brochure to learn more.
