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Microcredential
NBDA Certified Bicycle Service Technician
NBDA Certified Bicycle Service Technician
Microcredential - NBDA Certified Bicycle Service Technician
The NBDA Certified Bicycle Service Technician Microcredential is designed for professional bicycle technicians seeking to elevate the efficiency, quality, and profitability of their service departments. Through a focused sequence of five skills badges, this program delivers comprehensive training in both technical and operational aspects of modern bicycle service. By completing this Microcredential, learners demonstrate proficiency in both technical service and operational excellence, positioning themselves as high-performing contributors to any professional bicycle service department.
Participants will gain knowledge and strategic insights across five key areas through a series of five courses, listed below:
- Bicycle Service Department Essentials: Foundations of workflow optimization, SOP development, inventory control, scheduling, and resource allocation.
- Mechanical Drivetrain: Techniques for diagnosing and servicing modern mechanical drivetrains using process-driven SOPs and troubleshooting strategies.
- Electronic Drivetrain: Diagnostic and service protocols for leading electronic shifting systems, including firmware, tools, and brand-specific procedures.
- Mechanical Braking Systems: Standardized methods for servicing caliper, V-brake, mechanical disc, and coaster brakes with an emphasis on safety and precision.
- Hydraulic Braking Systems: Standardized methods for servicing DOT and mineral oil systems, covering bleeding, contamination control, and advanced safety procedures.
Learners will earn a skills badge upon completion of each course, and the Microcredential will be awarded once all five courses are successfully completed.
Instruction Method
| Course Name | Description |
| Bicycle Service Department Essentials | 25 Hours online coursework |
| Mechanical Drivetrain | 25 Hours online coursework and a 4 hour in person assessment |
| Electronic Drivetrain | 25 Hours online coursework and a 4 hour in person assessment |
| Mechanical Braking Systems | 25 Hours online coursework and a 4 hour in person assessment |
| Hydraulic Braking Systems | 25 Hours online coursework and a 4 hour in person assessment |
The 4 hours in person assessment at the Bentonville Campus and consists of 3 hours of hands-on technical skill demonstration and 1 hour of oral, scenario-based problem solving. All four in-person assessments can be completed over a two-day period at the Northwest Arkansas Community College Cycling and Trails Education Center Bicycle Technician Lab in Bentonville, Arkansas. Scheduling of in-person assessments is done after the online portion is completed.
Skills Acquired
- Bicycle service operations and workflow optimization
- Mechanical and electronic drivetrain diagnostics and repair
- Mechanical and hydraulic brake system service and maintenance
- Advanced troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
- Proficient use of professional tools and diagnostic technology
- SOP adherence, safety compliance, and quality service execution
- Customer communication, documentation, and warranty processes
- Resource management, efficiency improvement, and service optimization
Durable Skills Awarded
- Critical thinking
- Creative Problem Solving
- Oral Communication
Course Names and Codes
To earn this credential, the following courses must be successfully completed:
- NBDA Bicycle Service Department Essentials
- NBDA Mechanical Drivetrains
- NBDA Electronic Drivetrains
- NBDA Mechanical Braking Systems
- NBDA Hydraulic Braking Systems
Prerequisites
Students must be employed and currently working in the bicycle industry. The bicycle
industry includes all businesses, organizations, and individuals involved in production,
sale, service, and use of bicycles, parts, accessories, and related technologies.
Credits Earned
This is an upskill microcredential and does not carry college credit.
Shortest Time to Completion
The estimated max time is about 125 hours online across five badges (up to 25 hours each). In-person assessment time totals 16 hours across the four technical badges (4 hours each). Total calendar time depends on participant pacing and assessment scheduling. In-person assessments will be scheduled after completion of online coursework.
Learning Outcomes
- Develop and apply effective SOPs, workflow optimization strategies, and resource management practices within bicycle service department operations
- Perform advanced mechanical and electronic drivetrain inspection, diagnosis, repair, firmware updates, and calibration in accordance with manufacturer protocols
- Service and maintain mechanical and hydraulic braking systems, including adjustment, alignment, brake bleeding, contamination control, and braking performance optimization
- Diagnose and resolve mechanical, electronic, hydraulic, and compatibility-related service issues using critical thinking and troubleshooting techniques
- Safely and effectively utilize professional service tools, digital diagnostic platforms, torque equipment, and brand-specific technologies
- Deliver consistent, high-quality service through adherence to SOPs, safety standards, and efficient operational practices
- Demonstrate professional communication, customer service, documentation, warranty management, and service recordkeeping skills
- Apply industry-ready knowledge and technical expertise to improve service quality, customer experience, productivity, and operational profitability within bicycle service environments
The National Bicycle Dealers Association (NBDA) is the bicycle industry’s longest-standing retail association, serving Specialty Bicycle Retailers since 1946. As a non-profit organization, the NBDA is dedicated to strengthening Specialty Bicycle Retailers through education, research, communication, advocacy, and community support. Representing retailers across North America, the NBDA works to enhance retailer profitability, promote excellence in bicycle retail, and support the growth of cycling communities. Through industry partnerships, professional development programs, and retailer-focused resources, the NBDA helps build a stronger, more sustainable bicycle industry for the future.
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