Become IWI-certified

Joining the ranks of the IWI requires a long-term commitment to a rigorous education and mentoring process that includes extensive classroom, lab and hands-on field experience.

Benefits of IWI membership

– Hold the highest level of certification as a professional in the pools, spa, and watershaping industry

– Comprehensive education, training, and mentorship from top leaders

– Join a global network of subject matter experts

– Stay up-to-date with best industry practices, events, new technologies, and more

Brand exposure for your organization

Hold the highest level of certification as a professional in the pools, spa, and watershaping industry

Comprehensive education, training, and mentorship from top leaders

Join a global network of subject matter experts

Stay up-to-date with best industry practices, events, new technologies, and more

Brand exposure for your organization

LEARN MORE

Teaching the art and science of water

Programs offered

Classes in live and online formats

Instructions from top experts

Courses for a diverse range

Architects, designers, builders, engineers, servicers, and more

Become professionally certified - Watershape University

Watershape University (WU) is the industry’s most comprehensive education provider in the disciplines of:
pools, spas, hot tubs, fountains, ponds, streams, waterfalls, interactive waterplay features, splash pads, zoological exhibits, water gardens, outdoor living and more.

Areas of study include:

icon-area-construction

Construction

icon-area-business

Business

icon-area-design

Design

icon-area-engineering

Engineering

icon-area-renovation

Renovation

icon-area-service

Service

icon-area-more

and more

Students earn globally recognized, professional certification by completing required courses and projects, and passing exams.

International Watershape Institute Requirements

IWI members also routinely contribute to the advancement of the industry through research and development, as well as volunteer work to improve standards and codes for various governing boards and code-writing bodies.

To earn the status of an International Watershape Institute (IWI) member, students must first obtain 4 designated WU certificates and complete additional courses (see below).

The road to IWI certification

500+ hours of professional education

International Watershape Institute (IWI)

Become certified at the highest level; join a professional network of subject matter experts, with continued access to best industry practices, WU education, and new technology.

CWP + 4 Experiential courses + Extracurricular requirements

Certified Watershape Professional (CWP)

Gain sufficient knowledge to operate a design/build firm capable of executing complicated pools, spas, and other watershapes.

CWB, CWD + 2 courses

Certified Watershape Designer (CWD)

Gain sufficient knowledge to professionally design basic pools, spas, and other watershapes.

CWF + 3 courses

Certified Watershape Builder (CWB)

Learn to operate a watershape construction company, document proposed designs, estimate projects, and build basic pools, spas and other watershapes.

CWF + 1 course

Certified Watershape Foreman (CWF)

Learn to execute construction of basic pools, spas, and other water features.

1 course

IWI Certification Resources

Already a WU student or hold other WU certification?

New to Watershape University?

Do you have degrees or certification from other institutions?

We will happily accept third-party accredited program that achieves the same learning outcomes as Watershape University’s Essential Classes.  All Non-WU courses will need to be approved when applying for certification.

Additional certification at Watershape University

Any questions about certification?

Contact Us

Maximize your career potential to the highest rank.

Our IWI staff members can guide you on the right courses to take.

Introduce yourself (along with any inquiries) and we’ll contact you shortly.