Certified Pool Operator (CPO) Certification
The Training Center is officially approved by the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) to provide Certified Pool Operator (CPO) Certification. As an authorized provider, we deliver training that covers the essential skills for managing aquatic facilities, including water chemistry, filtration systems, safety codes, and daily maintenance. By meeting state and local health regulations, this program gives operators the credentials needed to run pools and spas safely.
CPO Certification is the most widely accepted credential for commercial pool operators in the United States. It proves an operator understands how to maintain safe water and comply with government regulations. Because many health departments mandate this specific certification, it is essential for anyone managing public or commercial facilities.
We provide PHTA-approved programs for both initial certification (for new operators) and renewal (for current professionals). Our 100% online format allows you to get certified on your own schedule while staying fully compliant. For tuition, class dates, and enrollment, please visit our CPO Certification Course.
CPO Training Programs
CPO Certification Course
CPO Renewal Course
CPO Certification Requirements
CPO Certification Requirements by State
| State / Jurisdiction (CPO Requirements) | CPO Certification Required? | Online Class Allowed? |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | No | Yes |
| Baldwin County, Alabama | Yes | No |
| Alaska | Yes | Yes |
| City of Anchorage, Alaska | Yes | Yes |
| Arizona | No | Yes |
| Cochise County, Arizona | Yes | No |
| Pima County, Arizona | Yes | No |
| Arkansas | No | Yes |
| California | No | Yes |
| Colorado | Yes | Yes |
| Connecticut | No | Yes |
| Delaware | Yes | No |
| District of Columbia | Yes | Yes |
| Florida | Yes | Yes |
| Georgia | Yes | Yes |
| Hawaii | No | Yes |
| Idaho | Yes | Yes |
| Illinois | No | Yes |
| Indiana | No | Yes |
| Iowa | Yes | No |
| Kansas | No | Yes |
| Kentucky | No | Yes |
| Louisiana | No | Yes |
| Maine | Yes | Yes |
| Maryland | Yes | No |
| Massachusetts | Yes | Yes |
| Michigan | No | Yes |
| Chippewa County, Michigan | Yes | Yes |
| Marquette County, Michigan | Yes | Yes |
| Minnesota | Yes | Yes |
| Mississippi | No | Yes |
| Missouri | No | Yes |
| St. Charles County, Missouri | Yes | No |
| City of Kansas City, Missouri | Yes | Yes |
| St. Louis County, Missouri | Yes | Yes |
| Montana | Yes | Yes |
| Nebraska | Yes | Yes |
| Lancaster County, Nebraska | Yes | No |
| Nevada | Yes | Yes |
| Southern Nevada Health District, Nevada | Yes | Yes |
| Washoe County, Nevada | Yes | Yes |
| New Hampshire | Yes | Yes |
| New Jersey | Yes | Yes |
| New Mexico | Yes | Yes |
| Bernalillo County, New Mexico | Yes | Yes |
| City of Albuquerque, New Mexico | Yes | Yes |
| New York | Yes | Yes |
| Suffolk County, New York | Yes | Yes |
| North Carolina | Yes | Yes |
| North Dakota | No | Yes |
| Ohio | No | Yes |
| Oklahoma | No | Yes |
| Oregon | Yes | Yes |
| Pennsylvania | No | Yes |
| Allegheny County, Pennsylvania | Yes | Yes |
| Rhode Island | No | Yes |
| South Carolina | Yes | Yes |
| South Dakota | No | Yes |
| Tennessee | No | Yes |
| Texas | Yes | Yes |
| Utah | Yes | Yes |
| Virginia | No | Yes |
| City of Alexandria, Virginia | Yes | Yes |
| Arlington County, Virginia | Yes | No |
| Fairfax County, Virginia | Yes | Yes |
| Loudoun County, Virginia | Yes | Yes |
| Vermont | No | Yes |
| Washington | Yes | Yes |
| West Virginia | Yes | Yes |
| Wisconsin | No | Yes |
| Wyoming | Yes | Yes |
| Puerto Rico | Yes | Yes |
CPO Certification Topics
CPO Topics Covered
- Pool & Spa Management
- Regulations & Documentation
- Water Chemistry & Balance
- Disinfection & Contamination
- Circulation & Filtration Systems
- Chemical Testing & Feed Systems
- Heating & Air Circulation
- Safety & Risk Management
- Troubleshooting & Maintenance
- Spa & Therapy Operations
- Recordkeeping & Compliance
- Advanced Calculations
- Facility Renovation & Design
This list represents the core topics required to get certified. For a complete curriculum with specific module descriptions, please visit our CPO Certification Class.
CPO Certification Exam
- Format: 50 multiple-choice questions
- Type: Open-book (using the PHTA Handbook)
- Passing Score: 74% or higher
For more details about the CPO exam, including proctoring policies and PHTA testing requirements, please visit our Online CPO Course.
Why The Training Center?
“Amazing. The process was so easy and there are so many tools to help students succeed in the class. Nicole is amazing, she makes the class incredibly engaging. They also really set you up for the exam and guide you through the entire process. Overall, an amazing experience and makes you really excited to put your CPO to use.”
Milckie Hernandez
Nicole was awesome. She has so much knowledge about pools and has the ability to breakdown the information in a way that makes sense! I thoroughly enjoyed the CPO class I took through The Training Center.
Sarah McGlumphy
“Nicole and the team are truly amazing. I would highly recommend them to train any content with. I completed the CPO class and the primer was great and easy to complete. The zoom was efficient and easy to follow. I was able to get 100% on the final test thanks to their coaching.”
James Martin
“This is a great class. Highly recommended for your CPO certification. The class was easy, straightforward, and the instructors are excellent and knowledgeable.”
Dan Falliaux
“Nicole & Amanda are great! The CPO certification class is very well taught & they are very knowledgeable about the information they are teaching. I would definitely recommend anyone dealing with pools to take this course.”
Darrell Owens
Student Success
Reviews
We put students first, and their success matters most. See what some of our students say about their experiences.
Accreditation
Trusted Provider of CPO Certification
For over 40 years, The Training Center has been a leader in delivering professional credentials and skills training. We provide comprehensive PHTA-approved education for pool and spa operators, ranging from CPO Certification to CPO Renewals. Additionally, we support facility managers through our Team CPO Program, which offers simplified group enrollment to help aquatic facilities certify and maintain compliance across their entire staff.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is CPO Certification?
Is CPO Certification valid in every state?
What is the difference between a pool license and CPO Certification?
How long is the CPO Certification valid?
Are there prerequisites to take the CPO exam?
Who is required to have CPO Certification?
Does the CPO Certification cover spa and hot tub operations?
Pool Operator Resources & Articles
CPO Certification Requirements: What You Need to Know
Maintaining a pool isn’t just about water clarity — it’s about ensuring safety for swimmers
CPO Certification Online: Choosing the Right Class
Choosing the best CPO Certification online class should be about finding classes geared
CPO Certification Exam Tips: Preparing for the CPO Test
Passing your CPO certification exam on the first try should be no problem with
How CPO Certification Benefits Your Career
Becoming a CPO Certified Pool Operator has many benefits for your professional skills
HAVE QUESTIONS?