The following is a list of educational opportunities available from multiple U.S. organizations.

Some classes will require reservations; some require a fee and many offer certificates of completion.

We urge our readers to take advantage of as many of these opportunities as possible.

Pool and spa service technicians deal with people’s health and safety, and as such, perhaps the job should require certification and state licensing.

Although no such national standard currently exists, the professional responsibility could be in the hands of the pool service technician because he or she is caretaking over people’s lives.

Consider too, how education and training can help your business, and increase professionalism throughout the entire Service Industry.

The sponsoring organizations provided the information and was correct at press time. Service Industry News is not responsible for cancellations or changes.

Algae Prevention & Eradication Specialist Certification is an online class and the only certification program in the swimming pool industry with a specialized focus on algae. Take an in-depth look at the species that can develop in recreational waters and the best methods of hampering & thwarting growth.

Aquatic Training Institute offers a full class lineup online including:

• Certified Pool Technician Course (CPT in both English and Spanish).

• Minnesota CPT Course

• West Virginia CPT Course

• North Carolina CPT Course Educational Leverage offers the following online classes:

• Aquatic Risk Management

• Basic Electrical Theory, Safety & Testing

• Home Pool Essentials

• International Swimming Pool & Spa Code

• Pool Operator Primer

• Texas Electrical License Prep Foundation for Pool, Spa Industry Education offers these online courses:

• Pool Owner 101

• Certified Aquatic Equipment Installer

• Home Pool Maintenance Test

• Heaters, Controllers & Maintenance

• Safety, Customer Service & Construction.

• Swimming Pool Electrical

• System Components, Hydraulics

• Water Chemistry Pool Chemistry Training Institute

offers a 1-day Pool Chemistry Certification course.

Pool & Hot Tub Alliance offers a full class schedule including the following:

• CHTT Certified Pool & Spa Hot Tub Technician

• CMS Cer t i f ied Pool & Spa Maintenance Specialist

• CRP Certified Pool & Spa Retail Professional

• CST Certified Pool & Spa Service Technician

• Cracking the CBP Exam

• Cracking the CST Exam

• Cracking the CMS Exam

• Improving Your Bottom Line Using Project Management

• PSCC Pool & Spa Construction Course

• Residential Pool Inspection Seminar.

Portofino University offers a full class schedule of online classes including:

• Certified Hot Tub Technician, or CHTT

• Certified Maintenance Specialist,or CMS

• Certified Pool Operator, or CPO

• Certified Service Technician, or CST

• Professional Pool & Spa Operator, or PPSO

• Work Safety