CPO Certification
Certified Pool Operator Course

Unlimited Exam Attempts.
100% Online Course & Exam.
Nationwide Certification.

$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.

CPO Certificate

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. 

CPO Certified Pool Operator

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 UNLIMITED EXAM ATTEMPTS.

CPO Certification Course Schedule

$350.00

How Our Online Certification Works

✔ Step 1: Register with Us
 Secure your seat for this dynamic online certification.

✔ Step 2: Complete Pre-Course Learning (Primer)
Before class, you’ll complete 6-8 hours of interactive, self-paced video modules and quizzes on phta.org — required before attending. (We will text you your log-in credentials after you complete your registration)

✔ Step 3: Join Our Live Zoom Class
 Participate in a one-day Zoom session with our expert instructor to review key materials and prepare for your exam.

✔ Step 4: Choose Your Exam Path
 After class, you can:
• Take your final exam immediately after class
• Or study with our practice quizzes and schedule a proctored Zoom exam later

Speak with a Real Person — We're Here to Help! (609) 758-2100

Call/Text M-F 8-4pm

Initial Certified Pool Operator Course Includes:

Pre-Course Learning (Pool Operator Primer), LIVE Webinar Review, Quizzes, and Unlimited Exam Attempts

Friday
July 18, 2025
10:00am - 3:00pm ET
Zoom Webinar

Friday
July 25, 2025
10:00am - 3:00pm ET
Zoom Webinar

Saturday
August 2, 2025
10:00am - 3:00pm ET
Zoom Webinar

Saturday
August 9, 2025
10:00am - 3:00pm ET
Zoom Webinar

Saturday
August 15, 2025
10:00am - 3:00pm ET
Zoom Webinar

CPO Renewal: Are you looking to renew your current CPO Certification?

*Notice to Florida Residents: Our certification is nationally recognized, but we’ve had a temporary pause in offering our online course to students in Florida. Starting this summer, Florida residents will once again be able to enroll in our program. Stay tuned for more details.

  • Unlimited Exam Attempts

    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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • CPO Recertification Available

    As your CPO certification's five-year expiration date approaches, you can renew it through our CPO Recertification Course.

CPO Certification Path

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

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Click a State for Virtual Delivery Info (Local Rules Where Applicable)

Secure Your Spot to Become a Certified Pool Operator!

Looking to Renew your CPO Certification?

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

  • 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 unlimited attempts at the CPO final exam.

  • 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. 

    1. 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.

    2. Each student must attend a 5 hour live instructor-led Zoom session

    3. Students may take the proctored final exam directly after the Zoom session or schedule it for a different day.

  • Yes! Should you have any unsuccessful exam attempts, you are able to take it again as soon as the next proctoring session. We recommend that you study a bit more between sessions.

  • 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.

  • Each student has access to the material for 6 months.

  • Students will use The Training Center portal (MyTraining) to schedule their proctored final exam. Once they complete the Pool Operator Primer, they can access exam scheduling through our website.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • You will receive your certification digitally through the PHTA the same day you pass your exam!

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