After a year of success for the Archery Trade Association’s Bow Technician Certification course, the ATA launched a Crossbow Technician Certification course at the 2024 ATA Show to help bow technicians advance their technician knowledge base and framework.
“Crossbows continue to make up a larger percentage of bow sales in many parts of the country,” said Kurt Smith, ATA’s director of industry relations. “Just putting crossbows on the wall and hoping for the best isn't good enough anymore. To take advantage of this opportunity and be profitable, you've got to be able to help customers choose the right equipment and give excellent service after the sale. The ATA's new course will help you do both."
The new certification course will cover crossbow assembly, routine maintenance and common service such as string and cable replacement and cam timing. Students will also receive information on how to diagnose causes of damage on crossbows.
Just like the ATA’s original certification course, which covers compound bow technician services, the crossbow technician certification course will 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. 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.
After completing the course, students will have the skills necessary to set up and provide safe and competent service for crossbows and associated accessories. Each graduate is awarded a certificate and other ATA Certified Bow Technician signs and materials to display in their shop. Having an industry certification tells customers the technician is both qualified and capable of providing exceptional service.
Both certification courses are ideal for bow technicians of all skill levels and years of experience. No matter how long you’ve been a bow technician, having the certification validates your skills, adds credibility to your shop, reassures customers you know what you’re doing, and differentiates your business from competitors.
“Everyone gets something out of enrolling in the program,” Smith said. “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.”
Retailers and industry members can learn more and sign up for both the compound bow and crossbow certification courses online through the ATA’s Learning Center at archerytrade.org/bow-technician-certification/ .
Course Cost — and How to Save
Each course costs $600 per person. The ATA is running a special: Individuals can sign up for both courses at the discounted price of $995, a savings of more than $200. If you’re signing up online, use the code BOWCOMBO.
The content for the original bow technician certification course has been available for over a year, and the on-demand video content for the crossbow technician certification course launched on April 1, 2024.
The ATA is also looking for qualified instructors and wants to grow its network of instructors nationwide to make practical assessment opportunities more accessible and available to students. 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. Contact ATA’s Kurt Smith if you want to learn more about the required qualifications to become an ATA Bow Technician Certification Instructor.
If you have questions about ATA’s Bow Technician courses or the instructor opportunity, please contact Kurt Smith, ATA’s director of industry relations, at kurtsmith@archerytrade.org.
Photos by Archery Trade Association
