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 700,000 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):

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

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

Why Choose CPO?

CPO certification provides individuals with the knowledge, techniques, and skills required for proper pool operations.

• Available both in-person and virtually (when virtual delivery method is approved by the local jurisdiction/state)
• Course materials are up-to-date with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code (CMAHC), and the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC)
• Content is supported and researched by actual scientists that are active and hands-on in the aquatic industry!
• Content covers both commercial and residential pools
• Students receive one-on-one support from your Instructor
• PHTA Customer Service Support is available by phone, email, or web chat
• Certification leads to education growth opportunities
• Course is IACET, Florida CILB, California Department of Public Health, and Environmental Health Association approved
• Certification is valid for 5 years
• Receive both digital and hard-copy certificates
• CPO is the first step towards additional PHTA service and maintenance certifications
• Receive a CPO Badge to use for marketing materials, allowing the industry to verify you are current and certified with PHTA
• Join online communities to better support your efforts in the industry
• Become a PHTA Member to continue your education and have further support in your jurisdiction or chapter

Download the PHTA Certified Pool Service Professional Pathway brochure.

Download the CPO Certification Training brochure.

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 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 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 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 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

PHTA has almost 700 Instructors who offer training in 127 different countries. We guarantee professionally trained Instructors that are required to uphold annual agreements and industry standards, as well as abide by pertinent local, state, and federal laws.

We hold high standards for our Instructors, which is why any individual seeking to become an Instructor for PHTA is required to go through an Instructor Assessment School to understand their ability to educate and ensure they walk away understanding:

• Adult Learner Characteristics
• Theories of Learning
• Communication
• Law of Retention
• Stages of Learning
• And more

Are you ready to take your career and education to the next level by becoming a CPO Instructor? Visit our Become an Instructor webpage to learn more.

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