NWACC launches NBDA Certified Bicycle Service Technician microcredential

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NWACC is offering a new microcredential for its Trails and Trades Division in partnership with the National Bicycle Dealer Association (NBDA) designed for professional bicycle technicians seeking to elevate the efficiency, quality and profitability of their service departments.

Enrollment opens June 1, 2026, for the first-of-its-kind program, NBDA Certified Bicycle Service Technician, with classes beginning July 1. It consists of five online courses with four in-person technical assessments held at NWACC in Bentonville. 

Because the self-paced coursework is held online and the assessments can be completed in a two-day period, bicycle technicians from anywhere can enroll in, and quickly complete, the program. 

Enrollees will learn modern technician practices from NWACC instructors that can be applied to all bikes, not just specific brands, as well as operational skills to better run a business. 

Executive Director of Trails Trade Schools and Construction Technology Megan Bolinder said the new program expands NWACC’s reach without losing its standards, because its Bicycle Assembly and Repair Technician in-person degree program, which is accredited by the Bicycle Industry Employers Association, “already sets the benchmark for training new bicycle technicians.”

“Now, we can credential practitioners already working in the field, anywhere in the country, online and on their schedule,” she said. “Partnering with NBDA means this microcredential carries weight across the entire industry.”

Since 1946, NBDA has strengthened bicycle retailers through education, research, community and advocacy. It serves businesses in North America, Europe and Asia, giving NWACC a program partner with a vast array of resources and a global footprint in the industry. 

NBDA Executive Director Heather Mason said, “We’re incredibly excited to partner with NWACC to help bring this important program to life for the bicycle industry. For years, our industry has needed a recognized, standardized certification pathway that helps elevate the role of professional bicycle technicians while creating greater consistency in service quality and technical standards across the industry. 

“This program represents a major step forward – giving mechanics accessible, high-level education while helping retailers build stronger service departments and more sustainable businesses. Together with NWACC, we’re helping professionalize and strengthen the future of bicycle retail and service.”

In all, coursework for the NBDA Certified Bicycle Service Technician microcredential will total 125 hours for all five online classes, and each assessment lasts four hours – but will be offered back-to-back in two 4-hour blocks each day during a scheduled two-day period.

NWACC began offering microcredentials in the fall 2025 semester. It is the first college in the state to offer these skills-based programs designed to be completed in less than a year to help students quickly upskill, pivot in their career or stack credits toward a certificate or degree.

Each class completed earns students a badge, and once all five badges are obtained the student receives their microcredential. Along with being a more knowledgeable bicycle technician, program graduates will be more marketable in the industry.

To learn more about the program and enroll, go to NWACC’s NBDA Certified Bicycle Service Technician program webpage.