Tech1

BSE TECHNICIAN 1 CERTIFICATION

This program is a half-day practical test that tests your ability to perform all the tasks that might be part of bicycle assembly or maintenance in even the most sophisticated of shops. This includes wheel truing, bearing adjustments, handlebar and seat installation, derailleur setup and adjustments, and brake setup and adjustments. After passing the test, you will have a certificate that demonstrates that you have the ability to assemble a bicycle to the most demanding standards.

WHO TAKES BSE TECHNICIAN 1 CERTIFICATION?

The BSE Technician 1 Certification exam is open to anyone who has three months or more full-time professional experience assembling or repairing bicycles (six months or more is recommended). This is a certification for experienced professionals, not a certification for trainees. If you have six months or more full-time professional experience, you should consider taking the BSE Technician 2 Certification exam.

HOW DO I APPLY AND GET ACCEPTED?

Before acceptance into the BSE Tech 1 exam, you must provide references that verify you have three-months full-time professional experience. If you do not meet this experience requirement, you cannot take the exam for BSE Tech 1 Certification. In this case, you should consider taking the Bicycle Assembly & Maintenance (BAM) training program to earn a certificate of completion.

HOW DO I KNOW THAT I’M READY TO TAKE THE TEST?

Before registering, you may request a test outline, and you can also take the "Readiness Self Assessment" test. The outline will describe more precisely what procedures you will need to perform, what standards and degrees of precision are required in each area, what time limits are in effect, and what scores will be required to pass. With this information, you can set up a mock-test for yourself to get an idea of your preparedness. The R.S.A. test will ask 20+ questions about your mechanical experience that will help you to determine your level of readiness. We would be glad to send the outline or the R.S.A. test by mail, or you can simply download them by clicking the links below.

Technician 1 BAC Exam Outline

Readiness Self Assessment Test

ARE THERE DIFFERENT LEVELS OF CERTIFICATION?

Yes. There are 2 different levels of certification that can be achieved by taking the BAC Exam. The certificate titles and score requirements are as follows:

Technician 1.0
Must score 60-69.99% and have 2 or fewer critical items on the BAC Exam.

Technician 2.0
Must score 70-100% and have 2 or fewer critical items on the BAC Exam.

WHAT IS THE NATURE OF THE TEST?

You will be tested in the following areas:

Truing a wheel
Adjusting a hub
Installing a tire
Installing a wheel
Adjusting a threadless headset
Adjusting a threaded headset
Installing crank arms and pedals
Positioning and securing stems and handlebars
Positioning and securing the seat post and saddle
Sizing the chain
Sizing and finishing cable housings
Aligning and securing controls
Adjusting a rear derailleur
Adjusting a front derailleur
Adjusting a dual-pivot road brake
Adjusting a cantilever brake
Adjusting a V-brake

aspens.JPG (31304 bytes) HOW MUCH DOES IT COST AND WHEN IS IT OFFERED?

See Schedule & Prices form for price and schedule information.

WHAT IF I DON’T PASS?

You will receive a score sheet that shows exactly what areas need improvement in order for you to be able to pass the test. You will be allowed to retest during any regularly scheduled test. People retesting get a 30% discount from the current test price.

DO I REALLY HAVE TO MEET THE EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT BEFORE ENROLLING?

The three-month experience requirement is a prerequisite, not a guideline. If you have the experience, but your circumstances don't permit you to get the verification of experience from previous or present employers, you may request an BSE Tech 1 Application Form when you make your reservation. This form consists of a detailed written interview that will quantify your experience level based on your response to the interview questions. In addition, you will be required to provide a copy of a W-2 from an employer that is clearly a member of the bicycle industry. If the application is denied, then all fees will be refunded. Do not make non-refundable travel arrangements prior to approval of your application!