logo
    • News
    • Classifieds
    • Free Subscription
    • Book Store
    • Submit
      • Submit a Classified Ad
      • Submit an Educational Announcement
      • Submit a letter to The Editor
    • Past Issues
    • Regional Trade Shows
    • Testimonials
    • Contact
    • News
    • Classifieds
    • Free Subscription
    • Book Store
    • Submit
      • Submit a Classified Ad
      • Submit an Educational Announcement
      • Submit a letter to The Editor
    • Past Issues
    • Regional Trade Shows
    • Testimonials
    • Contact
Are you certified in the pool industry?
serviceindustrynews
June 14, 2020
Are you certified in the pool industry?

Certified Pool Operator (CPO) certification is currently being offered online in select states. Due to the Coronavirus and social distancing requirements, some states are now allowing online CPO classes, including testing for a limited time.

Many states require Pool and Hot tub Alliance (PHTA) certifications for licensing, and the CPO certification is a common and comprehensive requirement. The two-day, 14 to 16-hour course is taught by a certified instructor and the online curriculum follows the 18 chapters in the PHTASM Pool & Spa Operator Handbook. The cost of a certification class varies by instructor and location. PHTA recommends that interested students contact the instructor directly for information on cost and how to register.

Online courses will be available for a limited time, to accommodate stay-at-home orders or social distancing requirements. PHTA has requested and been granted approval for online courses and testing by many states. See the attached table to learn if your state allows complete online CPO certification. To register for online CPO certification, go to PHTA.org and click on education.

Additional PHTA Certifications PHTA offers additional certification programs such as Certified Service Professional (CSP). Certified Service Technician (CST), Certified Maintenance Specialist (CMS), and Certified Hot Tub Technician (CHTT). Some of these certifications offer optional online courses, but currently the mandatory testing is not available online. PHTA’s exams are delivered through PSI testing centers, which have physical locations, some of which are opening depending on the restrictions of their area. Service technicians can look forward to the availability of online testing for these certifications in the coming weeks, however, as PHTA is moving their testing to a different platform.

Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) Certification

The Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) certification is offered through the National Recreation and Park Association. The AFO program provides comprehensive and up-to-date training for pool operators and includes information on water chemistry, disinfection, mechanical systems, operations, healthy pools and safety.

This certification course and testing is currently being offered online through Educational Leverage, LLC, for $325, and is taught by the company’s President, Kevin Tucker, as well as other instructors with years of experience.

According to Tucker,AFO certification is considered equivalent to CPO certification by many states. While the course and certification are available to anyone, Tucker says that in his experience, most people who seek certification work for Parks and Recreation Departments, although he believes that most states that recognize CPO certification also recognize AFO certification.

Certified Pool Technician

The Certified Pool Technician Course, CPT, is offered by the Aquatic Training Institute (ATI). Prior to stay-at-home orders and social distancing requirements, this was the only 100% online accredited pool operator certification course.

The course covers state regulations, swimming pool calculations, filter types and filter selection, circulation systems and pumps, water chemistry and balancing, water testing, spas and warm water pools and aquatic facility management and safety.

According to API, this series of lessons contains the content required by governmental agencies, insurance companies and property managers for certification of pool maintenance operation personnel.

Cost of this certification program is $329.00 and includes the Commercial Pool Technician Handbook, a certificate suitable for framing, a laminated wallet card and a CPT patch.

The Aquatic Training Institute warranties that the information contained in the Commercial Pool Technician program is equivalent to or superior to other programs of this type. Should, for whatever reason, a regulatory agency reject the CPT certification within one year of completion ATI will refund any payment upon the return of the book, certificate, wallet card and a copy of the written rejection.

LATEST NEWS
News
New federal energy bill introduced
‘Energy Choice Act’ seeks to ensure consumer access to energy sources including natural gas
July 14, 2025
By Marcelle Dibrell A Republican-led but technically bipartisan bill called the Energy Choice Act has been introduced in Congress, aiming to settle th...
this is a test
News
Crystal clear water requires top filtration
July 14, 2025
When it comes to maintaining sparkling clean pool and spa water, filters are the silent workhorses of the system, doing one of the most important jobs...
this is a test
News
appliances, including outdoor pool and ….
July 14, 2025
appliances, including outdoor pool and spa heaters. In his press release, Langworthy calls the Energy Choice Act both “bipartisan” and “bicameral,” no...
this is a test
Ban on natural gas appliances stalled
News
Ban on natural gas appliances stalled
July 14, 2025
An effort to curb Southern California’s smog problem by phasing out gas-powered water heaters and furnaces has stalled with a recently rejected propos...
this is a test
News
New PHTA, ANSI standards available
July 14, 2025
The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) have approved and newly re-published three industry standards:...
this is a test
News
CA water suppliers to par ticipate in conservation efforts
July 14, 2025
A sweeping new regulation is changing the way water conservation is enforced across California, shifting the burden away from individual households an...
this is a test
Read Our Newsletter
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
Free Subscription
View Current Print Ads
Educational Announcements
Aquatic Training Institute

Educational Leverage

Foundation For Pool Industry Education

Locey Pool

Pool Chemistry Training Institute

Pool & Hot Tub Alliance

Portofino University

Underwater Pool Masters
Trade Show Dates
  • The International Pool Spa Patio Expo
    Nov. 12-14, Dallas, Texas
  • The Pool and Spa Show
    Jan. 28-30, Atlantic City, New Jersey
  • 35th Annual National Plasterers Conference
    Feb. 26-28, Lake Buena Vista, Florida
  • The Southwest Pool and Spa Show
    Feb. 4-8, Houston, Texas
  • The Western Pool and Spa Show
    Feb. 6-8, Long Beach, California
Books to Order
About Us Terms of Use Privacy Policy
We use cookies to ensure that our website gives you the best experience possible. By continuing to use this website, you agree to this use of cookies.OK