How to Become a CPO Instructor

PHTA CPO Instructor Assessment School
The PHTA CPO Instructor Assessment School is designed to verify students’ ability to educate and to provide mentorship to the candidates who wish to become PHTA CPO Instructors. The school, administered by the CPO Instructor Assessment Committee, will prepare students to teach the PHTA CPO program.

Application for the Assessment School
To be considered, a candidate must:

• Be 18 years or older
• Be a current PHTA member
• Scored 90% or higher on the CPO® Certification exam at least 1 year prior to submitting the application
• Within the past 3 years, completed the following online course prerequisites listed on the application:
  • CPI Course
  • RWI Course
• Have 3+ years hands-on experience with chemical adjustment, backwashing of filters, water balance, and water testing
• Complete the application and submit it to nhood@phta.org
  • Spanish application

Applications are reviewed on a first come, first served basis. Completion of the application and requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the school.

After Submitting Your Application

1. PHTA will provide you with a confirmation of application receipt. If you do not receive a confirmation email, please let us know!
2. Upon acceptance, PHTA will provide you with the procedures to register for the CPO Assessment School. Fees are due at time of registration. PHTA does not offer refunds for the CPO Instructor Assessment School.
   Please note: Registration does not launch until 4 months out from the scheduled course.
3. Once a candidate is registered, PHTA will send materials to begin preparing for the school.
4. Eight weeks prior to the school, PHTA will provide teaching assignments for the course.
5. Upon completion, candidates can receive up to 24 CEUs.

Download our How to Become a PHTA Instructor brochure to share with others.

Upcoming CPO Instructor School Schedule

Please note: You are required to be a PHTA member in order to attend the Instructor Assessment School. Not a member? Join today!

Virtual CPO Instructor School Schedule

February 24-28, 2025
Class held via Zoom
Registration Now Open!

CPO Instructor Assessment Committee

The CPO Instructor Assessment Committee is a committee of PHTA Instructors that act as a resource to PHTA's Education Department. Each Assessment Committee member assists in in-person and virtual instructor trainings. Committee members assess each candidate's performance in teach-backs for assigned chapters, interaction with other candidates, and final examination scores. Recommendations are provided for ongoing assessment practices to enhance the candidates' experience and takeaway from each school.

"I just wanted to take a moment and thank you for the wonderful learning experience this past month. It was like no other instructor/trainer course I've been through. The different backgrounds of participants really shines through in spectacular ways. The wealth of knowledge in the collective group (participants and proctors) is unmatched. The connections and networking alone are invaluable. I appreciate the opportunity to learn more than I expected to coming into this class. Thank you for your hard work and dedication to make this such a memorable experience for all of us."
- PHTA Instructor Assessment School Student

Questions? Contact nhood@phta.org.