Watershape University

Certified Watershape Renovator (CWR)

Overview

Certifications document a student’s progress through Watershape University (WU) and, ultimately, to the International Watershape Institute (IWI). Credentials can be obtained at multiple steps as the student progresses from a beginning student (“freshman”) to more advanced levels of training and expertise (“senior” and “post-graduate” levels). Credentials are acknowledged via wall certificates and digital badging that is verifiable at verify.watershape.org.

The Certified Watershape Renovator (CWR) validates that the recipient has met the globally-recognized professional standard for reshaping, reconfiguring and renovating pools, spas and other waterfeatures. This standard requires verification of professional education and training as well as passing an in-class project.

Licensing

The Certified Watershape Renovator (CWR) certification may be used for contractor licensing and required continuing education in certain jurisdictions. The CWR certification builds upon the CWF certification; therefore, all Certified Watershape Renovators (CWRs) are also CWFs which support licensing in the following jurisdictions:

Application Requirements

  • Complete the Certified Watershape Foreman (CWF) certification
  • Complete WU CONSTRUCTION 2711: Essential Major Renovations Workshop, or pre-approved equivalent. All students receive a Certificate of Completion and 1.6 IACET CEUs after completing C2711 even if they do not pursue the CWR Certification.
  • Submit equivalent accredited course(s) to satisfy education requirements on the University Portal here.
  • Apply for Certified Watershape Renovator (CWR) Exam below
  • Pay $100 Exam Fee below
  • Sign/Accept the WU Code of Ethics below
  • Sign/Accept the WU Standards of Practice below
  • Pass the Certified Watershape Renovator (CWR) Exam

Equivalent Classes

Watershape University was founded with a principle of accessibility — allowing students of all levels to obtain meaningful high-quality education at lower cost and reduced travel expense. Portability is a key component of access and is an important principle and reason for institutions to obtain and maintain accreditation such as IACET.

All Non-WU courses need to be pre-approved if you wish to use them as a substitute for education requirements. We will happily accept any third-party accredited program that achieves the same learning outcomes as Watershape University’s Essential Classes:

CONSTRUCTION 2711: Essential Major Renovations Workshop:

  • 8 hour minimum duration
  • 3rd party accreditation (e.g., ABET, ACCE, CMAA, IACET, NAAB)
  • Explore the scope and nuances of major renovation projects
  • Review images that will inspire design and illustrate key concepts
  • Develop a complete renovation project from site analysis, troubleshooting existing problems and failures, through first-draft design
  • Describe the scope of work, design, material selection, structural engineering, mechanical systems, construction considerations and project management.

PHTA/GENESIS CONSTRUCTION 281: Major Renovations is an approved equivalent

Please submit certificates of completion or transcripts from other institutions by uploading via your personal account on the University Portal here.

Exam / Assessment

  • Proctored online exam
  • Schedule exam at your convenience 24/7
  • Pass with a minimum score of 75%

FAQs

Is this certification accepted by PHTA?

Watershape University is completely independent of PHTA and has obtained approvals from licensing jurisdictions directly. PHTA has no authority over Watershape University and is not required to approve anything.

Will I still need a PHTA CBP to maintain my license?

No. Licensing authorities cannot single-source education and certifications. Continuing education, certifications, and licensing requirements can be obtained through Watershape University completely independent of PHTA.

If you have any other questions, please send an email to certification@watershape.org.

Certification Path

The Certified Watershape Renovator (CWR) certification builds upon the CWF certification.

Pathfinder Infographic

Click badge for details.

Prerequisite
Certified Watershape Foreman (CWF)
Certified Watershape Foreman (CWF)

Application

Just getting started?

Most students begin with our 3-day pool construction course.

Online On-Demand

Watershape University’s Certified Watershape Foreman (CWF) certification is recognized by the following jurisdictions for continuing education and licensing purposes:

Core Class Refresh

Would you like free access to our core online classes, including our 3-day Essential Pool Construction, 2-day Essential Fluid Engineering Workshop (with the latest worksheets!), Color Theory, Principles of Design, and others?

Watershape University provides free access to individuals that have already completed equivalent courses with other institutions. We recognize that our students often want to refresh their knowledge in specific subjects but it doesn’t make sense to repeat a paid class when there are so many other new opportunities to expand knowledge through advanced classes, our webinars, our magazine, etc.

Our Core Class Refresh program is available to authorized employees of Certified Watershape Companies (CWC). To get authorized, simply upload your complete transcript(s) from other institutions so that we can verify which courses you are eligible for. You may upload transcripts through the Portal. Please contact Charlie with any questions.