Pool Builder Certification
Installing swimming pools and spas takes special training to get the job done right. A contractor or pool business that wants to take their business to the next level is wise to consider earning pool builder certification. A pool builder with training from the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals (APSP) stands above his competitors in pool building skills. APSP certification also enhances an individual's career potential.
Other People Are Reading
-
Preparation
-
In order to earn APSP certification the pool builder must have at least five years of pool and spa building experience. During the five years prior to applying for pool building certification and every year after that, the applicant must participate in continuing education classes. Certification instructors use APSP Builders Manual, 3rd Edition as their training tool. Webinars and pre-test study sessions are available as well for prospective candidates.
Time Frame
-
The cooler months of the year, November through March, are training season for APSP certification. The five-hour training sessions and tests often are an extra component of professional conferences. When registering for a training session and/or test, it's possible to bundle the costs together to save money. It's also possible to schedule a test through a local community college testing center.
-
Costs
-
The cost of the training manual is $299 for members of APSP and $449 for non-members. Taking an exam as part of a conference event costs $150. It costs the same to schedule it at a local community college testing center but there are local proctor fees to pay. The manual, training session and exam bundled together cost $450 for APSP members and $699 for non-members.
The Exam
-
The pool builder certification exam is a closed book, multiple-choice test. Three hours are set aside to complete the 150 questions. A trained proctor monitors the test in a classroom setting. Within three weeks of completion the pool certification candidate receives notification of "pass" or "fail." If the designation is "fail," areas that need additional study are noted.
Identification
-
Successful completion of the exam means the pool builder must continue to receive at least eight hours of training for the each of the three years of the certification. Logos denoting the status of certified pool builder are available for use on company literature and advertising. Wall certificate and wallet identification cards also have the APSP builder certification logo. This identification should set the pool builder apart as a professional who has extra training and expertise in building pools and spas.
-
