Maybe you’ve been in the pool service industry for years, and you’re ready to advance your career. Or perhaps you’re new to this sector and want to establish credibility and validity as you build your business.
In either case, becoming a certified pool operator (CPO) is the natural next step. This certification helps you stay up-to-date on the latest industry news, and empowers you to deliver expert support to your clients, every time.
The good news? You don’t have to drive to a classroom and sit through rounds of lectures to become a CPO. Our online CPO certification allows you to complete all your requisite coursework, right from the comfort of your own home.
Today, we’re taking a close look at how our online course works, why you need it, and how to enroll today.
What Is an Online CPO Certification?
Health departments require pool operators to achieve CPO certification before they can operate a public swimming pool or hot tub/spa. This is a comprehensive course that covers the essential basics of the industry, including:
- Water chemistry
- Water filtration
- Water balance and disinfection
- Water problem management
- Automation and technology utilization
- Mechanical operations
- Pool safety
- Regulatory compliance guidelines
These materials are routinely updated to make sure that students are always learning the most recent and relevant standards. As the certifying body, the Pool and Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) sets and adjusts these standards as required.
At the end of your CPO certification course, you should have the knowledge, tools, resources, and skills required for proper pool operations. While some states will permit pool operators to work with core CPO knowledge only, most states require actual certification before you can legally begin work. In all, 25 states and the District of Columbia require CPO certification.
Benefits of Becoming a CPO
Achieving your CPO certification can open new doors for you in the pool operation industry. The certification is valid for five years and includes an electronic CPO certificate, as well as a convenient wallet card and a CPO badge for social media. In addition, you will receive a hard copy of your certificate within four weeks of passing your exam.
Pool operators will also receive continuing education units (CEUs) for pursuing their CPO certification. Each state has its own guidelines around how many CEUs operators require on an annual basis. As you develop your career this way, you’ll also have access to many different growth opportunities, including various service and maintenance certifications that can help you build your network.
Achieving Your CPO Certification Through PoolCerts
In many industries, achieving a designated certification can be a laborious and time-consuming process.
Often, you have to visit an in-person classroom to learn the material. Or, you may follow a hybrid approach and take some courses online and some in the classroom. Then, once you’ve studied and prepared, you have to sign up to take your exam at a designated testing center.
All of these activities can take time away from your personal and professional life. That’s why it’s smart to pursue your CPO certification online through PoolCerts!
When you team with us, you can complete the entire course and exam 100% online, and always at your own pace. The three-step process is simple and straightforward, so let’s take a look at how it works.
Step 1: Sign Up For Your Exam
First, scroll through our current list of available review-exam dates, located here. Once you’ve chosen one that works for your schedule, follow our easy online instructions to complete the sign-up process! Remember to choose a date that allows you plenty of time to study and prepare for the big day.
When you register, select your state to make sure you stay in compliance with your local requirements.
Step 2: Complete the Primer Course
Once you’ve signed up for your CPO exam, the next step is to take our prerequisite Pool Operator Primer (POP) course. This is a self-guided course that should take you between eight and 10 hours to complete. You can complete it from anywhere, on your own time.
The POP course will cover all of the topics that will be on your CPO exam. This includes the basics of water chemistry, pool safety, industry standards, and more.
Step 3: Complete the Zoom Review and Exam
When your review-exam date arrives, you can rest assured that you don’t have to tackle this last step alone. We’ll assign you a certified CPO instructor to help you complete the process.
Before you begin the exam, your instructor will conduct a CPO review via Zoom. This gives you time to check the material and ask questions before the test occurs. Our reviews last around five hours.
Once the review is complete, it’s time to take your exam online! Again, your assigned CPO instructor will be there and you will take the exam via Zoom.
Receiving Your CPO Certification
If you successfully complete the three steps above, you should have all of the resources you need to pass your CPO exam. You’re now officially a pool operator, but where’s the certification?
Don’t worry. Once you take and pass your exam, you will get your official certification the same day.
Start Your Online CPO Certification Today
Becoming CPO-certified is a smart way to establish your credentials, grow your customer base, and advance in this field. However, you don’t have to sacrifice your personal time or convenience to get there.
Our online CPO certification simplifies the process and allows you to build it around your schedule. If you’re ready to take the next step in your pool operator career, you can register for a class today!