The ATA announced its Bow Technician Certification course at the 2023 ATA Show, with course content launching on April 1, 2023. Since its debut, 82 people have enrolled, 46 completed all the requirements to get certified, and the ATA announced its complementary Crossbow Technician Certification course at the 2024 ATA Show.
“In the first year, we received a great response from retailers nationwide and improved the curriculum based on student feedback,” said Kurt Smith, ATA’s director of industry relations. “Everyone gets something out of enrolling in the program. Newer technicians learn industry standard techniques that give them a great foundation to build upon. More experienced technicians often discover how to work more efficiently, while earning a certification that doubles as a great marketing tool to bring in new customers.”
Both the bow and crossbow technician certification courses have a hybrid format with an on-demand online component and an in-person practical assessment where students must demonstrate proper execution of each skill covered in the online course. This approach allows individuals to watch and complete the videos on their own time at their own pace, and time to reference the videos and practice each skill before the in-person practical.
Having a certification backed by a trade association gives customers confidence they’re working with someone who’s qualified and capable of providing excellent service.
After completing each course, students will have the skills to set up and provide safe and competent service for compound bows or crossbows, and their associated accessories. Each graduate is awarded a certificate and other ATA Certified Bow Technician signs and materials to display in their shop.
Wade Butcher, pictured here, received his certification at the 2024 ATA Show. Photo Credit: ATA
An industry certification tells customers the technician is both qualified and capable of providing exceptional service while giving the technician information and a support system they can trust and rely on.
Wade Butcher, owner of Swamp Donkey Archery in Cotton Valley, Louisiana, took his in-person assessment and passed the course at the 2024 ATA Show in St. Louis. Since getting certified, several other technicians have asked him if the course was worth it.
“I told them all yes,” he said. “I knew most of the material covered but getting the certification to hang on the wall will help ease customer concerns and allow me to increase my prices and promote my services. I learned a few new things, absorbed wisdom from the instructors and appreciated the goodies they handed out at the end. It was definitely worth it.”
Butcher has been a bow technician for five years and dabbled in it for a few years before owning his shop. He said getting certified is more for customers who are wary or unfamiliar with his work, but it also gives him confidence in his skills and a competitive edge over uncertified technicians. He plans to take the ATA’s new Crossbow Technician Certification later this year.
The ATA currently has five instructors who oversee in-person practical assessments. Each instructor ensures the student follows proper equipment use and procedures, and uses a scoring rubric to determine whether the student passes the evaluation or needs to retake the practical. The ATA wants to grow its network of instructors nationwide to make practical assessment opportunities more accessible and available to students. Contact ATA’s Kurt Smith if you want to learn more about the required qualifications to become an ATA Bow Technician Certification Instructor.
The ATA will continue to develop and grow its technician certification program and receives new students monthly. Upcoming practical assessment opportunities for those who completed the online portion of the course and need to test their skills include:
If you want to enroll, sign up for the ATA’s Bow and Crossbow Technician Certification courses online through the ATA’s Learning Center at www.pathlms.com/archery-trade-association/courses.
Each certification course costs $600. Individuals can sign up for both courses at a discounted price of $995, a savings of over $200. Use code “BOWCOMBO” to receive the special price.
The compound bow technician certification course content is available now, but the on-demand video content for the crossbow technician certification course goes live on April 1, 2024. Click here to learn more about these courses.
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