Description
ATA Bow Technician Certification
Compound Technician Certification
Full bow setup, tuning, and fitting — from string and cable replacement to accessory installation and paper tuning. Built by retailers, manufacturers, and industry experts to give your shop a consistent, credible service standard.
How Certification Works
Watch Online
Complete the on-demand course at your own pace, on your own schedule.
Practice the Skills
Re-watch videos and practice each skill in your shop before assessment day.
Pass the Practical
Attend a half-day in-person assessment to demonstrate the skills and get certified.
Practical Assessment Includes
- Complete a bow setup for the instructor acting as your "customer"
- Replace string & cables; time cams
- Set factory axle-to-axle and brace height
- Install drop-away rest, peep sight, d-loop
- Level 2nd & 3rd axis on sight
- Adjust draw length & weight based on form fundamentals
- Select an appropriate arrow for the setup
- Assist with paper tuning and make adjustments
- Remove all accessories from the bow
Skills Covered
- Compound bow parts & function
- Foundational form & bow fitment
- Safe use of bow shop tools & fixtures
- String & cable replacement, cam timing
- Axle-to-axle & brace height adjustment
- Rest, peep & d-loop installation
- 2nd & 3rd axis sight leveling
- Draw length & weight fitting
- Arrow selection
- Basic paper tuning
Pricing
Common Questions
How long will this process take?
The online course is self-paced — most technicians finish it in a few hours spread across a week or two. The in-person practical assessment takes about half a day. Total time depends on how quickly you move through the videos and when a practical session is scheduled near you.
What's covered in the practical assessment?
The compound technician assessment covers a full hands-on bow setup, tuning, and fitting checklist — see "Practical Assessment Includes" above for the complete breakdown.
Where are practical assessments held?
Practical assessments are scheduled at locations and dates throughout the year. View the current schedule and locations on the assessment dates page.
Is this certification required to sell or service bows?
No — certification is voluntary. It's designed to give your shop a consistent service standard and give customers confidence that any certified technician on your team can deliver the same quality setup.
How much does it cost and what's included?
$600 for this certification (or bundle with crossbow and/or recurve — see Pricing above). Each price includes the full on-demand course and one seat at an in-person practical assessment.
Still have questions?
Kurt Smith, Director of Industry Relations, can help with group registrations and assessment locations.
Pricing:
- $600/person
- AN ADDITIONAL FEE OF $200 IS REQUIRED WHEN SCHEDULING A PRACTICAL DIRECTLY WITH AN INSTRUCTOR. ATA HOSTED PRACTICALS ARE OFFERED SEVERAL TIMES THROUGHOUT THE YEAR AT NO ADDITIONAL COST
- Discounts available by purchasing Certification Course Bundles
- REFUND POLICY
- Practical Assessments hosted by the ATA are filled on a first come, first serve basis. Online course content must be completed to reserve a practical spot. Enrollment in the program does not guarantee placement at a specific practical session. If less than 25 percent of the course content is completed, you may submit a request without reason via email. Your enrollment fee will be refunded to the original form of payment unless expressly agreed upon otherwise. If 25 percent or more of the course content has been completed, no refunds will be given.
- AGE REQUIREMENTS & WAIVER OF LIABILITY
- All participants must agree to a Waiver of Liability before proceeding with the course. Participants under 18 years of age may enroll, but must be 18 at the time of the practical assessment.
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