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.

Complete the PHTA’s Pool Operator Primer

Attend a 1-day Class on Zoom

Take your exam on a day that is convenient for you!

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. 

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 training resources 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. 

  • 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.

Upcoming CPO Certification Course Schedule

Sign up below for your one-day Zoom session, and be sure to check your email after registering for the next steps. **Virtual Delivery is not allowed in all areas. Check your location’s status HERE.

$350.00

Interested, but have questions? M-F 9-4 ET

Instructor Nicole Coleman (609) 758-2100 ext. 8

Certified Pool Operator

Pool Operator Primer + LIVE Webinar Review + Unlimited Exam Attempts

This course format includes the virtual LIVE preparation webinar, study materials, and practice quizzes with an online proctored final exam with UNLIMITED attempts. Proctoring is available IMMEDIATELY following the live webinar if needed. Alternatively, you may schedule your exam at a date and time that works for you.

Check to see if virtual instruction is approved in your area.

States Requiring CPO Certification

Saturday
April 12, 2025 (ALL FULL)
10:00am - 3:00pm ET
Zoom Webinar

Thursday
April 17, 2025
10:00am - 3:00pm ET
Zoom Webinar

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

Cancellation/Change Policy: We’re happy to accommodate schedule changes and can move you to another date at no extra charge. Unfortunately, we can't offer full refunds due to upfront processing costs, but we will issue a $250 refund upon cancellation.

Friday
May 9, 2025
10:00am - 3:00pm ET
Zoom Webinar

Saturday
May 17, 2025
10:00am - 3:00pm ET
Zoom Webinar

Friday
May 23, 2025
10:00am - 3:00pm ET
Zoom Webinar

*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.

Learning Pathway

✔︎ Pool Operator Primer, 6-8 hrs self-paced learning
✔︎ 5 hours of virtual classroom training
✔︎ Up to 3 hours time to complete final exam
✔︎ Exam Passing Score: Minimum 37 points (74%)
✔︎ Instructor support with every step!

✔︎ Pool Safety Protocols
✔︎ Regulatory Compliance
✔︎ CDC Model Aquatic Health Code
✔︎ Best Practices in Pool Facilities
✔︎ Special Considerations for Spas

CPO Course Outline & Content

✔︎ Pool & Spa Management
✔︎ Calculating Pool Water Volume
✔︎ Appropriate Chemical Dosages
✔︎ Pool Water Circulation
✔︎ Filtration Systems & Sizing

Explore Virtual Training Eligibility by Location

Legend:
Fully Allowed
Partially Restricted
Not Allowed

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?

Your Instructor

Nicole “Nikki” Coleman

Having grown up within The Training Center, a family-operated school dedicated to empowering professionals since 1982, Nicole was immersed in the world of adult education. Over the years, she’s evolved into a skilled instructor who has a unique ability to simplify complex topics, making them approachable and engaging. She believes in empowering her students with the critical thinking skills they need to navigate the ever-evolving professional world and succeed long after a course is over. 

Now approaching 20 years at The Training Center, she’s witnessed first hand how transformative education can be. Having seen generations of professionals thrive in their careers, the most fulfilling aspect of her position has grown to be watching her students use their professional certifications to unlock new opportunities and achieve personal growth. Whether you are a student who is returning to school after a long break, feeling pressure to gain a certification from work or are looking to sharpen your skills, Nikki and The Training Center team are committed to making your learning experience as stress-free and rewarding as possible.

Interested, but have questions? M-F 9-4 ET

Instructor Nicole Coleman (609) 758-2100 ext. 8

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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