PTI Classes

ABOUT PTI CLASSES

Some of the PTI classes may be taken online at scheduled times. Other classes are offered in a classroom setting, usually at our main school location in Tennessee.

NEW in 2009... PTI now 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. These single cert classes will be offered at big paintball events such as D-Day (see registration class schedule).

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.

in addition to technical certifications, PTI also offers classes geared toward persons who are about to open a new field or pro shop. One class (PTI C6) was developed specifically for new field operators, and has been accepted by several insurance companies to satisfy the requirement for field operating experience. Persons who receive this PTI certification will learn how to organize safe games and will qualify for paintball insurance from a preferred risk general liability insurance program. This class was designed from feedback comments we received from PTI students, and includes hands on training at several different fill stations, including CO2 conventional fill stations, CO2 cryogenic pump, high pressure fill table, and 4500 psi booster pump. Students learn how to inspect paintball propellant gas cylinders, as they are taken through the daily routine of running a playing field.

The PTI business and marketing course (How to Succeed in Paintball) has been restructured, and is highly acclaimed by students. Here is your chance to learn tricks and techniques as well as upcoming industry trends that will make a difference in your business. This class is personally taught by Bob McGuire, and draws on his decades of business experience, as well as fifteen years of close personal relationships with the top figures in paintball. Bob starts each class with a short industry update, then asks the participants about their specific interests. The ensuing spirited lecture covers certain critical elements, and then is customized to suit the unique needs of the class participants. This class is also popular with people who are conducting a feasibility study in anticipation of opening a new store or field.

PTI now offers three one-day classes which are perfect for new field operators, and they will be scheduled on consecutive days at several times in 2006. In addition to the Paintball Field Operations Class (PTI C6) and the How to Succeed in Paintball class, PTI now offers a Rec-Ball Referee class (PTI C4R). This new course provides advanced training for recreational game referees. The class is broken up into three groups, and the groups take turns as referees, players, and spectators. Actual detailed scenarios are conducted, and even the spectators get into the action!

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 Gas Theory (PTI C1) certification that serves as the basis for understanding the design, performance, and safety aspects of high pressure cylinders. 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. 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 two days entail training on high end markers, including Angel, Eclipse Ego & ETek... DYE DM series, Proto Matrix and Rail... Smart Parts Epiphany, Nerve, Shocker, Ion, and SP-8... and many more markers. Day three covers a lot of ground, starting with the RAP-4 and RAP-5 milsim marker certification training, and includes special work groups where the students team up to compare specific brands of markers, then give a formal class presentation about features, performance, issues, and design comparisons. These presentations offer revealing insights that even the PTI staff teachers learn from. 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. 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. An example would be a C5 graduate who returns to take day three of the C5 class, in order to pick up the Tippmann C3 Propane marker certification. Students should call PTI to get costs for specific class re-takes. Cost for the Tippmann C3 Propane marker re-take 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.