CPO Certification
Certified Pool Operator Course
100% Online Course & Exam.
Nationwide Certification.
No Cost Exam Retakes.
$350.00
CPO Certification Course Overview
Our Certified Pool Operator (CPO) Certification Course is the ideal solution for both new and experienced pool operators. Learn on your own schedule with our comprehensive, self-paced, fully online program. Combining live instruction with a wealth of online resources, it’s the most convenient way to learn pool and spa management from the comfort of your home. Our CPO Certification course ensures a seamless learning experience, focused on flexibility and effectiveness in becoming a certified pool operator. Complete both the Pool Operator Primer and the instructor-led sessions to achieve your CPO Certification, as mandated by the PHTA, and gain the expertise to advance your career in this growing field.
Prior to registration, please click here to check that virtual delivery approval status is allowed in your area.
What is a Certified Pool Operator?
A Certified Pool Operator (CPO) is an individual who has completed a training program and passed an exam, signifying they have the knowledge and skills necessary to safely and properly operate a public swimming pool or spa, including maintaining water chemistry, ensuring safety regulations are met, and managing pool operations effectively; essentially, they are qualified to oversee the maintenance and safety of a pool facility.
Complete Pre-Course Learning (Primer)
Attend a 1-day Class on Zoom
Take your exam on a day that is convenient for you!
Why Choose Our CPO Certification Course?
Customize Your Certification Journey
There is no need to take your CPO exam on the same day as your Zoom course. Take your time and access our practice exams to ensure your success; then schedule your exam at a time that works best for you. We have multiple proctoring sessions available throughout the month. Our CPO Course offers pre-course learning, 1-day live webinar, practice exams, and extra exam attempts at nost bost to the student.
Course Schedule - CPO Certification
$350
Choose the CPO Class Format That Fits You
At The Training Center, you don’t just get certified; you get options. We’ve built three convenient, PHTA-approved formats for earning or renewing your Certified Pool Operator® credential. This way you can choose the path that fits your learning style. Every option includes Maximum Exam Attempts (as allowed by the PHTA) included at no extra cost and built-in Practice Exams. Whether you like to study at your own pace, prefer step-by-step live instruction, or just need a quick recertification- We’ve got you covered.
INITIAL CPO CERTIFICATION
Independent Prep Route (Initial CPO)
This format is for students who are attaining their CPO certification for the first time- includes 5-8 hrs self-paced pre-coursework (Pool Operator Primer), followed by a 1-day live Zoom class with an instructor. Great if you’d like to study on your own schedule and finish the live class in one day. For renewals, please use the renewal link for registration.
Pre-coursework + 1-day Zoom Session (Initial CPO)
10am - 3pm ET
INITIAL CPO CERTIFICATION
Fully Guided (4 Class Series)
This version is taught with live instruction throughout and over multiple sessions. No pre-coursework is required here. Great if you prefer full live instruction or want more instructor support along the way.
4 Zoom Sessions
11am - 2:30pm ET
Classes 1-4: November 2025 Dates TBA
CPO RENEWAL
CPO Renewal, 1-day Live Session
This CPO renewal/ recertification pathway is taught in a single day of live instruction on Zoom. No pre-coursework is required. Perfect if you’re already certified and need to renew your credential quickly and efficiently.
1-day CPO Renewal Zoom Session
10am - 3pm ET
Choose Your Ideal Pathway for your CPO Exam
After class, you can…
✔︎ Take your final exam right after your course
✔︎ Study quizzes first & schedule your exam later
Speak with a Real Person, We’re Here to Help!
(609) 758-2100
✔︎ Call or Text us Monday through Friday
✔︎ Office Hours: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm Eastern Time
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Exam Retakes Included
Feel secure knowing that this course is a sure thing. If you encounter any unsuccessful CPO exam attempts, your only task will be selecting the date for your retest. Each course purchase includes extra exam attempts at no cost to you.
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Access to Practice Exams
Boost your confidence before attending your exam appointment by reviewing practice exams within our portal. You can take them as many times as you need to feel fully prepared.
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View Class Recordings
Have you ever wished you could go back in time to revisit a lesson to gain more clarity? With us, your class recordings are accessible in your student portal for the entire duration of your enrollment.
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Credentials on Day Passed
Directly upon completion of your exam, our in-house proctors promptly process your results, and your credentials are emailed to you within minutes.
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Shortest 1-day Commitment
While you can choose to test on the same day, if you decide to test later, your time commitment to us on your Zoom training day is three hours less than other organizations.
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CPO Recertification Available
As your CPO certification's five-year expiration date approaches, you can renew it through our CPO Recertification Course.
CPO Course Outline & Content
✔︎ Pool Safety Protocols
✔︎ Regulatory Compliance
✔︎ CDC Model Aquatic Health Code
✔︎ Best Practices in Pool Facilities
✔︎ Special Considerations for Spas
✔︎ Pool & Spa Management
✔︎ Calculating Pool Water Volume
✔︎ Appropriate Chemical Dosages
✔︎ Pool Water Circulation
✔︎ Filtration Systems & Sizing
Explore Virtual Training Eligibility by Location
Click a State for Virtual Delivery Info (Local Rules Where Applicable)
Become a Certified Pool Operator!
Looking to Renew your CPO Certification?
Get Your Staff CPO Certified with Team Training
Meet The CPO Certification Team
Our CPO Professionals
Nicole Coleman
Course Director / CPO Instructor
With 20 years in education, Nicole (Nik) leads with a student-centric course model, focusing on teaching critical thinking and real world applications.
Dan Moscatiello
Program / Safety Manager
With an extensive background in facility management, Dan is passionate about promoting a safety-first mindset and supporting student growth.
Bianca Alcazar
Sr. Certification Specialist
Instrumental in the quick processing of all CPO credentials, Bianca recognizes the student effort to complete each course and matches that effort on a daily basis.
Certified Pool Operator Certification FAQ’s
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The total for the course is $350.00 and this includes all components of the course which includes your CPO Handbook (textbook), Pool Operator Primer modules, practice exams and 3 exam attempts per course purchase as allowed by the PHTA.
**Tuition will increase to $390 for 2026 as required by the PHTA.
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According to the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), the following national policy on CPO exam attempts went into effect September 2025:
Certified Pool Operator (CPO) Exam Attempts & Retake Policy
PHTA National PolicyHow Exam Attempts Work
Each CPO student gets up to three chances to pass the national exam:
Attempt 1: Your initial exam
Attempts 2 & 3: Two retakes if needed
Time Limit: All retakes must be completed within 6 months of your original exam date.
Unlike other programs, The Training Center includes all exam attempts in the course price with no extra costs for you.
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After your third attempt, as mandated by the PHTA you are required to retake the full course before continuing, and you will have three more chances to pass the exam (attempts 4–6). Unlike other providers, The Training Center covers this cost so there are no additional fees for you.
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The length of the course in its entirety is up to the student. However, the Pool Operator Primer contains about 6-8 hours of content to review (self-paced), the Zoom webinar is 5 hours long and each student has up to 3 hours to complete the final CPO exam during a proctoring session.
Since each student must complete the Pool Operator Primer prior to attending the Zoom session, the course cannot be completed in one day. However, the Zoom session and the exam can be scheduled on the same day.
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Upon registration, each student is mailed a CPO Handbook and gains access to the PHTA’s self-paced Pool Operator Primer. The POP contains 6-8 hours of self-paced learning and must be completed before the live Zoom session. Additionally, students gain access to the MyTraining Portal (The Training Center portal) where all of the practice exams reside.
Each student must attend a 5 hour live instructor-led Zoom session
Students may take the proctored final exam directly after the Zoom session or schedule it for a different day.
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Our course includes 3 exam attempts, which is the maximum number allowed by the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA). Unlike other providers, we include all 3 attempts at no additional cost.
We previously offered unlimited exam attempts for our program, but this is no longer permitted under the updated PHTA national policy. As of September 15, 2025, the PHTA Advisory Council stated the following:
Exam Retakes as stated by the PHTA Advisory Council
Students are permitted one initial exam and up to two retakes. All retakes must be completed within 6 months of the original exam date. After this timeframe, students must retake the full course. Retakes must be administered by the original instructor, who is responsible for monitoring attempts and maintaining communication with students.
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We offer the exam each day we offer a live course as well as multiple times during the month. Proctoring sessions are also available on weekends.
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Each student has access to the material for 6 months.
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Students can sign up for the exam during any live class. Other avenues include scheduling their exam with the instructor utilizing the MyTraining portal or text message communication.
A student may take their exam once the course requirements have been met.
Fusion Course: Pre-coursework and satisfactory attendance
Recertification Course: Satisfactory attendance
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**Required for the “Fusion” course only. This is the first step to earning the CPO Certification, and prerequisite for the Pool Operator training. The online curriculum consists of 8 lessons that cover all 18 chapters in the Pool & Spa Operator Handbook, which is included as part of the training. Successful completion earns the student a Record of Completion, which the student will be able to print from their computer. The PHTA Instructor must confirm that the certificate was received before the 1-day Zoom session.
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The exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions, requiring at least 37 correct answers to pass. The time limit is 3 hours, with extensions available for ADA accommodations if needed.
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You will receive your certification digitally through the PHTA the same day you pass your exam!
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