Center Certification

Skip Ad
Skip Ad

Information

The USBC Center Certification department is dedicated to providing bowling centers with an unbiased and accurate assessment of their playing fields. This service ensures compliance with USBC standards by confirming the use of USBC-approved products and verifying that lanes meet the required dimensions for certified tenpin bowling play.

Our Mission

To deliver accurate assessments of bowling center playing fields across the industry and to educate stakeholders on the value and benefits of being a certified bowling center.

Program Overview and Resources

USBC continuously strives to enhance the center certification process. Comprehensive studies and industry feedback have informed updates to our procedures, ensuring that our program remains at the forefront of quality and consistency.

For a detailed overview of the latest tiered Center Certification program, read our FAQ document.

What’s New for 2026?

USBC is introducing additional updates to the certification program in 2026 to enhance its value and accessibility:

  • Extended Certification Cycle: Centers will now undergo inspections every five years, replacing the current three-year rotation.
  • Reduced Annual Costs: Certification fees are adjusted to $40 per lane for five years (previously $30 per lane for three years), reducing the annual cost from $10 per lane to $8 per lane—a 20% savings.

These changes reflect USBC’s commitment to making the certification process more efficient and cost-effective for bowling centers while upholding the highest standards of play.

Why Certification Matters

A certified bowling center ensures a level playing field for athletes, adheres to USBC-approved standards, and enhances the experience for players and stakeholders alike. The tiered system provides clarity and recognition for centers that excel in compliance and maintenance.

How Inspections Work

USBC inspections leverage cutting-edge technology like the ACE Tool (Automatic Certification Evaluation) to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and reliability. To learn more about how ACE supports the certification process, CLICK HERE.

Get Certified Today

Learn more about the tiered certification program and how it benefits your center by visiting our Center Certification FAQ. For any questions or to contact us, CLICK HERE.

Let’s work together to keep the sport of bowling strong and its playing fields certified for excellence!