NAPA Training Programs Now Available to Independent Owners
Independent store owners can now access professional management training designed to improve operational and financial results.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Auto Parts
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NAPA Academy is now offering its professional training resources to independent business owners, marking an expansion from company-operated stores. The program, which debuted in Atlanta on September 21, 2026, focuses on improving management skills through online courses and specialized guides.
Why it matters
The program helps independent store managers connect daily operational decisions to long-term financial performance. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to support consistent service quality and professional development across the NAPA network.
The training framework includes three proficiency levels—foundation, advanced, and mastery—with individual online courses designed to be completed in 10 to 20 minutes.
The players
NAPA Academy
The professional training arm of NAPA, responsible for developing educational resources and operational standards for store employees.
The details
NAPA developed the training modules by observing performance metrics at high-performing stores. The curriculum is categorized into four primary areas: financial results, team development, operational excellence, and customer service. Independent owners can access these materials voluntarily through a combination of online coursework and a downloadable store manager guide.
Timeline
September 21-24, 2026: Program introduced at the NAPA Store Owner and Field Sales Meeting in Atlanta.
The Home Front
This rollout aligns with the NAPA Drive 2030 strategy, which prioritizes long-term investment in personnel to maintain service standards. The shift reflects a growing industry trend of standardizing training resources across independent franchises to ensure operational consistency.
Independent shop owners interested in professional development should review the available modules to determine if the mastery-level tracks fit their current management goals. You can access the new training resources, including the store manager guide, through your existing NAPA portal.
The takeaway
The program offers a flexible way for business owners to improve team performance and store financials through structured learning. Managers should begin by reviewing the foundation-level materials to integrate these performance-based practices into their current workflow.
Further reading
Learn more about local automotive maintenance and parts resources in our Auto Parts section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by AftermarketNews.
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