American Technical Publishers

What American Technical Publishers does

American Technical Publishers (ATP), operating as ATP Learning, is a privately held, employee-owned publisher founded in 1898 and headquartered in Orland Park, Illinois. The company develops and distributes career and technical training materials for skilled trades, organized across nine product categories: Licensing & Certification Preparation, Code & Safety Compliance, Electrical & Electronic Systems, Construction Processes & Management, Facility Operation & Maintenance, Manufacturing & Automated Processes, Agricultural & Power Systems, Culinary Arts & Services, and Workforce Education & Development. Its catalog of more than 200 titles is aligned with regulated industry standards including NEC (2017, 2020, 2023, and 2026 editions), OSHA, NFPA 70E, AWS, ACF, NABCEP, and LEED, and is co-developed with trade bodies such as electrical training ALLIANCE, EETC, ACF, IUOE, NFPA, and the United Association.

Core delivery spans printed textbooks and workbooks, ATP eTextbooks (Lifetime and 180-day access) powered by VitalSource with read-aloud, search, notes, and offline syncing, an Online Resources Portal offering Quick Quizzes, Flash Cards, and a Video Library, Premium Access Package bundles combining print and digital, and CoursePak institutional term licensing. Instructor resources (test banks, PowerPoints, instructional guides) are complimentary with orders of 20+ textbooks and export into LMS platforms via LIT integration. ATP generates revenue primarily through one-time print and digital textbook sales (with 25% volume discounts at 5+ units and 50%-of-list pricing for 180-day eTextbooks), bundled Premium Access Packages, subscription-based online exam-prep courses, and institutional licensing. Distribution is omnichannel: direct e-commerce at atplearning.com, phone, email, fax, and mail order entry, authorized eTextbook reseller platforms (VitalSource, BibliU, Kortext, Campus eBookstore), and a Canadian returns and distribution partnership with Lakeside Book Company. Recent strategic activity is concentrated in NEC 2026 cycle refreshes, new robotics and agricultural content, and the November 2025 NFPA LiNK partnership extending digital codes-and-standards access through IEC's apprenticeship network.

Name

American Technical Publishers

Legal name

American Technical Publishers, Inc.

Website

https://atplearning.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1898

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

American Technical Publishers (ATP Learning) is an employee-owned publisher founded in 1898 that produces career and technical training materials, including textbooks, eTextbooks, and online courses, for skilled-trades education across electrical, construction, HVAC, welding, manufacturing, culinary, and agricultural sectors, serving technical schools, apprenticeship programs, and individual learners in the U.S. and Canada.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Technical & Vocational Education Publishing

NAICS

Books Printing (323117)

SIC

Books: Publishing Or Publishing & Printing (2731), Book Printing (2732)

akta.pro primary industry

Industry-Specific Technical & Certification Prep (e.g., Construction, Manufacturing, Energy) (EDAGANAN)

akta.pro secondary industries

Professional & Trade Education Publishing (Vocational/Certification) (MPAJABAE), Institutional & Custom Publishing (Coursepacks, Campus/Corporate Training) (MPAJABAL)

Keywords

• Technical education publishing
• Skilled trades training
• Electrical exam preparation
• Career technical education
• Apprenticeship curriculum

Headquarters

HQ city

Orland Park

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Digital Commerce or Content

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Print Textbook and Workbook Sales: Traditional printed educational materials sold individually or in bulk to educational institutions and individuals. Volume discounts available for orders of 5+ items (25% discount). Products include comprehensive textbooks, workbooks, study guides, and answer keys.
2. eTextbook Sales: Digital versions of textbooks available with 180-day or lifetime access. Sold individually through website and partner platforms (VitalSource, BibliU, Kortext, Campus eBookstore). Pricing typically 50% of print edition.
3. Premium Access Packages: Bundled offerings combining print textbook with eTextbook lifetime access. Provides flexible multi-format access to learning materials at discounted bundle pricing.
4. Online Instructor Resources: Complimentary instructor resources (test banks, PowerPoints, instructional guides) provided with orders of 20+ textbooks. Additional premium online tutorial videos and assessment tools available.
5. Online Course Subscriptions: Self-directed online courses (e.g., Online Electrician Exam Preparation) with 1200+ questions, article exams, and timed final practice licensing exams. Certificate of completion awarded upon passing.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

American Technical Publishers (ATP) develops, publishes, and sells career and technical education textbooks, workbooks, and digital learning materials for skilled trades. The company produces printed and electronic textbooks covering electrical, construction, HVAC/R, welding, manufacturing, culinary arts, and agricultural disciplines, along with licensing exam preparation content aligned to NEC, OSHA, NFPA, AWS, and ACF standards. ATP also delivers complementary digital learning resources including eTextbooks (via VitalSource), an online resources portal with quizzes and videos, and instructor support tools.

Product overview

American Technical Publishers (ATP), operating as ATP Learning, is a publisher of career and technical training materials for skilled trades. The product portfolio consists of multiple platform categories including Licensing & Certification Preparation (Journeyman/Master Electrician exam prep based on NEC editions, LEED credentials, boiler operator training), Code & Safety Compliance (NEC codes, OSHA/NFPA 70E electrical safety), Electrical & Electronic Systems (motor controls, PLCs, smart home technology), Construction Processes & Management (carpentry, plumbing, concrete work), Facility Operation & Maintenance (HVAC, building automation, energy auditing), Manufacturing & Automated Processes (welding, FANUC robotics, PLC/HMI programming), Agricultural & Power Systems, Culinary Arts & Services, and Workforce Education & Development. Core delivery formats include ATP eTextbooks (powered by VitalSource with digital tools like global search, read aloud, syncing), Online Resources Portal (Quick Quizzes, Flash Cards, Video Library), Premium Access Package (print + digital bundle), and CoursePak (institutional licensing). Products are sold as textbooks, workbooks, online courses, and instructor resources with LMS integration capabilities.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• ATP eTextbooks Digital versions of ATP textbooks powered by VitalSource, offered with 180-day or Lifetime access. Features global search, in-line notes, read aloud (text-to-speech), workbook tools for editing notes, bookmarks, offline access, accessibility features, and syncing across devices. Sold individually or bundled.
• Premium Access Package Trademarked bundle combining a printed textbook/workbook with an ATP eTextbook for flexible multi-format access to learning materials anytime, anywhere. Priced as a discounted bundle versus separate purchase (e.g., Small Engines: List $150.00, 5+ Price $112.50).
• CoursePak Trademarked institutional solution for instructors assigning 5+ Premium Access Packages or eTextbooks to students for 1-year or 5-year terms, supporting classroom cohort management.
• Online Resources Portal Web-based portal at atplearningresources.com providing Internet Resources, Quick Quizzes, Flash Cards, Reviews, and Video Library for students and instructors, accessed via QuickLinks QR codes in ATP textbooks.
• Master Electrician's Exam Preparation Based on the 2026 NEC Exam preparation text/workbook with step-by-step procedures for master electrician licensing exam preparation, referencing specific NEC 2026 articles and tables.
• Carpentry (7th Edition) Comprehensive carpentry textbook with 70 units covering tools, equipment, materials, and trade practices including unequal pitch roof framing, mass timber framing, rigging, alternative energy systems, and decks.
• Small Engines (4th Edition) Comprehensive textbook covering small engine operation and service principles including electronic fuel injection, quiet power technology, and lithium-ion batteries.
• Programming FANUC Robots for Industry Applications Introduction to programming FANUC industrial robots using handheld teach pendant, covering robot cell environment, components, operation, safety, and programming concepts including ROBOGUIDE software.
• Electrical Motor Controls for Integrated Systems (5th Edition) Industry-leading textbook covering electrical, motor, and mechanical devices in automated systems and industrial control circuits, including motor starters, drives, PLCs, and semiconductors.
• Safe Boiler Operation Fundamentals Introductory text/workbook on safe and efficient boiler operation covering ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, hot-water and steam boilers, and refrigeration systems.
• Agricultural Electrical Principles & Applications Text/workbook covering electrical principles and applications in agricultural enterprises including raceway systems, enclosures, conductors, grounding, and overcurrent protection. Published 2026.
• Boiler Operator's Workbook Competency-based workbook covering boiler plant preparation, startup, shutdown, emergency procedures, with over 1,700 sample licensing exam questions from US and Canada.
• National Electrical Code 2023 Authoritative NFPA document for electrical installations in residential, commercial, and industrial settings with completely reorganized structure and expanded Article 100.
• National Electrical Code 2020 Benchmark NFPA standard for electrical safety providing requirements for safer electrical design, installation, inspection including wiring, overcurrent protection, grounding, and equipment.
• Online Electrician Exam Preparation Course Self-directed online course (e.g., Online Electrician Exam Preparation 2020 NEC) with 1200+ questions, article exams, and timed final practice licensing exams. Certificate of completion awarded upon passing. 45-60 hours total course time per course.
• Self-Adhesive Index Tabs for NEC 2023 Self-adhesive index tabs for NFPA 70 National Electrical Code and Handbook, compatible with 2023 editions. Includes 96 durable, reusable, color-coded tabs for quick reference.
• Self-Adhesive Index Tabs for NEC 2026 Self-adhesive index tabs for NFPA 70 National Electrical Code and Handbook, compatible with 2026 editions. Includes 108 durable and reusable index tabs for quick reference.

Named customers4 records

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration5 records

AI capability2 records

Feature7 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership announced November 2025 to extend access to NFPA LiNK digital platform for safety codes to IEC's network of educational campuses and chapters. Provides electrical apprentices and instructors with real-time access to NFPA codes and standards supporting safety education and training.
• Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIEC network of educational campuses and chapters gains access to NFPA LiNK platform through ATP partnership with NFPA. Collaboration supports electrical apprenticeship training nationwide.
• VitalSourcecoreTechnology or IntegrationeTextbook delivery platform powering ATP eTextbooks with features including global search, in-line notes, read aloud, workbook functionality, bookmarks, offline access, and device syncing.
• BibliUminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized eTextbook distribution partner providing alternative platform access for ATP digital content.
• KortextminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized eTextbook distribution partner providing alternative platform access for ATP digital content.
• Campus eBookstoreminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized eTextbook distribution partner serving educational institution bookstores with ATP digital content.
• electrical training ALLIANCEcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerATP publishes 'Applied Codeology: Navigating the 2023 NEC' developed by electrical training ALLIANCE, combining industry expertise with ATP's publishing capabilities for electrical code training materials.
• Equipment & Engine Training Council (EETC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to develop 'Electrical Systems for Outdoor Power Equipment' covering fundamentals aligned with EETC electrical certification test standards.
• American Culinary Federation (ACF)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with ACF for 'National Apprenticeship Training Program for Cooks' helping learners prepare for ACF certified culinarian (CC) and certified sous chef (CSC) certifications.
• United Association of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting IndustrycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of US and Canada for 'Solar Water Heating Systems: Fundamentals and Installation' preparing learners for NABCEP Solar Heating Installer Certification.
• International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIUOE stationary engineer apprenticeship program referenced as pathway for careers in facility operation and maintenance, leading to qualification for stationary engineer licenses required by most states.
• American Welding Society (AWS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAWS standards referenced for welder qualification and certification; ATP welding curricula aligned with AWS certification requirements.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Goodheart-Willcox Publisher: Goodheart-Willcox is a long-standing direct competitor to ATP in career and technical education textbooks, publishing for construction, electrical, HVAC, manufacturing, and other skilled trades audiences served through schools and apprenticeship programs.
• Jones & Bartlett Learning: Jones & Bartlett Learning is a direct vocational publisher focused on trades, safety, health, and emergency services — closely aligned with ATP's safety, electrical, and skilled trades exam prep offerings.
• Mike Holt Enterprises: Mike Holt Enterprises specializes in NEC-based electrical training, exam preparation, and continuing education, directly competing with ATP in the electrician licensing and code-compliance training segment.
• International Code Council (ICC): ICC publishes the building, fire, and related I-codes used in construction trades education, providing training, certification, and code publications that directly compete with ATP's code and safety compliance product category.
• BNi Building News: BNi Building News publishes construction reference books, cost data, and training materials for builders and trades professionals, directly competing with ATP's construction processes and management titles.

Broad incumbents

• Cengage Learning: Cengage, including the legacy Delmar/Cengage Learning trade publishing imprint, is a major educational publisher with significant vocational and technical trades content that competes broadly with ATP across electrical, construction, and HVAC curricula.
• Pearson Education: Pearson is a large global education publisher with vocational and professional training titles that overlap ATP's trades certification prep and exam preparation categories, though Pearson serves a much broader subject range.
• McGraw-Hill Education: McGraw-Hill Education publishes a broad portfolio of technical and professional textbooks including trades, engineering, and licensing exam prep content that competes with ATP at institutional buyers.
• Wiley: Wiley publishes professional, technical, and educational content including trades and certification titles, with global reach and digital distribution that overlaps ATP's institutional and professional markets.
• Elsevier: Elsevier is a large academic and professional publisher with engineering, energy, and technical training content that occasionally overlaps ATP's industry-specific technical and certification prep categories.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/ATP_Connect
• Facebookfacebook.com/American-Technical-Publishers-105602770775276
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/american-technical-publishers

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about American Technical Publishers