CPO FAQ

There are two ways to become a CPO Certificate Holder. The first is to attend a two day classroom session. The two days are consecutive, and you must be present at both. The second is to complete the Blended Course. The Blended Course consists of completing the Pool Operator Primer (online) and attending the second day of any scheduled classroom session. With either of these options, you must pass the test with a 75% or higher.

Click here for classroom dates.

The test is open book and open note. There are 50 questions which are all multiple choice. Some of these do require calculation to get the answer. The support materials Blue Wave supplies makes these calculations as painless as possible.

The test is open book, so the better you know the book, the easier looking up information during the test will be. A practice exam is also sent out with the book, so you have a better idea of how questions are phrased and can practice before the course.
The items you must bring to class are a pencil or pen (pencil recommended), a calculator (the calculator on your phone cannot be used during the test), a photo ID, and the materials you received in the mail if you chose to have the book shipped. It is recommended to bring a highlighter, post it notes and a notepad.
The CPO Certification is valid for 5 years from the date you passed the test.
You will receive an e-mail the day after your class finishes with your score.

If you did not pass the test you can schedule a retake exam. Retake exams take place at our office and must be scheduled ahead of time. The cost is $65, and payment is due before you take the exam. If you missed passing by more than a few questions, we recommend retaking the class, or at least completing the Pool Operator Primer before taking the retake exam.

Your certificate will arrive in the mail, at the address you put on the top of your test, within 4 weeks from the Pool and Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA).

If you do not receive your certificate within 4 weeks, call or e-mail us and verify your shipping address. We will contact the Pool and Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) and make sure you get it.

If you cannot attend, a refund may be requested 14 days before the course; however, there is a $35 cancellation fee that will be deducted from your refund. Within 14 days of the course, or if you fail to attend, no refund will be given.

There will be no transfer fee for changing course date if request is received more than 14 days prior to the course. Within 14 days of your registered course, there will be a $60 transfer fee that must be paid before the course you are changing to.

Connecticut requires that “someone knowledgeable in the operation of the pool, pool water chemistry and testing must be on duty, on the premises where the pool is located, whenever the pool is open for use.” There is no better way to prove you are knowledgeable than becoming a CPO Certification Holder. Some towns health departments and insurance companies are also requiring proof of training.