Certified Pool & Spa Operator

The Certified Pool & Spa Operator

certification program is the world’s leading education and certification program for keeping pools safer and keeping them open. Over 400,000 students have been trained since 1972.

CPO certification provides individuals with the knowledge, techniques, and skills required for proper pool operations.

This course is available as both a blended training program or completely virtual (completely online), and is also eligible for IACET Continuing Education Units (CEUs).

Certified Pool & Spa Maintenance Specialist

Designed for those new to the pool industry or working a pool maintenance route, this course takes you through the PHTA Service Tech Manual and gives you what you need to conform to industry standards.

Certified Pool & Spa Service Technician

After completing this pool technician certification course, you will be able to: Explain common problems with pool finishes and how to repair them Keep pools running more efficiently with a better understanding of circulation, filtration, hydraulics, and electricity Grow your practical knowledge and gain troubleshooting skills and resources Distinguish yourself as an experienced and knowledgeable service technician

Certified Pool & Spa Service Professional

Earning a highly sought-after swimming pool certification is your ticket to marketing, business, and employment opportunities. The Certified Service Professional (CSP) certification shows potential customers as well as potential employers that you have the knowledge and skills that set you apart from the rest. This nationally recognized designation can help you raise confidence among customers and increase your visibility with pool and spa manufacturers, distributors, and buying groups.

Certified Pool & Spa Hot Tub Technician

The Certified Pool & Spa Hot Tub Technician program covers the essentials of servicing portable and permanently installed hot tubs and spas and equipment repair and replacement.

Certified Pool & Spa Inspector

The Certified Pool & Spa InspectorTM (CPITM) creates a foundation for health officials and pool operators to conduct pool and spa inspections to support the assurance of a sanitary, healthy, and safe environment for staff and patrons of public swimming pools and spas.

Certified Builder Professional

The Certified Builder Professional is a nationally recognized designation that will teach you how to become a pool contractor or builder who is well respected and sought after by customers and employees. Earning your Certified Builder Professional (CBP) certification will set you apart from colleagues and raise your industry visibility among manufacturers, distributors, and buying groups, ultimately making you and your organization more competitive.

Certified Advanced Pool Builder Professional

A Certified Advanced Pool Builder Professional requires proficiency in proper pool construction and an understanding of pool hydraulics.

Advanced CBP is the second level of certification in the new PHTA Certified Pool Builder and Design Professional Pathway, an education and certification career pathway designed to build on your foundation of knowledge so that you can become a Certified Master Pool Builder and Design Professional.

Expert Pool Builder & Design Professional

The Certified Expert Pool Builder & Design Professional involves a rigorous design curriculum that validates your knowledge as a well-rounded professional. Being knowledgeable in design will help you market your business, talk to consumers, and translate design features into your plans.

Expert CBP is the third level of certification in the new PHTA Certified Pool Builder and Design Professional Pathway, an education and certification career pathway designed to build on your foundation of knowledge so that you can become a Certified Master Pool Builder and Design Professional.

Master Pool Builder & Design Professional

A Certified Master Pool Builder & Design Professional is an elite professional who has demonstrated quality, professionalism, ethics, and business prowess. A Master CBP has completed elevated courses in master design methods, history of pools and water features, and advanced construction.

Master CBP is the fourth and highest level of certification in the new PHTA Certified Pool Builder and Design Professional Pathway. This certification is reserved for the upper echelon of our industry.

Certified Pool & Spa Retail Professional

This online course will give you the skills and core business knowledge needed to effectively run a retail pool business. This self-paced, interactive class is eight hours and costs $199 for members ($299 for nonmembers). No prior experience required!

PHTA certification represents excellence in achievement and demonstrates proficiency in the pool and hot tub professional. Certified professionals have completed rigorous testing and are required to commit to ongoing professional development and recertification. CPO certifications are valid for five years from the end of the month of issuance.

All other PHTA certifications (CMS, CST, CSP, CPI, CHTT, CRP, and Certified Pool Builder & Design Professionals) are valid for three years, ending on December 31 of the third year.

For a class schedule visit https://www.phta.org/certification/