Skip to content
English - United States
Contact us
  • There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.

What is the Certified Watershape Builder (CWB) Certification?

The CWB Certification is the second certification in the Watershape University design/build track towards IWI.

Why the CWB matters

Unfortunately, the pool and spa industry has plenty of under-qualified contractors who take on projects beyond their full understanding. We have seen catastrophic pool failures, lawsuits, and more because of this. To protect customers (and our industry's reputation), it is important that a pool builder can demonstrate the commitment to learn the trade, as opposed to just 'winging it' in the field. The CWB covers those essential topics to learn. 

The CWB has two business classes about basic finances and cost estimating. These are important for contractors, because there have been many pool companies that failed because they did not have a grasp on their finances, or did not know how to properly estimate a job. Contractors have folded mid-project, leaving a concrete hole in the ground in the back yard of an irate customer.  Such failures are awful for our industry's reputation.

The CWB also has a design class of the students choice of design software. Even if you do not design pools yourself, it is important to understand how these softwares work, which can help with construction documents, winning proposals and more detailed information for subcontractors to work with. 

Finally, the CWB requires E2311: Essential Fluid Engineering. This is one of Watershape University's flagship courses because of how thorough and in-depth it is. Most contractors have a basic understanding of hydraulics, but this class explains everything from the calculations to the actual physics of water and how to move it. A deeper understanding of how water moves is critical for a builder trying to do things the right way.

How to earn the CWB

Once a student has earned their Certified Watershape Foreman (CWF), they become eligible for their Certified Watershape Builder (CWB).

Students must take four (4) intermediate classes to earn their CWB. They are (in no particular order):

These classes can be taken in any order. Once all four are completed AND the CWF is earned, the CWB is awarded to the student. For example, if a student has taken and passed all four classes of the CWB prior to C2111, they will not receive their CWB certification and badge until they earn their CWF.  Once the CWF is earned, students will automatically be awarded both certifications.

Frequently Asked Questions about CWB

  1. Q: I have completed all four CWB courses , but I don't see CWB in my student dashboard. Why not?
    A: Have you taken and passed the CWF exam yet? If not, that's why.  If so, clear the cache on your browser and check again. If the last class you took was in person (like at a trade show), give us at least one week for attendance to process in our system. Sometimes there is a delay in getting student information from the shows.  If after a week, it's still not there, contact us.
  2. Q: I have taken and passed some equivalent classes prior to coming to Watershape University. What do I need to do to get credit for CWB?
    A: We do honor transfer credits, though you must first pass our CWF exam. There is a $75 exam fee to prove proficiency.  Once passed, we will transfer over the credits and award you the CWB if the transfer credits complete the requirements (but no CEU credit hours, because you didn't take the course with us). 
  3. Q: My certificate doesn't say CWB on it, why not?
    A: As of now, the certificates you automatically receive upon completing individual courses are for proof of course completion and IACET CEUs. They are sent to you independently of the exams (if applicable). Some courses have in-class projects, but some have exams. Once the relevant exams are taken (and passed), your CWB is earned, and the badge will be emailed to you, and can be downloaded from your WU Student Dashboard.
  4. Q: What if I don't pass the CWF exam the first time?
    A: You're not alone, it's a hard test! Our system will automatically email you seven (7) days later to give you access to take the test again. This gives you time to study.