Tech2

BSE LEVEL 2 CERTIFICATION

This program is a one day practical test and written test that tests your ability to perform all the tasks that are part of the bicycle mechanic's job description, and whether you have the understandings of component fit and compatibility, parts failure, and troubleshooting that make the difference between an assembler and a mechanic. After passing the test, you will have a certificate that demonstrates that you have the ability to repair a bicycle to the most demanding standards.

WHO TAKES BSE LEVEL 2 CERTIFICATION?

The BSE (Bicycle Standard of Excellence) Level 2 Certification exam is open to anyone who has six months or more full-time professional experience repairing bicycles (one year or more is recommended). This is a certification for experienced professionals, not a certification for trainees. If you have less than six months, but more than three months, full-time professional experience, you should consider taking the BSE Level 1 Certification exam.

HOW DO I APPLY AND GET ACCEPTED?

Before acceptance into the BSE Level 2 exam, you must provide references that verify you have at least six months full-time professional experience. If you do not meet this experience requirement, you cannot take the exam for BSE Level 2 Certification. In this case, you should consider taking the Bicycle Repair & Overhaul 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. We also have a study guide for the written portion of the exam, but it can only be sent by mail.

Level 2 Exam Outline

Readiness Self Assessment Test

ARE THERE DIFFERENT LEVELS OF CERTIFICATION?

Yes. There are 5 different levels of certification that can be achieved by taking the Level 2 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 applicable portion of the Level 2 Exam.

Technician 2.0
Must score 70-100% and have 2 or fewer critical items on the applicable portion of the Level 2 Exam.

Expert Mechanic 1.0
Must score 70-79.99% and have 0 critical items on the Level 2 Exam.

Elite Mechanic 2.0
Must score 80-89.99% and have 0 critical items on the Level 2 Exam.

Master Mechanic 3.0
Must score 90-100% and have 0 critical items on the Level 2 Exam. In addition, you must also have at least 2 years of verifiable full-time professional experience repairing bicycles instead of the 6 months required for the lesser 4 levels.

WHAT IS THE NATURE OF THE TEST?

The practical portion will test you in the following areas:

Truing a wheel
Installing a wheel
Adjusting a hub
Adjusting a bottom bracket
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 cables
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
Overhauling a freehub
Overhauling a threaded headset
Dropout alignment
Rear derailleur rebuild
Sizing and finishing a threaded fork column

The written portion will test you in the following areas:

Understanding of basic mechanical skills
Bottom-bracket fits and troubleshooting
Headset fits, assembly, and troubleshooting
Hub assembly and troubleshooting
Troubleshooting wheel-true, spoke, and rim problems
Tire/tube fits and sizes
Understanding tire and tube failures
Crank-arm wear, failure, and troubleshooting
Chainring fit and wear
Freewheel removal and fit
Chain-tool compatibility, chain problems
Chainline
Handlebar and stem fits and failures
Derailleur capacity and troubleshooting
Brake-lever failures and fits
Brake-system troubleshooting

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 practical 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 six-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 Level 2 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!