PTI Classes

ABOUT PTI CLASSES

PTI earned its reputation with classes for advanced paintball equipment service technicians (airsmiths). However, PTI now offers one and two-day classes which are perfect for new field operators, and they are scheduled on consecutive days, several times each year. The new C1 certification for Propellant Gas Systems teaches CO2 and high pressure compressed air/nitrogen fill station operation, as well as bottle inspection and valve removal techniques.

Most of our classes are offered in a classroom setting, usually at our main school location in Tennessee. However, many classes are also offered online in our LIVE VIRTUAL CLASSROOM.

If you want to become an expert airsmith on a specific marker brand, nothing can be better than traveling to the actual manufacturer for intense classes. Unfortunately, if an airsmith wants certifications on many different marker brands, it may be difficult to take classes all over the country. Paintball Training Institute (PTI) can be a “One Stop Shop” for many certifications. Most of the marker manufacturers offer their certifications through PTI, and students can travel to Tennessee for a marathon session on markers from many different manufacturers.

PTI also offers special classes for single brands (BT, Tippmann, Spyder) without any prerequisite classes or extra training requirements. These PTI certifications are designed for fields who want to train staff on the marker types used for their field rentals. Graduates of these two hour seminars will receive PTI certifications exactly like those received in the regular certification classes, but only for the markers specifically taught in the "Single Certification" classes. The single cert will cover more than one marker type for that single manufacturer. PTI also offers classes geared toward persons who are about to open a new field or pro shop.

Airsmith certifications are the backbone of PTI. There are three certification levels, starting with the Basic Airsmith (PTI C2) certification. The C2 class is taught as part of a two day class, along with the Propellant Gas Systems (PTI C1) certification that serves as the basis for understanding the design, performance, and safety aspects of high pressure cylinders and fill stations. Students in this two day class learn many things, including marker design theory and basic troubleshooting. They also get a taste of hands-on marker assembly, as they work on a stacked-bolt blow-back marker and an in-line blowback marker, in addition to electronic loaders. After completing the basic airsmith class, students may enroll in the Advanced Airsmith (PTI C5) certification class. This three day class is a refreshing new experience for the students, as it is totally hands on. This class starts with some basic machine shop work, moves on to rigorous tear down and reassembly of many of the most popular markers (such as autocockers and Tippmanns), and finishes with a practical exam… the students must repair several “buggared” markers. This is a laid back class where the students have fun.

The most demanding and highest technical class offered by PTI is the C5A Master Airsmith Certification. Spread out over five days, the first three days entail training on high end markers, including Angel, Eclipse Ego & ETek... DYE DM series, Proto Matrix and Rail... Smart Parts Shocker, Ion, and Vibe... and many more markers. The final two days are devoted to a very difficult practical exam, where the students are assigned especially "buggared" markers with very complex problems ("I bought it on Ebay"). This exercise is at times frustrating, as the students must employ design theory troubleshooting, and may receive negative points for fixing a marker the wrong way, or for using extra parts. Students typically repair at least 15 of these difficult markers in order to graduate. Additional time is permitted, if necessary, to complete the exam. Most students do better if they have practical experience, before taking this class.

In today's computerized world, many students own their own notebook computers. We encourage students to bring along their computers to PTI classes, and we now furnish free wireless internet access in the main classroom building as well as the student dormitory rooms. The marker manuals are now on CD, and students also enjoy taking down their e-mail during breaks in the classes. We will provide an electrical outlet so you can park your own notebook at your classroom work station. If you don't have your own notebook computer, we have several PTI computers for general student use with marker CD manuals, but they will not have internet access.

PTI graduates may also qualify for special certifications direct from the manufacturer. One example is Tippmann's "Certified Tech Center" program. PTI C5 graduates can submit a dealer application to Tippmann and purchase the same parts kit for the same price as they would have paid if they had attended a Tippmann "Certified Technical Training Class". They will then be listed on the Tippmann web site and be entitled to the exact same privileges and pricing as any other certified tech center.

FREE PTI CLASSES are often available for past PTI graduates who want to sit in on classes they have already taken. This is on a space-available basis, and does not include testing or class materials. We also offer returning students a special price if they wish to re-take certification classes (including exams), or take new certifications which were not offered when the students originally took the class. Students should call PTI to get costs for specific class re-takes. Typical cost for returning students who receive additional certifications is $100.

Interested students can register online or you can call PTI at 1-800-541-9169. You can also e-mail us with questions: info@paintball-pti.com.