FAQs
The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (formerly National Swimming Pool Foundation) Certified Pool Operator (CPO) certification is accredited across Canada, the USA and 105 countries around the world.
If you are in Wake County in North Carolina, there is an additional Wake County CPO Exam that you need to pass. To schedule your exam please contact Environmental Services at 919.856.7400
Click for Wake County CPO Exam Materials
Yes! The CPO certificate issued at the end of the course is exactly the same as an in-person class.
Live attendance on Zoom is required by all class participants. Classes are capped at 22 people. The class is a dynamic learning environment with PowerPoint slides, videos, quizzes, and live chat. The 16-hour program is split over four consecutive 4-hour days: three days of instruction followed by one day of testing via Prometric. Participants must have access to a computer, tablet, smartphone or combination of electronic devices with a stable internet connection, sound and camera capabilities.
For Zoom (online) classes, textbooks are shipped via USPS within 3 Days of registration. You will receive a tracking number via email.
For in-person classes, all materials are provided on the first day of class. If you need a book in another language other than English please make sure that is communicated upon registration.
Yes. Please contact Whitney to move your dates.
Yes. However, this MUST be done prior to the start of the CPO class; this cannot be done after the class has started. For Zoom classes all shipped materials will be given to the new participant. No new materials will be shipped.
Yes. We offer both in-person and Zoom private CPO classes for a minimum of five participants. Please fill out the private course request form or email Whitney.
Benefits of hosting a private class:
- Price discount
- Booking at your facility to save on travel expenses
- Booking dates that work best for you
No. Many participants with zero pool experience are successful on the CPO exam.
Yes. Registration closes 3 days before the first day of class or when the class sells out.
Participants are not required to retake the entire class if they fail the exam, however some do (at no additional cost) as a personal choice. Participants can rewrite a different CPO exam up to four times; a $50 retest fee applies.
In-person Classes: Cancellations are accepted for full refund three days prior to the start of class. After that there will be no refund; however, you can reschedule your class dates one time.
Online Classes: Cancellations are accepted for a full refund prior to materials being shipped. Cancellations made within three days of the start of class are eligible for $100 refund. Any cancellations after that can reschedule their class dates one time without a refund.
Don't stress! If you do fail the exam you can retake the exam for an additional $75 fee.