CPO Certification Online: Guide to Choosing The Right Class
Choosing the best CPO Certification online class should be about finding classes geared toward helping YOU become a more skilled and knowledgeable pool operator.
Getting a Certified Pool Operator (CPO) certification is a worthwhile pursuit for any professional in the recreational swimming field. Whether you manage a public swimming pool, hotel facility, private club, or spa, pool maintenance is about ensuring safety, efficiency, and compliance with health regulations. A CPO certification course has many benefits, as it equips professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to protect swimmers, extend equipment lifespan, and advance careers in the industry.
Finding The Right CPO Certification Online Class
There are several factors to consider, from your location to your schedule to what the course offers. It’s important to do thorough research to make sure you’re meeting local and state requirements while also finding a course that meets your needs. Here are a few things to consider when picking out a CPO certification course
Does your state/jurisdiction require the CPO certification?
According to the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), a nationally recognized association that sets industry standards for recreational swimming — there are 25 states that require operator training. However, even in some states that don’t require training, there are jurisdictions that do — for example, while the state of Pennsylvania does not require training, Allegheny County does. It’s important for pool operators to check with their local jurisdictions on what is required.
A good first step is understanding state requirements to learn whether you need a CPO certification for pool operations. Consult with your local jurisdiction, as well as the PHTA, or you can visit our article to learn about state CPO certification requirements.
In some cases, in-person training may be required, as certain states don’t permit virtual instruction. While many states do allow online training, it’s important to check your local regulations to be sure.
What Kind of CPO Training Schedule Works For You?
Though all CPO certification courses teach the same information overall, they don’t all follow the exact same course structure. For example, some courses involve two full days (a total of 16 hours) of in-person, instructor-led training. Other courses follow a similar schedule, but are completely online.
The latest PHTA-approved option is the Fusion format—a hybrid course that starts with self-paced Pool Operator Primer modules, covering each chapter of the CPO Handbook. After that, students join a one-day, instructor-led class to wrap things up and get ready for the exam.
Of course, all programs require passing a final proctored exam to earn CPO certification. The best course format really comes down to your schedule and learning style. If you need your CPO certification fast, a two-day, in-person class could be the quickest route. But if you’d rather learn from home or can’t take two days off work, a hybrid course might be a better fit. It also gives you more flexibility and control over your learning pace.
Consider What the CPO Class Offers You
Enrolling in a CPO certification course, while an excellent opportunity for career advancement, is also an expense of both time and money. So, choose a program that offers you perks, too!
Aside from choosing between in-person or online, another consideration is your preference on testing the day of your class or if you would prefer more time to study and absorb the information.
For students who prefer to test while everything’s still fresh in their minds, taking the exam right after class might be the best option. On the other hand, some learning styles benefit from having extra time to review and absorb the material before taking the final exam.
Some course formats include a break between the last class and the exam, which can be great for students who want extra time to review and take practice quizzes. If that sounds like your style, look for programs that offer study resources and practice exams.
Also, check if the CPO course includes multiple exam attempts at no extra cost — knowing you have a second chance can take some of the pressure off. (But don’t worry, we believe anyone can pass the CPO Certification exam on their first attempt).
The Training Center’s CPO Online Checks Most Boxes
The Training Center’s CPO certification course and CPO renewal course both offer a flexible program that fits the needs of all learning styles. At just $350 - the minimum cost allowed by the PHTA- The Training Center’s CPO courses can be taken from the comfort of your home, at your own pace.
The program consists of three parts:
A 6-8-hour, self-paced, virtual Pool Operator Primer, which is an overview of the Pool & Spa Operator Handbook.
A one-day, five-hour, instructor-led Zoom course to continue your training.
The final exam. - which can be taken on the same day or scheduled at a later time to allow for more study-time.
The Training Center prides itself on its comprehensive, flexible, student-focused CPO program. This course includes full access to plenty of practice exams, with increasing levels of difficulty and feedback that helps students locate the information quickly in the Pool & Spa Operator Handbook- which is extremely helpful since the exam is open-book.
The Training Center’s CPO course is recorded as well and allows students to go back and re-watch any time they want. With this, students won’t miss a beat! Additionally, The Training Center offers unlimited final exam attempts — at no extra cost! This package of benefits is aimed at ensuring CPOs-in-training are given the best chance to pass their exam, earn their CPO certification, and advance their career.
