FAQ
What is a CPO Certification :
A CPO® Certification provides individuals with the basic knowledge, techniques, and skills to manage pool and spa operations. This training has helped protect millions of swimmers by reducing hazards at aquatic facilities. The PHTA® Certified Pool/Spa Operator® (CPO®) Certification program, the world's leading verifiable pool and spa training credential, is available as a blended (online and in-person) training program. The CPO® Certification program is also eligible for IACET Continuing Education Units (CEUs).
The CPO® certification is valid for 5 years.
Topics Covered:
Pool & Spa Management, Regulations & Guidelines, Essential Calculations, Pool Water Contamination & Disinfection, Water Balance, Pool & Spa Water Problems, Chemical Testing & Chemical Feed & Control, Water Circulation & Filtration, Heating & Air Circulation, Spa & Therapy Operations, Facility Safety & Record Keeping, Troubleshooting, and Facility Renovation & Design
What knowledge and experience is required to enroll in this course?
There are no prerequisites for this course. You do not need to be a pool maintenance professional or pool expert.
With focus and a willingness to learn, almost anybody can take this course and receive the CPO certification.
Is lunch provided?
In an effort to keep registration costs low, lunch is on your own. In-person classes will be scheduled in an area with nearby eateries and food options. Participants are welcome to bring their own lunch as well. The break for lunch will typically be 45 minutes.
Who should take this training and obtain the CPO Certification?
In addition to swimming pool operators and maintenance supervisors, we often welcome home pool owners, municipal park board members, recreation supervisors, hotel general managers, hotel engineering staff, head lifeguards, college students, and sometimes even the everyday joe who is simply thirsty for knowledge. This is also a great certification for professionals who, at times, need to "back-up" a pool maintenance professional due to vacation schedules or vacancies in employment.
I lost my certification card. Can it be replaced?
Yes. The quickest way to get a replacement card is to contact the PHTA directly at (719) 540-9119 and request a replacement certification card. You can also email them at service@phta.org, which actually seems to be quickest. If you are not successful with the PHTA, please free to call or email us as well. We can work with the PHTA to get your certificate reissued. After July 1, 2024, there will be a $40 fee for all hard copy certification cards generated by the PHTA. Digital copies of the certification card are free.
Can I earn Continuing Education Units (CEU's) for taking this class?
Yes, Because of the Pool and Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), we are an Authorized Provider of International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) continuing education units (CEUs). IACET CEUs are recognized internationally for professionals who need them for their job responsibilities such as environmental health officials and teachers. In addition to being an IACET CEU provider, our courses are approved for CEUs by many other agencies and organizations. Let us know prior to the course if you will be requesting CEU's.
Is the CPO certification exam "hard"?
The exam is 50 questions and you must score a 75% to pass. The test is not an "easy" test, but the classroom training will provide the information to allow the vast majority of students to pass the exam. The exam is open book, open note, and calculators ARE permitted. The class is less about memorization, and more about being able to do some math (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division) and the ability to find information in the book. If you take the course seriously, complete the homework assignment that we provide, and ask questions in class ... you have a very good chance of passing.
What happens if I do not pass the exam?
If you take the training seriously, complete the short math "homework assignment" that we provide you while in class, and ask questions in class when unsure about a topic --- it is very rare that a participant will not pass the exam. The exam is open book, open note, and calculators ARE permitted, Passing the exam is more a matter of understanding the information and being able to find this information in the manual than memorization. However, should you not pass the exam, an opportunity may be made available to retake the exam at the instructor's discretion for $60, payable at that time. OR, you may come to a future Aquatic Training Solutions LLC class and re-take the exam for $60. Please let us know beforehand if you plan to attend a future class.
What should I bring to the course?
Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable, casual clothes. Classrooms can get chilly and often we are not in direct control of the thermostat, so we recommend you bring a light jacket or sweater as well. Additionally, it is highly recommended that you bring a calculator. You will be permitted to use a calculator in class and on the exam. Please note, you will NOT be permitted to use your cell phone calculator app on the exam, so bring an old-fashioned, simple calculator. And finally, bring your lunch if you don't want to go out and grab a bite.
Is there a discount for multiple registrations?
Yes. Organizations with 6 or more registrations in the same class are eligible for a discount on each registration. Please call us for more information.