What are the differences in certification courses?
There are several courses accepted for the certification of operators of commercial pools. These include: • Certified Pool Technician (CPT™)–offered by Aquatic Training Institute; • Certified Pool Operator (CPO™)—offered by National Swimming Pool Foundation; • Aquatic Facilities Operator (AFO™)—offered by National Recreation and Parks Association; • Pool Operators on Location (POOL™)—offered by YMCA; • Licensed Aquatic Facility Technician (LAFT™)—offered by American Swimming Pool and Spa Association; • North Shore Certified Pool Operator (NSCPO™)—offered by North Shore Lifesaving Association. Generally, courses are approved or recognized by the Department of Health of the state in which they are offered. Once accepted, a course is deemed equal to other certification courses recognized in that state. No course provider has the authority to accept, recognize, or deny a program offered by another.
