Certified Pool Operator

Achieve Certification in No Time – Just 2 Days!
1-Day Online & 1-Day In-Person Training
Our Certified Pool Operator (CPO) Certification Course follows the same convenient two-part training format as all our certification programs. This includes Lifeguard, Lifeguard Instructor, Water Safety Swim Instructor, Water Safety Swim Instructor Trainer, and CPR & First Aid Instructor certification courses. Additionally, CPR, First Aid, Oxygen Administrator, and recertification classes require even fewer training hours, making it easier for participants to complete their certification efficiently while maintaining the highest safety and industry standards.
About this course
Unlock Career Opportunities with CPO Training
The Certified Pool/Spa Operator® (CPO) Instructor-Led course is a comprehensive two-day online training designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills required to manage and operate commercial or residential swimming pools, spas, and water parks. Covering essential topics such as facility management, codes and regulations, water chemistry, circulation, filtration, heating, air systems, safety, troubleshooting, and maintenance, this course ensures that participants gain a thorough understanding of industry best practices. Upon successful completion, participants will earn the nationally recognized CPO® Certification from the Pool and Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), which remains valid for five years. This certification is widely accepted by public health departments, insurance carriers, and government agencies as a necessary credential for managing public aquatic facilities. The registration fee includes a hard copy of the PHTA CPO Handbook, interactive class materials, expert-led instruction, and the certification exam, making it a valuable investment for professionals in the aquatic industry.

Structured for Success: Two-Part Learning

Flexible Learning, Anytime, Anywhere
Earn your certification from the comfort of your home with our comprehensive online Home-Study Course. Featuring in-depth textbooks, engaging video lessons, and structured exams, this course allows you to learn at your own pace.

Master New Skills with Professional Guidance
Complete your Home-Study Course and take the next step with an instructor-led, hands-on training session in your area. You have the flexibility to train with your own instructor or let us connect you with a qualified local expert to refine your skills with confidence.
How Our Process Works from Start to Finish
Get certified in as little as two days! With our streamlined process, you’ll complete one day of online training followed by one day of instructor-led training.
All our certification programs follow this convenient two-step format. Plus, CPR, First Aid, and recertification courses require even fewer training hours, making it easier than ever to stay certified.
View a Detailed Cost Breakdown
Ensure you carefully review the course descriptions to choose the one that best suits your needs. If you're still uncertain after reading the details, don’t worry! Simply reach out to us, and our team will be happy to answer your questions and guide you in selecting the right course for you.
- Choose Your Course – Browse the course options from the top menu to review descriptions and select the one that fits your needs.
- Register Online – Click on the "Register Now" button in the top menu to begin the enrollment process.
- Complete the Registration Form – Fill out the required details and submit your form.
- Make Your Payment – Follow the provided payment instructions to complete your course purchase.
Once your payment for the online home-study course has been processed, you will receive an email titled "Start Your Course" containing your authorized username and password. Please check both your inbox and spam folder to ensure you receive it. Use these credentials to log in to Lifeguard-Pro.org and begin your course at your convenience.
With your authorized username and password, you can log in to Lifeguard-Pro.org anytime and begin your online home-study course from anywhere. Enjoy the flexibility of learning at your own pace, in the comfort of your home. You can start and stop the course as often as needed, except when taking a timed exam.
Most home-study courses can be completed in under 12 hours, but you have up to 180 days to finish, giving you the freedom to learn at a schedule that works best for you. Take control of your education and train with ease!
To minimize no-call no-show incidents, cancellations, and rescheduling, all online home-study course requirements must be completed before requesting an instructor-led training session.
Once you have successfully fulfilled all your online home-study course requirements and reached the step titled Schedule & Attend Instructor-Led Training Class, you should promptly contact your Instructor or Lifeguard-Pro.org.
Your Instructor or Lifeguard-Pro.org will assist you in scheduling your instructor-led training class at a convenient time and location. Simply provide them with your preferred training dates, times, and location, and they will confirm the most suitable schedule for you.
If Lifeguard-Pro is conducting your instructor-led training session, payment must be made directly to Lifeguard-Pro before attending the class. Lifeguard-Pro accepts a variety of payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, ACH bank transfers (eChecks), domestic and international wire transfers, CashApp, Venmo, personal and business checks via postal mail, money orders, and additional methods upon request.
If your training session is conducted by a local instructor or your employer, payment should be made directly to them before attending the class. Accepted payment methods may vary, so be sure to confirm with your instructor in advance regarding their preferred payment options.
Practical Skills Assessment: Demonstrate all required physical skills at least three times under the direct supervision of your instructor to ensure proficiency and proper technique.
Written Examination: Pass the lifeguard, CPR, and First Aid final exam, which is a closed-book, instructor-proctored test, with a minimum score of 90% to confirm your understanding of key concepts and emergency procedures.
At the end of your instructor-led training course, both you and your instructor will complete and sign your Certification Request Form (CRF). If you are under 18 years old, a parent or legal guardian must also sign the form on your behalf. This form serves as official verification that you have successfully met all the course requirements necessary for certification.
Our certification programs are skill-based rather than time-based, meaning the duration of the course may vary for each participant. Progression through the course depends on individual competency in completing the required tasks.
Upload your completed and signed CRF to your Lifeguard-Pro.org profile under the section labeled ‘Upload Certification Forms’ and click SAVE to confirm your submission.
Next, go to your Profile and check the box labeled ‘Issue My Certification’ or contact your Instructor to notify them that you have successfully met all course requirements and are requesting your certification card.
Upon successfully completing all course requirements, you will be able to instantly download a high-resolution digital copy of your certification card.
Congratulations! You are now a certified lifeguard, ready to make a difference.