Blackfox Training Institute
Blackfox Training Institute, founded in 1996 and based in Longmont, Colorado, is a Premier Worldwide Approved IPC Training Center delivering standardized electronics manufacturing certification across six global facilities to enterprise customers, veterans, and individual technicians.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1996
- HeadquartersLongmont, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Blackfox Training Institute does
Blackfox Training Institute is a Longmont, Colorado-based technical training company founded in 1996 that operates as a Premier Worldwide Approved IPC Training Center, delivering standardized certification curricula to the electronics manufacturing industry. The company's core offering comprises six IPC certifications, supplemented by emerging addenda in Space and Counterfeit Components, plus a Veterans Training Program developed with Lockheed Martin and the Colorado Department of Labor. Delivery occurs through six global training facilities supported by channel partnerships in Malaysia (Techment Consultancy) and Singapore (Wizlogix), plus an online channel offering English and Spanish instruction, with 14+ Master IPC Trainers and a cumulative footprint of 700+ engineers and 120+ veterans trained.
The underlying "technology" is the certified instructor pool, the IPC-authorized curriculum, and the physical lab infrastructure required to perform hands-on soldering, rework, and inspection competency assessments, since IPC certification is awarded based on demonstrated workmanship against published standards rather than theoretical testing. The curriculum library, accumulated over 28+ years, and the trainer bench represent the company's primary technical and intangible assets.
The business model is tuition-based technical training sold through multiple channels: per-seat enrollment in scheduled public courses, custom on-site corporate programs for named enterprise accounts (including Naval Air Weapons Center, Honeywell, Jabil, and Lockheed Martin), government-funded cohorts through the Veterans Training Program, and online remote delivery. Pricing is quote-based per course or cohort rather than subscription or platform-fee based, and the company has been bootstrapped without disclosed external funding, generating revenue from training delivery, course materials, and bundled staffing solutions via the Resourcemfg partnership.
Blackfox Training Institute firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Blackfox Training Institute
- Legal name
- Blackfox Training Institute, LLC
- Website
- https://blackfox.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1996
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Blackfox Training Institute, founded in 1996 and based in Longmont, Colorado, is a Premier Worldwide Approved IPC Training Center delivering standardized electronics manufacturing certification across six global facilities to enterprise customers, veterans, and individual technicians.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Blackfox Training Institute industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Electronics Manufacturing Training & Certification
- NAICS
- Technical and Trade Schools (61151), Other Technical and Trade Schools (611519)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Welding Inspection, QA/QC & NDT Prep Training (e.g., CWI) (EDAOADAF)
Keywords
Where Blackfox Training Institute is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Longmont
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices6 records
Markets served
Blackfox Training Institute business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- IPC Certification Training: Fee-based certification courses for individuals and corporate groups. Training leads to industry-traceable IPC certification for instructors, standards experts, quality teams, management, and operators. Pricing is quote-based, with various payment methods including credit cards, company checks, purchase orders, and wire transfers.
- Blackfox Custom Courses: Proprietary soldering and electronics manufacturing training courses developed by Blackfox, including operator and instructor-level programs covering soldering, mechanical assembly, component recognition, ESD, and system integration.
- Training Materials and Products: Online store selling downloadable training materials for instructors, job skill/knowledge assessments, solder training kits, and IPC materials.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Certified IPC Specialist (CIS) - Application-level certification for operators, inspectors, buyers, and management |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Certified IPC Trainer (CIT) - Train-the-trainer certification for individuals and consultants |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Certified Standards Expert (CSE) - Subject matter expert certification |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Customizable Basic Hand Soldering Course |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
Blackfox Training Institute product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Blackfox Training Institute is an authorized IPC training center that delivers IPC certification courses for the electronics manufacturing industry. It offers all six current IPC certifications (IPC-A-600, IPC-A-610, IPC/WHMA-A-620, IPC J-STD-001, IPC 7711/7721, and IPC-6012) leading to Certified IPC Trainer (CIT), Certified Standards Expert (CSE), and Certified IPC Application Specialist (CIS) credentials, plus proprietary Blackfox-branded operator and instructor soldering and assembly courses. Training is delivered via classroom instruction at six global facilities, on-site at client sites, and online in English and Spanish, with optional Space Addendum modules for aerospace/defense applications.
Product overview
Blackfox Training Institute is a premier IPC-authorized training and certification center offering a comprehensive portfolio of electronics manufacturing training programs. The company provides six core IPC certification programs (IPC-A-600, IPC-A-610, IPC/WHMA-A-620, IPC J-STD-001, IPC 7711/7721, and IPC-6012) using a two-tier 'train-the-trainer' approach leading to industry-traceable CIS, CSE, and CIT certifications. These certifications are available with optional Space Addendum certifications for aerospace applications and recertification programs every 24 months. Complementing the certification programs are Blackfox-branded operator and instructor courses covering customizable soldering, component recognition, ESD, mechanical assembly, lead-free soldering, high-temp soldering, and counterfeit component detection. The company delivers training through multiple modalities including in-person instruction at its facilities (Colorado, Arizona, Mexico, Malaysia, Singapore), on-site at client facilities, and online in English and Spanish. Additional services include training program support, material evaluation, custom course development, and an online store for training materials and IPC documentation.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- IPC Certification Programs Authorized IPC certification programs covering acceptability of electronic assemblies (IPC-A-610), printed circuit board characteristics (IPC-A-600), cable and wire harness fabrication (IPC/WHMA-A-620), soldered electrical assembly materials and methods (IPC J-STD-001), rework and repair of electronic components (IPC 7711/7721), and rigid printed board qualification (IPC-6012). Three certification tiers: Certified IPC Trainer (CIT) for instructors, Certified Standards Expert (CSE) for subject matter experts, and Certified IPC Application Specialist (CIS) for operators and inspectors. For electronics manufacturers, OEMs, EMS providers, and aerospace/defense contractors.
- Space Addendum Certifications Add-on IPC certifications for J-STD-001 and IPC/WHMA-A-620 covering additional requirements for space flight and military hardware applications that must survive vibration and thermal cyclic environments. For aerospace and defense contractors producing Class 3 hardware.
- IPC Recertification Programs Recertification courses required every 24 months for all IPC certification programs to maintain currency of Certified IPC Trainer (CIT), Certified Standards Expert (CSE), and Certified IPC Application Specialist (CIS) credentials.
- Customizable Basic Hand Soldering Course Blackfox-branded modularized beginner hand soldering course with theory and hands-on modules covering through-hole soldering, surface mount soldering, and terminal/post soldering. Customers can pick and choose specific modules to focus on without spending time on unnecessary modules. Includes IPC Manual and Certificate; certification valid for 24 months. For electronics manufacturing operators.
- Component Series Operator-level training series covering electronic component recognition and identification skills for electronics manufacturing personnel.
- ESD Training Operator-level training on electrostatic discharge (ESD) prevention and control in electronics manufacturing environments.
- Mechanical Assembly Series Operator-level training covering print reading, wire preparation, and crimping skills for electronics manufacturing.
- Printed Circuit Board Repair Operator training in repair techniques for printed circuit boards.
- System Integration Training on system integration processes for electronics manufacturing.
- Lead Free Soldering Specialized soldering training focused on lead-free soldering techniques and compliance with RoHS directives.
- High Temp Soldering Advanced soldering training for high-temperature soldering applications.
- Counterfeit Components Detection Training in detecting and preventing counterfeit electronic components in the electronics supply chain.
- Instructor Training Series Blackfox-branded train-the-trainer programs for individuals who will deliver IPC certification training, including Instructor Soldering Series, Instructor Mechanical Assembly Series, and Instructor Component Series.
- Online IPC Training Remote delivery of IPC certification programs in English and Spanish, with flexible scheduling and registration deadlines allowing students to certify without traveling to a Blackfox facility.
- On-Site Training Services Training delivered at client facilities by Blackfox Master IPC Trainers, embedding training capabilities within customer operations with customized programs and Customer Training Management services.
- Training Program Support Consulting and support services for developing and implementing structured training programs within customer organizations.
- Training Material Evaluation Assessment services for evaluating and validating customer training materials and curriculum.
- Course Development Custom course development services for creating specialized training programs tailored to customer requirements.
- Blackfox Online Store E-commerce platform at blackfoxonline.net offering downloadable training materials for instructors, job skill and knowledge assessments, solder training kits, and IPC materials.
- Veterans Training Program Workforce development program delivering IPC certification training to military veterans transitioning to civilian careers, run in partnership with Colorado Department of Labor and Employment Veteran Services Group and Lockheed Martin. Eligible veterans can use GI Bill benefits under Title 38 U.S.C. authorization. Over 120 veterans certified to date, with roughly 80% graduating at Class 3 (most stringent) level.
Quantifiable outcome
- Over 70% of US electronics manufacturing companies face worker shortage - Blackfox bridges this gap through certified training programs
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use Blackfox Training Institute
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
Blackfox Training Institute technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
Blackfox Training Institute partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Techment ConsultancycorePartnership between Blackfox and Techment Consultancy delivers IPC training to Southeast Asia. Techment serves as the Malaysian representative office handling marketing and training coordination for Blackfox training programs in the region.
- ResourcemfgcoreBlackfox Training Institute and Resourcemfg partnered to address the electronics staffing shortage by combining training expertise with staffing solutions, helping companies find qualified personnel while providing certification pathways.
- WizlogixcoreWizlogix serves as the Singapore representative for Blackfox, providing business development and training coordination services under Senior Business Development Manager Charlene Phuang.
- Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, Veteran Services GroupcoreBlackfox works with the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment Veteran Services Group for recruiting veterans transitioning to civilian careers or underemployed individuals seeking careers in electronic manufacturing.
- Lockheed MartinminorBlackfox and Colorado Department of Labor and Employment partnered with Lockheed Martin to train veterans for potential employment in aerospace manufacturing.
- Saint Vrain Valley School DistrictcoreBlackfox is a member of the advisory committee for the Saint Vrain Valley School District Advanced Manufacturing Academy in Longmont, CO, helping create high school courses covering all aspects of advanced manufacturing including electronics.
- School to Work Alliance Program (SWAP)minorBlackfox actively participates in SWAP events around northern Colorado, advising young adults on careers in electronics manufacturing. SWAP is a program from the Colorado Division of Vocational Rehabilitation.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Blackfox Training Institute competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- ACI Technologies: ACI Technologies (formerly part of Creation Technologies) is an IPC-authorized training center offering IPC certification programs and electronics manufacturing services, overlapping with Blackfox in training delivery and customer base.
- EPTAC Corporation: EPTAC is one of the largest IPC-authorized training centers in North America, offering the same suite of IPC certification programs (CIT, CIS, CSE) and competing head-to-head with Blackfox for the same enterprise customers in electronics manufacturing.
- BEST Inc. BEST Inc. specializes in solder training and IPC certification, including J-STD-001 and IPC-A-610, serving electronics manufacturing customers with hands-on curriculum similar to Blackfox's operator and instructor offerings.
- STI Electronics: STI Electronics provides IPC-certified training, contract manufacturing services, and engineering support for electronics assembly. It directly competes with Blackfox in IPC training and offers similar solder and rework certification programs.
Others
- CompTIA: CompTIA is a major IT certification body that, like IPC in electronics manufacturing, licenses authorized training partners. It represents a structural analog for how certification ecosystems scale, though it operates in IT rather than electronics manufacturing.
Broad incumbents
- Creation Technologies: Creation Technologies is a large-scale global EMS provider that has historically offered internal training programs and IPC certification support; it competes for adjacent training dollars and is a potential customer of IPC-certified workforce solutions.
- IEC Electronics: IEC Electronics is a vertically integrated EMS provider serving aerospace, defense, and medical markets with internal IPC-certified workforce training; it represents an enterprise buyer profile that Blackfox targets for outsourced training engagements.
Emerging players
- EEI Manufacturing Services: EEI Manufacturing Services provides electronics manufacturing training and certification services, including IPC programs, and serves a similar electronics manufacturing customer base as Blackfox, though with a smaller geographic footprint.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Blackfox Training Institute social profiles
Digital presenceBlackfox Training Institute financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Blackfox Training Institute leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles8 records
Blackfox Training Institute funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Blackfox Training Institute M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Blackfox Training Institute
What does Blackfox Training Institute do?
Blackfox Training Institute is an authorized IPC training center that delivers IPC certification courses for the electronics manufacturing industry. It offers all six current IPC certifications (IPC-A-600, IPC-A-610, IPC/WHMA-A-620, IPC J-STD-001, IPC 7711/7721, and IPC-6012) leading to Certified IPC Trainer (CIT), Certified Standards Expert (CSE), and Certified IPC Application Specialist (CIS) credentials, plus proprietary Blackfox-branded operator and instructor soldering and assembly courses. Training is delivered via classroom instruction at six global facilities, on-site at client sites, and online in English and Spanish, with optional Space Addendum modules for aerospace/defense applications.
Is Blackfox Training Institute a public or private company?
Blackfox Training Institute is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Blackfox Training Institute founded?
Blackfox Training Institute was founded in 1996. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Blackfox Training Institute based?
Blackfox Training Institute is headquartered in Longmont, United States, in the North America region.
How does Blackfox Training Institute make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. IPC Certification Training is the primary driver. The others are blackfox Custom Courses and training Materials and Products.
Who are Blackfox Training Institute's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are ACI Technologies, EPTAC Corporation, BEST Inc. and STI Electronics. CompTIA is listed as an others. Broad incumbents are Creation Technologies and IEC Electronics. EEI Manufacturing Services is listed as an emerging player.
Does Blackfox Training Institute have an API?
No public API is recorded for Blackfox Training Institute.
What industry is Blackfox Training Institute in?
Blackfox Training Institute's product category is Electronics Manufacturing Training & Certification. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAOADAF, Welding Inspection, QA/QC & NDT Prep Training (e.g., CWI). Its NAICS code is 61151 and its SIC code is 8200.