Who writes the rules
Nevada’s public bathing place rules are in NRS Chapter 444 and NAC 444.010 to 444.546. Three agencies apply them: the Southern Nevada Health District for Clark County, Northern Nevada Public Health for Washoe County, and the state Division of Public and Behavioral Health for the rural counties.
Las Vegas and Clark County
The Southern Nevada Health District requires a Qualified Operator for permitted aquatic facilities. The operator is the person responsible for running and maintaining the pool’s water systems. To qualify, you complete a national qualified pool operator certification course, such as the PHTA CPO, and register with SNHD before you work at a facility. One registration covers every facility you work at.
Reno, Sparks and Washoe County
Since January 1, 2012, every permitted pool and spa in Washoe County has needed at least one Certified Pool Operator. Northern Nevada Public Health says the PHTA CPO is the only national certification it accepts, and the certificate has to be posted on site.
Rural Nevada
Outside Clark and Washoe counties, the state Division of Public and Behavioral Health runs the public bathing place program under NAC 444. If your pool is in a rural county, that is the office to ask about operator requirements.
Water testing and records
Each district sets its own water quality limits and testing frequency in its regulations, and inspectors will ask for your logs. Keep them current and at the pool.
Getting certified in Nevada
CPO PRO is based in Las Vegas. The virtual class runs every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday at 9:00 AM Pacific: you finish the PHTA online course first, then join Samuel on Zoom for the test day, and he issues your certificate the same day you pass. Teams of 10 or more in the Las Vegas area can have Samuel run the class at their property. For the short version of Nevada’s rules, see CPO certification in Nevada.
Get Your CPO Certification in Nevada
CPO PRO is based in Las Vegas. Online PHTA course plus one live Zoom test day, or an on-site class for teams of 10 or more. $395 per student.
See Our Test DatesFrequently Asked Questions
Do I need a CPO to run a pool in Las Vegas?
Permitted aquatic facilities in Clark County need a Qualified Operator who has completed a national certification course, such as the PHTA CPO, and registered with the Southern Nevada Health District.
Do I need a CPO in Reno?
Yes. Northern Nevada Public Health requires at least one Certified Pool Operator for every permitted pool and spa in Washoe County, and the PHTA CPO is the only national certification it accepts.
Does my certificate have to be posted?
In Washoe County, yes. Northern Nevada Public Health requires the CPO certificate to be posted on site.
Do I need a separate SNHD registration for each property?
No. SNHD says a registered Qualified Operator can work at as many facilities as they like.
How long is a CPO certification valid?
Five years, counted from the end of the month you passed. If your card is still current, PHTA lets you recertify by attending just the second day of a CPO class, which is the review and the exam.
Sources
Last reviewed September 22, 2026. This article summarizes public rules and is not legal advice. Local health departments can add their own requirements, so confirm with yours.
