Definitions
Certified
The action or process of providing someone or something with an official document attesting to a status or level of achievement.
Accreditation
Accreditation is the independent, third-party evaluation of a conformity assessment body against recognized standards, conveying formal demonstration of its impartiality and competence to carry out specific conformity assessment tasks
Comparison of Programs
ASE (Auto repair)
- No formal trade schooling needed
- All testing is computer-based questions: NO HANDS on
- Retesting every 3 years required
- Has 3 levels
- Mechanic
- Technician
- Master Technician
National Bicycle Service Technician Program
- No formal trade schooling needed
- On-line training will be the focus
- Hands- on training will be incorporated into the obtaining and maintaining your Accreditation
- Stay up on training requirements no retesting
- Will have 3 levels
- Mechanic
- Technician
- Master Technician
What the Program IS and IS NOT
Program is
- VOLUNTARY
- Way to ensure that mechanics trained or more familiar with changing technology
- Provides a peace of mind to customers that mechanics are professionals and not hobbyists
- Provides a measurable employment metrics to employers.
- Provides a conduit for Manufacturers to provide the best after sale care to customers
Program is not
- Minatory
- A Union or Barging Entity for any wages or benefits
- A group to pressure Industry Leaders to provide training ( just a voice)
Benefits of a Training Program
It improves skills and knowledge
A training programs help improve the knowledge and skills of mechanics to match the various changes in the industry. These improvements will positively affect the productivity of workers, which can increase the profits and efficiency of a Bicycle Shop.
Higher job satisfaction
Employee Training and Development Increases Job Satisfaction and Morale
Improved skills
Improved confidence. Receiving training on a specific process or concept can help improve employees’ confidence in their skills.
Work process uniformity
If mechanics undergo training in the workplace, the work process across the workforce would be more standardized.
Drive collaboration and innovation
Any organization that prioritizes learning will be better positioned to foster innovation.
A look at the 3 levels of Accreditation
Mechanic
- Be employed from 6 month to 1 year in a Bicycle shop
- Attend an in-person entry level bicycle maintenance class (see list of qualifying courses)
- Complete Stratford Career Institute’s on-line Bicycle repair course
- Obtain E-bike Certification from one source (see list of qualifying courses)
- Complete Shimanio TEC certification online courses (100 points)
- Complete introductory SRAM Tech U online courses (100 points)
Or Complete:
- Northwest Arkansas Community College:
Bicycle Assembly and Repair Technician - Minneapolis College: Redwing
Bicycle Assembly and Repair Technician
Technician
- Be employed form 2 year to 2½ years in a Bicycle shop
- Attend an in-person Pro level bicycle maintenance class (see list of qualifying courses)
- Attend an in-person Suspension Tech (see list of qualifying courses)
- Attend an in-person Wheel Building (see list of qualifying courses)
- Attend an in-person Disc Brakes (see list of qualifying courses)
- Attend an in-person SRAM Tech University 2-day class ( 102 or 201)
- Obtain E-bike Certification from one source (see list of qualifying courses)
- Continue with Shimanio TEC online courses (250 more points)
- Continue with SRAM Tech U online courses (250 more points)
Master Mechanic
- Be employed for 3 years or more in a Bicycle shop
- Attend a Fox Suspension class (see list of qualifying courses)
- Attend a Bike Fit class (see list of qualifying courses)
- Attend a Dropper Post Clinic (see list of qualifying courses)
- Attend a Frame Building class (see list of qualifying courses)
- Complete Shimanio TEC online courses
- Complete SRAM Tech U online courses
