Are you thinking about becoming a certified pool operator (CPO)? Whether you’ve been in the business for years or you’re just starting in the industry, this qualification can help you earn new clients and stand out from the competition.
Achieving your CPO certification in Florida is the first step in this journey, and we can help you get there! However, before you take the exam, learning more about how it’s structured, what topics it covers, and what you can expect is helpful.
Today, we’re closely examining what the exam entails and sharing how you can best study for it as you get started!
What Is the CPO Certification Exam?
When hiring a contractor to perform a service, most people check for certifications and qualifications. For instance, you’d verify that your accountant is a CPA or your builder is state-licensed, right?
The same goes for pool maintenance.
Before homeowners or business owners hire anyone to manage their pool, they look for special distinctions that set them apart. A CPO certification shows that you take your business seriously, you’ve put in the effort to learn as much about it as possible, and you’re up-to-date on the latest regulations and trends.
This is an exam that tests your knowledge of key topics related to pool operation. Once you have it, you may be surprised at the number of new doors it opens!
If the idea of studying for a test is bringing back crazy memories from high school or college, don’t worry. You won’t have to cram for hours or pull an all-nighter to make a passing grade on this one. In fact, we’ll equip you with everything you need to understand the content and do your best.
Here’s how it works.
Take a Training Course
The best way to study for the CPO exam is to sign up for our online course! In this 100% virtual course, we’ll cover everything you need to know to prepare for your exam.
While you could choose to try to learn pool maintenance, there’s no way to guarantee that you’re learning all of the information you need to know. You may also spend more time and money taking this approach as you purchase everything separately and piece it together.
Our course is all-in-one and takes care of everything. Some of the key topics we’ll cover include:
- The basics of pool and spa management
- Calculations for pool chemicals
- The latest industry standards, regulations, and guidelines
- How to prevent and manage water contamination
- Best practices for disinfection
- How to achieve water balance
- Chemical feed, control, and testing
- Proper methods for filtration, heating, and air circulation
- Pool facility safety management
- Pool and spa troubleshooting
- How to reduce chemical, biological, electrical, and physical hazards
In addition to your online lessons, you’ll also recieve the PHTA Certified Pool and Spa Operator Handbook. This book includes 18 chapters that cover each topic in depth, as well as a comprehensive glossary and appendices. It’s printed entirely in color and also features mathematical guides for quick reference.
This handbook is included in our CPO Certification Course and is also available for purchase on our website.
Why Choose Our Online Course?
While some CPO preparation courses require students to drive to a central location and meet in person, we meet entirely online. This allows you to access the content on your own time and work around your schedule. Even the exam itself is virtual!
You can complete your coursework from anywhere, at any time, as long as you have an internet connection. When you’re ready to take the final exam, we’ll walk you through the process using Zoom.
Apart from the benefits that come from our fully online offering, why should you choose Pool Certs when evaluating CPO study options? Another perk of partnering with our team is that all of the materials are taught by an experienced and qualified pool professional.
You can rest assured that you’ll receive accurate information from a knowledgeable resource. You’ll also be fully prepared to take and pass the CPO exam. If you have any questions throughout the course, you can contact your instructor directly for more information and clarification.
What to Expect
When you’re ready to pursue your CPO certification, you can visit our website to browse available dates and find a class that fits your timeline. Then, you’re free to access and work through the course material!
It normally takes students an average of eight to 10 hours to complete the course. After completing the self-paced online course. Then on any Friday, you will attend the state-required review period. After we will guide you to take the certification exam via Zoom with a certified proctor walking you through each step.
Alternatively, you may also choose to take the exam in person at a designated local testing center. Note that Sunshine State has a special requirement and small extra fee due to a guideline set forth by the State of Florida Health Department. They require a third-party proctoring service to be present while you take the exam.
When you complete and pass the exam with a grade of 74% or higher, you will immediately receive an electronic copy of your certificate and a physical copy will arrive in your mailbox in about a month. Your certification is valid for five years from the date of your course completion.
Get Your CPO Certification in Florida
Achieving your CPO certification in Florida is a major feat! When you pass this exam, you can confidently say that you’re an expert in pool and spa management. This can keep you in good standing with regulatory and review organizations like the Better Business Bureau and helps you attract new business.
When you’re ready to get started, go straight to the source by working with Pool Certs. Our online course will cover the scope of the test in its entirety, taught by one of the leading experts in the field.
Choose your exam date online today and we’ll walk you through the rest!