certification
Become a Certified Pool & Spa Hot Tub Technician
The Certified Pool & Spa Hot Tub Technician® program covers the essentials of servicing portable and permanently installed hot tubs and spas and equipment repair and replacement.
Prerequisites to Apply
- Recommended 2 years of industry experience
- Completion of the Certified Pool & Spa Hot Tub Technician® (CHTT®) course
- Pass the CHTT exam
Online CHTT Course
This on-demand, self-paced, online format is interactive and engaging with videos, quizzes, and exercises.
Purchase the On-Demand CHTT Course
Instructor-Led CHTT Course
Attend a live in-person or virtual CHTT course with fellow students, led by a PHTA Instructor.
Unable to find a live course in your area? Contact service@phta.org to be put in touch with an instructor.
Exam Information
To become certified as a CHTT® (Certified Hot Tub Technician®), you must complete the CHTT course and take the CHTT Exam. An additional registration form and $115 fee for the CHTT Exam is required. The CHTT Exam is 90 minutes long, open book, with 50 multiple-choice questions. You must bring a non-programmable calculator. You must score 75% or better to pass.
Exam Content Breakdown
| Unit | Number of Questions |
|---|---|
| Unit 1: Safety and Health | 2 questions |
| Unit 2: Practical Knowledge for Technicians | 3 questions |
| Unit 3: Electrical Systems | 7 questions |
| Unit 4: Pump and Equipment Systems | 9 questions |
| Unit 5: Control Systems | 8 questions |
| Unit 6: Heaters & Accessories | 7 questions |
| Unit 7: Water Chemistry | 14 questions |
| 50 questions total |
Choose How to Take the Exam
For candidates sitting for a particular exam date with remote proctoring and/or at a Prometric testing center near you, the application form must be completed at least five (5) business days in advance of the exam.
For candidates sitting for a particular exam date at a PHTA event, the application form must be completed at least twenty-four (24) hours in advance of the exam. *Space may be limited.*
Testing options:
- On a computer at a Prometric computer testing center near you. Computer testing gives immediate test results and flexible time to take the exam.
- On a computer remotely proctored at your convenience. Remote proctored computer testing gives immediate test results and unparalleled flexibility to take the exam.
- At a PHTA national, regional, or chapter-sponsored testing event. A list of upcoming events can be found here. You will receive your exam results via email 3 weeks after the exam.
-
At an accredited community college or university in your area. Additional proctoring fees may cost up to $40. Contact your local community colleges and libraries to find your nearest proctored testing center. You will be responsible for scheduling an appointment for testing. You will need to provide PHTA with your name, mailing address, and exam date.
Please contact PHTA at service@phta.org for additional information on the CHTT exam and application process.
Course Materials and Forms
- Application:
- For candidates sitting for a particular exam date with remote proctoring and/or at a Prometric testing center near you, the application form must be completed at least five (5) business days in advance of the exam.
- For candidates sitting for a particular exam date at a PHTA event, the application form must be completed at least twenty-four (24) hours in advance of the exam. *Space may be limited.*
- Exam Retest Form: If you didn’t pass the exam, you can reschedule a retest within a year of your testing date to avoid having to take the course again.
- PHTA Hot Tub Technician Manual and CHTT Certified Hot Tub Technician Workbook (included in the price of the CHTT Course):
The PHTA Hot Tub Technician Manual is a valuable reference tool used by professionals who service and repair portable hot tubs. The CHTT Workbook guides you through the Hot Tub Tech Manual as you study. - Certification Policy Handbook: Many of the answers to your certification questions can be found in our Certification Policy Handbook.
Maintain Your Certification
Learn more about maintaining your status as a PHTA-certified individual and continue to enjoy the associated benefits. Find the recertification application here.
Application for recertification is due on or before December 31 of the year your certification expires. Failure to recertify by that time, or by the end of the 90 day grace period (April 1 of the following year), will result in a late fee being applied to your certification. Up to 1 year past your certification expiration, you will need to reapply for certification, submit proof of total continuing education hours, and pay the recertification fee and the late penalty. For questions or clarification, please contact PHTA at service@phta.org or 719-540-9119.
