CPO Certification in Arizona
Arizona’s state rules cover pool design and sanitation but leave operator certification to the counties, and a couple of them want the training done in person.
The state rules are in the Arizona Administrative Code, Title 18, Chapter 5, Article 2, which covers public and semipublic swimming pools and spas. They do not name a required operator credential.
Pima County does. Its code (section 8.32.240) requires a certified operator on duty at public pools, and on duty or on call at semipublic pools, with the certificate posted in the pool area. Pima certifies operators through its own county class and exam.
Maricopa County Environmental Services permits and inspects public and semipublic pools in the Phoenix area. If you are not sure what operator credential your inspector wants, ask them.
One online course and one live test day.
You do the PHTA CPO Fusion coursework online at your own pace, about 6 hours for most people, then join Samuel on Zoom for one live test day. Test days run every Tuesday and Saturday at 9:00 AM Pacific. Pass the 50-question exam and Samuel issues your certificate the same day from the PHTA instructor portal. It is good for five years.
Pima County and Cochise County are two places where a fully online class may not satisfy the county. If your pool is in either one, check with the county first, or call Samuel about an on-site class for your team.
$395 covers the course, the printed PHTA handbook, the live test day, the proctored exam, the certification, two retakes proctored by Samuel (PHTA charges $75 per retake), a free copy of The Pool Operator Playbook, and lifetime access to the CPO PRO operator community.
Get certified from Arizona.
$395 all-in. Certificate the day you pass.
Sources. Last reviewed September 22, 2026. This page summarizes public rules and is not legal advice. Local health departments can add their own requirements, so confirm with yours.