Get Your CPO® Certification!
100% Virtual Class & Exam
Complete in as little as 1 day
Free Exam Retakes
Zero risk, zero hidden fees
Nationwide Certification
recognized across the country
Why Pros Get CPO® Certified With Us
100% ONLINE
Master the material at your own pace.
Join a live Zoom class and test the same day.
FREE EXAM RETAKES
& 99% PASS RATE
Our streamlined zoom sessions turn complex chemistry and math into easy-to-follow steps so you can pass the exam the first try.
Free retakes if you need them.
NATIONWIDE CERTIFICATION
Valid everywhere virtual CPO certification is accepted. Please check this list to confirm your local area allows virtual CPO Certification.
PRACTICE EXAMS
Know you'll pass before you take the test. Get unlimited practice on our 5 comprehensive practice exams and walk in with total confidence.
1-DAY
RE-CERTIFICATION
Complete the course, pass the exam and get your CPO certificate all in 1 day.
CPO Instructors with Real Field Experience
While some instructors have little field experience, our courses are led exclusively by a professional with over a decade of real-world field expertise.
$390
No Hidden Fees. Get the official PHTA handbook, virtual course, practice tests and exam, everything you need to get certified.
4 Simple Steps to Your CPO Certification
1) Choose a Class
Browse available exam dates and pick one that works for your schedule!
2) Complete Course
5-8 hours self-paced pre-coursework and 1-day live virtual class.*
*No primer course needed for recertification
3) Complete Exam
The course concludes with a multiple-choice exam during the final session, and we’ll fully prepare you with everything you need to feel confident going into it.
4) Get Certified!
Pass the exam and print your results the same day.
Ready to Book your Course?
1st Time Certification
or
Re-certification
$390.00
- Select a course date below.
- Choose 1st-Time Certification or Re-Certification at checkout.
Our certification program includes:
- Practice Exams
- Free Exam retakes
- 1-day live virtual class.
- CPO Handbook
- 5-8 hours self-paced pre-coursework (not required for Re-Certification)
After registering, you will receive your login details and course materials. You can take the test the same day or schedule it for later.
Books ship within 24 hours of registration:
- U.S. Delivery: 5–7 business days.
- Contact us if you need expedited shipping.
Click here to make sure virtual classes are approved in your state before registering.
(For Re-certification, the primer course is not required)
¿Prefieres español? Ver el calendario de clases en español
Don't see the scheduler? Click here to open the booking page directly
Can’t find a class that fits your schedule?
or
Need to book a group class?
We offer fully flexible private group training and exclusive 1-on-1 VIP classes to fit your busy operational hours.
Email our course manager Shannon at shannon@spickandspanpools.com and for pricing and custom availability!
Meet Your Instructor
Tim Goerges
Tim brings far more than official PHTA® credentials to the classroom—he brings an elite level of communication and a decade of active field expertise. With 10 years of hands-on experience troubleshooting and managing the complex aquatic systems you handle every day, he specializes in solving your toughest operational and chemical challenges.
As a certified public speaker and trilingual professional, Tim transforms dense compliance data into highly engaging, dynamic, and accessible instruction. When you train with Tim, you are leveraging a decade of real-world, in-the-field expertise designed to build your technical precision, minimize facility liabilities, and make you a highly confident, efficient operator from day one.
Fully Authorized & Verified
Pool Operator Academy is an authorized training provider through the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA). Course taught by Authorized Instructor Timothy Goerges | PHTA Cert #C-154328
FAQ
What is a CPO certification?
A Certified Pool/Spa Operator (CPO) certification is a recognized PHTA credential that trains you in pool and spa safety, water chemistry, and best practices.
How long is the course?
Initial Certification: 5–8 hours of self-paced pre-work + 1-day live virtual class.
Recertification: 1-day live virtual class only.
Do I need prior experience?
No prior experience is required—this course is perfect for both beginners and those looking to refresh their skills.
What will I learn in the course?
You’ll learn about pool and spa water chemistry, safety protocols, maintenance best practices, and how to handle common pool problems.
How do I book a course?
Click here to book your course. If you get stuck or have any questions along the way, just let us know and we'll happily guide you through.
What if I don't pass the exam?
No worries! You can easily reschedule for a later date and retake the exam up to 2 additional times at absolutely no extra cost.
Online CPO Training Permitted in My Area?
Our virtual PHTA certified CPO course is optimized for the widest possible nationwide coverage, meaning it is fully accepted in the vast majority of the United States.
An Important Note on Transparency: Legally, a few isolated jurisdictions do not allow virtual training under any company. If a competitor tells you their online course is good for every single jurisdiction without exception, they are misleading you. Please review this list to ensure your local health department accepts virtual certification.
Can I compete the course in 1 day?
Recertifying: You’ll be done in a single day. Because recertification only requires the 1-day live virtual class, completing both the course and the exam on the same day is completely normal and standard practice.
Initial Certification: Because this track requires 5–8 hours of self-paced pre-work plus the 1-day live virtual class, we do not recommend trying to complete everything in a single day. It is much better to complete your self-paced prep work in the days leading up to your live class.
What Can I Expect During The Course?
1. Materials & Pre-Work
Upon registration, we will mail you the official CPO Handbook. You will also get immediate access to the PHTA’s Pool Operator Primer (POP), a 5–8 hour self-paced online module that must be completed before your live session.*
2. The Live Session
Attend a 5-6 hour, interactive, live instructor-led class via Zoom.
3. The Exam
Flexibility is yours—take your final exam directly following the Zoom session, or schedule it for a future date that works best for your schedule.
*If you are recertifying, the pre-course work is not required. You only need to attend the 1-day live virtual course and pass the exam.
How flexible is the exam schedule?
Testing fits around your life. You can take the exam on any live class day throughout the month.
What should I expect on the exam?
Don't stress about test day—we've got your back! Here is exactly what to expect:
- 50 Questions Total (Score 37 or higher to pass)
- 3-Hour Time Limit (Plenty of time to review your answers)
- 100% Open Book (Use your handbook and class notes)
- Calculators Welcome (No need to stress over the math)
We are committed to helping you succeed and will make sure you are fully prepared before you begin.
What does the pre-course work involve?
The pre-course work is the Pool Operator Primer (POP), an official self-paced video course created by the PHTA.
- Time Commitment: It takes approximately 5–8 hours to complete.
- What it Covers: The videos cover all 18 chapters of the Pool & Spa Operator™ Handbook.
- Record of Completion: Please note that you must finish these online modules and receive your Record of Completion before attending your live 1-day virtual course, as your instructor requires it for class entry.
- Included in Course Fee: Yes, the POP is completely included in the $390 course fee, along with your handbook and live class session.
Are there any hidden fees? What does the $390 cover?
What’s Included ($390 – No Hidden Fees)
You will pay exactly $390. Your all-inclusive registration covers everything you need:
- The PHTA Pool Operator Primer (POP) pre-course modules.
- The physical Pool & Spa Operator™ Handbook (shipped to your door).
- The 1-day live virtual course and exam proctoring.
What You Need to Provide:
Please ensure you have the following ready for your live class and exam:
- A Zoom-enabled device with a working webcam (smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer).
- A standard calculator (phone calculators are not allowed during the exam).
- Scratch paper and a pen or pencil.
When will I get my exam results?
You’ll find out immediately! Because the final exam is digital, you will see your score as soon as you submit the test.
- Official Certificates: Once you pass, your official PHTA CPO certificate will be processed and emailed the same day.
Questions?
-Speak with Shannon, our Course Manager