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
What NBSTP Is and Isn't
NBSTP Is:
- Voluntary: Participation is entirely optional.
- A way to ensure mechanics are trained and familiar with evolving technology.
- A source of peace of mind for customers, confirming mechanics are professionals, not hobbyists.
- A measurable metric for employers to assess employment qualifications.
- A conduit for manufacturers to deliver the best after-sale care through skilled professionals.
NBSTP Is Not:
- Mandatory.
- A union or bargaining entity for wages or benefits.
- A group that pressures industry leaders for training (we serve as a supportive voice instead).
Benefits of a Training Program
Improved Skills and Knowledge
Training programs enhance mechanics’ abilities to adapt to industry changes, boosting productivity, profits, and efficiency in bicycle shops.
Higher Job Satisfaction
Employee training and development increase job satisfaction and morale.
Greater Confidence
Receiving targeted training builds employees’ confidence in their skills.
Work Process Uniformity
Standardized training leads to consistent work processes across the workforce.
Drive Collaboration and Innovation
Organizations that prioritize learning are better positioned to foster innovation and teamwork.
The 3 Levels of Accreditation
Mechanic
- Be employed for 6 months 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 online Bicycle Repair course.
- Obtain E-bike Certification from one source (see list of qualifying courses).
- Complete Shimano 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 (Red Wing):
Bicycle Assembly and Repair Technician.
Technician
- Be employed for 2 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 class (see list of qualifying courses).
- Attend an in-person Wheel Building class (see list of qualifying courses).
- Attend an in-person Disc Brakes class (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 Shimano TEC online courses (250 more points).
- Continue with SRAM Tech U online courses (250 more points).
Explore more about advancing your skills?
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 Shimano TEC online courses.
- Complete SRAM Tech U online courses.
