New Zealand Certificate in Bicycle Servicing (Level 3)
Learn to service a wide range of bicycles, components and bicycle systems, including e-bikes. Enjoy the chance to gain skills in a flexible learning environment through a blend of practical block courses, online learning and workplace experience.
Domestic
Work-based
Distance
September
About the programme
Gain the skills you need to stand out in this rapidly growing industry.
New Zealand’s exciting recreation, sport and tourism industries are developing quickly. A qualification in bicycle servicing could be what you need to turn your passion into a career in one of these areas.
Offering you a flexible learning environment through a blend of practical block courses, online learning and workplace experience, this programme gives you the chance to fit your study around other commitments.
Small class sizes provide an efficient and adaptable environment in which to learn your practical skills. Your work experience will give you a valuable foot in the door for future employment.
Previous graduates have gone on to work in, and start, a range of bicycle industry, import and tourism businesses. This qualification could also be your springboard into working as a specialist service provider, a mechanic within professional racing teams, or living the dream of working and playing while travelling abroad.
Our New Zealand Certificate in Bicycle Mechanics (Level 4) provides the perfect next step if you’re keen to take your skills to an advanced level.
International
Work-based
Distance
September
About the programme
Gain the skills you need to stand out in this rapidly growing industry.
New Zealand’s exciting recreation, sport and tourism industries are developing quickly. A qualification in bicycle servicing could be what you need to turn your passion into a career in one of these areas.
Offering you a flexible learning environment through a blend of practical block courses, online learning and workplace experience, this programme gives you the chance to fit your study around other commitments.
Small class sizes provide an efficient and adaptable environment in which to learn your practical skills. Your work experience will give you a valuable foot in the door for future employment.
Previous graduates have gone on to work in, and start, a range of bicycle industry, import and tourism businesses. This qualification could also be your springboard into working as a specialist service provider, a mechanic within professional racing teams, or living the dream of working and playing while travelling abroad.
Our New Zealand Certificate in Bicycle Mechanics (Level 4) provides the perfect next step if you’re keen to take your skills to an advanced level.
What You Study
Overview
During this programme, you will learn how to:
- Work safely and efficiently in a professional bicycle workshop
- Service an extensive range of bicycle components spread across all bicycle systems:
- Frames
- Steering
- Braking
- Drive Train
- Wheels
- Suspension
- Assemble full bicycles, systems, components, parts, and accessories
- Apply knowledge of industry legislation and safety standards to bicycle servicing
- Apply knowledge and practical skills to assist customers
- Gain an understanding of the bicycle industry.
You'll learn how to | Credits |
---|---|
Operate safely in a workshop environment under limited supervision and select, use, and maintain equipment and tools appropriate for undertaking routine bicycle service and repair tasks | 8 |
Assemble, service, adjust, and test a range of bicycle systems and system componentry in accordance with legislation, and safety and industry standards | 40 |
Perform warranty and routine servicing requirements in accordance with manufacturer specifications to fulfil retailer obligations | 5 |
Apply product knowledge to effectively communicate within the workplace to assist customers with warranty and servicing, and with the purchase of bicycle components and accessories | 5 |
Understand career opportunities, and the New Zealand Bicycle Industry supply-chain for career progression and comprehensive understanding of the industry and its functioning | 2 |
Total | 60 |
Further study options
Continue to expand your skills with the New Zealand Certificate in Bicycle Mechanics (Level 4) offered at our Central Otago campus.
Workload
Your workload
You will study online by distance for 10-12 hours per week and attend two, fortnight-long block courses. The block courses will be held at our Central Campus in Cromwell. During the block courses, class will be held from 9am-3pm, Monday to Friday.
In addition, you will need to complete 140 hours of bicycle industry work experience. This can be completed at any suitable bicycle workshop within New Zealand. Ideally your work experience will be completed in a four-week block (35 hours a week) towards the end of the semester, but alternate arrangements can be discussed with the Programme Facilitator.
The Programme Facilitator can also assist you to find a work experience placement and/or provide a reference if needed.
Block course dates
Semester 2 2025 intake - September start
Single block course: 2-17 November
Semester 1 2025 Intake – February Start
- Block course 1: 17 - 28 March
- Block course 2: 5 – 16 May
Entry
Entry requirements
- Open entry.
- If English is not your first language, you must provide:
- New Zealand University Entrance OR
- Overall Academic IELTS 5.0 with no individual band score lower than 5.0 (achieved in one test completed in the last two years), OR
- Acceptable alternative evidence of the required IELTS (see here for NZQA proficiency table and here for list of recognised proficiency tests).
If you need to improve your English Language skills, we offer a wide range of English programmes.
Selection criteria
Applications are processed on a first come-first served basis until the programme has reached its capacity.
Fees
Domestic fees
International fees
Additional costs
You will need to cover your travel, food and accommodation costs during the block courses.
Tuition fees
The tuition fees shown above are approximate only. There may be a slight fee increase per year once Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) rules and guidelines are applied. These fees also don’t include additional costs or living costs.
Studylink
Domestic full-time students can apply for a student loan through Studylink.
Some support may be available for domestic part-time students if this programme offers a part-time study option.
Apply at the same time as you apply for your course (you can withdraw your application anytime).
Student Services Fee
For most students, your tuition fee shown above includes a Student Services Fee – also known as the Student Levy. This compulsory fee covers your access to the student services we offer. This cost is tailored depending on how you're studying.
The international tuition fee does not include your Student Levy. This will be calculated when you enrol with us.
Click below to find out more about the Student Levy costs and services provided.
Fees Free
The Government has announced that Fees Free for the first year of study or training will finish at the end of 2024. A final-year Fees Free policy will replace it, starting from 1 January 2025.
If you are a first-time tertiary learner in 2025, you may be able to get Fees Free for your final year of study or training. If you are eligible, you will need to apply for your entitlement through IRD from 2026 onwards.
For more information about the transition from first-year Fees Free or the final-year Fees Free policy, visit FeesFree.govt.nz.
Study Grants for international students
We have a range of Study Grants to support our international students.
Application
A change for 2023 enrolments
When you apply to study with Otago Polytechnic in 2023, you will be enrolled with Te Pūkenga, the new national network of vocational and applied education in Aotearoa New Zealand. You will learn in the same way, in the same place, and with the same people, and you will graduate with a Te Pūkenga qualification.