CAT Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CAT facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Which approach is most effective for problem-solving in Maintenance Procedures? → Systematic analysis followed by evidence-based decision making
2. What is the primary purpose of standardized procedures in Health and Safety? → To ensure consistency, safety, and quality across all practitioners
3. What is the recommended free chlorine level (in ppm) for a residential swimming pool according to standard industry guidelines? → 1.0–3.0 ppm
4. What role does continuing education play in Maintenance Procedures? → Keeping practitioners current with evolving best practices and new developments
5. What role does continuing education play in Health and Safety? → Keeping practitioners current with evolving best practices and new developments
6. What is a cryptosporidium (crypto) outbreak response protocol at a public pool? → Close the pool and hyperchlorinate to 20 ppm free chlorine at pH 7.5 for at least 28 hours
7. A residential pool pump is running but flow rate has dropped significantly. The filter pressure gauge reads normal. What is the most likely cause? → Worn pump impeller or clogged pump strainer basket
8. What quality metrics are most important in Pool Equipment? → Measurable outcomes, process compliance, and stakeholder satisfaction
9. Which of the following industries outside of traditional environmental science has growing demand for aquatic technicians? → Aquaculture and fish farming
10. What role does PHTA's exam provider play in the CAT certification process? → It develops, administers, and scores the standardized CAT examination
11. What is the most important foundational concept in Health and Safety? → Understanding core principles and their practical application in Health and Safety
12. Which organization is most likely to offer continuing education resources for Certified Aquatic Technicians? → Aquatic industry associations and certification bodies
13. Which federal law requires aquatic facilities to develop and submit a Risk Management Plan (RMP) if they store threshold quantities of chlorine gas? → EPA Clean Air Act Section 112(r)
14. What is the most important foundational concept in Water Chemistry? → Understanding core principles and their practical application in Water Chemistry
15. Black algae in a pool is particularly difficult to eradicate because: → It forms a protective outer layer and roots into porous surfaces like plaster
16. What is the significance of documentation in Pool Equipment? → It provides a record for accountability, quality assurance, and legal compliance
17. When should an aquatic facility be closed due to lightning? → Immediately when lightning is observed or thunder is heard within 8 miles (30-second rule)
18. What is the standard unit of measurement for water pressure in pool hydraulic systems? → Pounds per square inch (PSI)
19. Which regulation requires aquatic facilities to maintain records of water chemistry tests and inspections? → State/local health department codes
20. A pool's total alkalinity reads 60 ppm. What is the most likely consequence if left uncorrected? → pH will fluctuate widely and be difficult to control
21. For a commercial aquatic facility, what is the minimum required turnover rate for a pool according to most state health codes? → Once every 6 hours
22. How does the CAT certification benefit an employer hiring an aquatic technician? → It provides assurance that the hire meets a nationally recognized standard of competency
23. Under the PHTA credentialing framework, what is the significance of the credential being 'accredited'? → It means the program meets independent, third-party standards for quality and validity
24. Which organization is primarily responsible for administering the Certified Aquatic Technician (CAT) credential in the United States? → Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA)
25. What does GPM stand for in the context of aquatic facility hydraulics? → Gallons per minute
26. Cyanuric acid (CYA) is used in outdoor pools primarily to: → Stabilize chlorine against UV degradation from sunlight
27. What is the minimum recommended experience in the aquatic industry before sitting for the CAT exam? → 1 year
28. Which of the following best describes a financial benefit of obtaining a Certified Aquatic Technician certification? → Potential for higher pay due to specialized skills
29. Which skill is necessary for ensuring compliance with environmental regulations in an aquatic facility? → Understanding local water treatment and discharge guidelines
30. An aquatic technician who earns the CAT credential can expect their starting salary to be compared to peers without certification in which way? → Generally higher, as certification signals verified competency