Service technicians in Florida have another educational option to help them earn a service contractor license.
The National Swimming Pool Foundation has received approval of its Advanced Service Technician (AST) training and certification in the Sunshine State. The 60-hour blended course includes approximately 45 hours of self-paced, online learning and two days of classroom instruction. Students earn two certifications: During the first day of class, students take their Certified Pool Operator exam; on the second they take the AST test. Participants also earn 60 hours of course credit.
With the AST certification, license applicants only need one year of experience under a licensed contractor, rather than four, with six months of supervisory experience. Then they can take the licensing test.
NSPF introduced AST certification in 2017.
