Watershape University

Certified Watershape Foreman (CWF)

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 Foreman (CWF) validates that the recipient has met the globally-recognized professional standard to execute construction of basic pools, spas and other water features. This standard requires verification of professional education and training as well as passing a professional certification exam. This designation is a prerequisite to most advanced credentials.

Licensing

Watershape University’s Certified Watershape Foreman (CWF) certification is recognized by the following jurisdictions:

Application Requirements

  • Complete WU CONSTRUCTION 2111: Essential Pool Construction, or pre-approved equivalent. All students receive a Certificate of Completion and 2.4 IACET CEUs after completing C2111 even if they do not pursue the CWF Certification.
  • Submit equivalent accredited course(s) to satisfy education requirements on the University Portal here.
  • Apply for Certified Watershape Foreman (CWF) 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 Foreman (CWF) 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 2111: Essential Pool Construction:

  • 24 hour minimum duration
  • 3rd party accreditation (e.g., ABET, ACCE, CMAA, IACET, NAAB)
  • List engineering disciplines: geotechnical, hydraulic, structural and electrical
  • Examine project layout, form design/construction, shotcrete application and waterproofing measures
  • Examine artisan points: tile and coping, decking, plaster preparations, cementitious finishes, materials science
  • Discuss start-up procedures, punch-list execution and project conclusion/hand over

PHTA/GENESIS CONSTRUCTION 201: Basic Pool Construction 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 Foreman (CWF) certification is the root of several design-build and trade certifications. The CWF is also the core of contractor licensing in several jurisdictions. CWF certification is a prerequisite for the following certifications.

Pathfinder Infographic

Click badges for details.

Advanced
International Watershape Institute (IWI)
International Watershape Institute (IWI)
Advanced
Certified Watershape Professional (CWP)
Certified Watershape Professional (CWP)
Intermediate
Certified Watershape Designer (CWD)
Certified Watershape Designer (CWD)
Intermediate
Certified Watershape Builder (CWB)
Certified Watershape Builder (CWB)
Intermediate
Certified Watershape Renovator (CWR)
Certified Watershape Renovator (CWR)
Organizational
Certified Watershape Company (CWC)
Certified Watershape Company (CWC)
Intermediate
Certified Watershape Inspector (CWI)
Certified Watershape Inspector (CWI)
Building Trade
Certified Watershape Electrical Specialist (CWES)
Certified Watershape Electrical Specialist (CWES)
Building Trade
Certified Watershape Finish Specialist (CWFS)
Certified Watershape Finish Specialist (CWFS)
Building Trade
Certified Watershape Ozone Specialist (CWOS)
Certified Watershape Ozone Specialist (CWOS)
Building Trade
Certified Watershape Plumbing Specialist (CWPS)
Certified Watershape Plumbing Specialist (CWPS)
Building Trade
Certified Watershape Tile Specialist (CWTS)
Certified Watershape Tile Specialist (CWTS)
Building Trade
Certified Watershape Waterproofing Specialist (CWWS)
Certified Watershape Waterproofing Specialist (CWWS)

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.