SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Occupational Certificate: Bicycle Mechanic 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
99694  Occupational Certificate: Bicycle Mechanic 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner - W&RSETA (manufact) 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Occupational Certificate  Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology  Manufacturing and Assembly 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  84  Not Applicable  NQF Level 04  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  SAQA 0813/23  2022-02-08  2024-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2025-06-30   2028-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification is replaced by: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
103176  Occupational Certificate: Bicycle Mechanic  Not Applicable  NQF Level 03  84  Will occur as soon as [NEW] is registered 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Bicycle Mechanic.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Assemble new bicycles and apply safety procedures.
  • Perform minor and major services to maintain bicycles (excluding suspension and wheel building).
  • Examine and repair bicycles and replace and repair components and accessories, such as hydraulic brake systems, driving chain mechanism, advanced wheels, etc.
  • Supervise teams and activities in the bicycle workshop to ensure productivity and quality and provide advanced technical advice to the team.

    Rationale:
    The Occupational Certificate: Bicycle Mechanic is designed to provide learners with the fundamental knowledge and to equip them with the skill required to operate as a Bicycle Mechanic. A Bicycle Mechanic fits, maintains, services and repairs the mechanical and the related non-motorised equipment of bicycles.

    The maintenance and repair of bicycles is unarguably regarded by many as the dark side of the industry. This is largely due to the fact that bicycle technician training is continuing in an informal, haphazard manner which is not conducive to meeting customer expectations and industry requirements. Bicycle Technicians are currently either self-taught, and/or taught in-house through informal, unstructured means which offer no certification or recognition of learning achievement and no articulation to other occupational qualifications, thereby limiting career opportunities and personal growth and development.

    This qualification is aimed for school-leavers who have an interest in repairing bicycles especially from deep rural communities where bicycles are used as means to commute. Persons currently employed as Bicycle Mechanics with years of working experience but with no formal recognition will also have access to this qualification. Upon qualifying learners may engage as Bicycle Mechanics within large, chain type retailers or smaller independent cycle shops which have a workshop section and will be able to operate as entrepreneurs supplying repair and servicing services to clients nationally.

    This qualification supports the long term provincial strategy of cities/metros to cut down on emissions in support of a cleaner and greener environment. The health and wellbeing benefits of cycling have been extensively researched. South Africa is the host of some of the two biggest international cycling events which attract international and local tourism and participants who will need repair and servicing of bicycles. Generally there is an increase in imports and sales of bicycles in South Africa contributing to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    RPL for access to the external integrated summative assessment: Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of result or certifying a work experience record.

    RPL for access to the qualification: Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements.

    Entry Requirements:
  • NQF Level 2 with Communication. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of Compulsory, Practical Skill and Work Experience Modules at Levels 2, 3, and 4, totalling 84 Credits.

    Knowledge Modules, 18 Credits:
  • 653401000-KM-01, Bicycle construction and assembly, Level 2, 3 Credits.
  • 653401000-KM-02, Bicycle servicing and maintenance, Level 3, 3 Credits.
  • 653401000-KM-03, Repair and maintenance of advanced bicycle componentry, Level 4, 3 Credits.
  • 653401000-KM-04, Bicycle consumables, threads and materials technology, Level 4, 5 Credits.
  • 653401000-KM-05, Leadership and supervision in the bicycle workshop, Level 3, 4 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 18.

    Practical Skill Modules, 16 Credits:
  • 653401000-PM-01, Wash, clean and assemble new bicycles, Level 2, 4 Credits.
  • 653401000-PM-02, Perform minor and major services for the maintenance of bicycles (excluding suspension and wheel building), Level 3, 6 Credits.
  • 653401000-PM-03, Conduct disassembly, servicing/replacement, installation and testing of advanced bicycle componentry, Level .4, 4 Credits.
  • 653401000-PM-04, Advise clients and bicycle mechanics on the technical aspects to identify faults and solve problems, Level 4, 1 Credit.
  • 653401000-PM-05, Guide teams in a fair and consistent manner in the bicycle workshop to achieve set targets and outputs, Level 3, 1 Credit.
    Total number of credits for Practical Modules: 16.

    Work Experience Modules, 50 Credits:
  • 653401000-WM-01, Bicycle assembly, cleaning and washing, Level 2, 11 Credits.
  • 653401000-WM-02, Perform minor and major services for the maintenance of bicycles, Level 3, 16 Credits.
  • 653401000-WM-03, Advanced bicycle componentry servicing, Level 4, 21 Credits.
  • 653401000-WM-04, Lead a team in the bicycle workshop and advise clients, Level 4, 2 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 50. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Examine, troubleshoot and solve problems related to any two of the following bicycle systems: hydraulic brakes, suspension system, electronic group set, frame problems, advanced components and high-end wheel sets.
    2. Conduct advanced componentry disassembly, servicing/replacement, installation and adjustment of any two of the following advanced components: hydraulic brakes, suspension system, electronic group set, rear shock bushing replacement and pivot servicing.
    3. Build an advanced rear wheel (straight pull spoke or fat bike wheel build) to produce a wheel which is correctly dished and trued both laterally and radially within tolerances.
    4. Demonstrate an understanding of the technical aspects and underpinning theory of bicycle construction, assembly and repair.
    5. Supervise bicycle workshop operations, achievement of targets and problem solving. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • A bicycle is inspected to identify faults and causes are correctly pinpointed.
  • Bicycle systems are inspected to identify faults and causes are correctly pinpointed.
  • An approved fault finding sequence is applied to diagnose a range of faults, wear and/or damage and causes are correctly pinpointed.
  • An approved fault finding sequence is applied to diagnose faults related to bicycle attachments.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Job cards, manufacturer specifications and diagrams are correctly read and interpreted.
  • Faulty bicycle mechanisms are repaired by dismantling, conducting repair and assembling of machine parts.
  • Componentry parts are correctly selected taking into account compatibility such as brand and size.
  • The installation of correct componentry parts for a specific repair function is conducted.
  • Bicycle componentry parts (which are within tolerance) are reconditioned and replaced.
  • Bicycle componentry and parts are cleaned and lubricated where required.
  • Repairs are done utilising the procedure and tools.
  • Advanced componentry disassembly, servicing/replacement, installation and adjustment is conducted applying mechanical or engineering principles.
  • The correct equipment and consumables are selected for the task.
  • The advanced bicycle componentry is repaired without causing damage to the bicycle, advanced componentry and parts.
  • Completed work is inspected for accuracy according to manufacturer specifications and quality.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • A wheel is de-tensioned in preparation for the wheel building activity.
  • Wheel parts are inspected for wear or damage.
  • The length of the spoke is accurately calculated.
  • Spoke tension is determined.
  • Wheel lacing is conducted.
  • Wheel dishing is conducted.
  • Wheel truing is conducted.
  • Completed work is inspected for accuracy according to.
  • Work is performed in compliance with manufacturer specifications and quality.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • The mechanical principles related to the mechanical functioning and composition of a bicycle is described.
  • The mechanical principles related to the mechanical functioning of advanced componentry are explained.
  • The in-store capability of performing the repair/service is assessed and the methods of the repair (tools, skills, parts, warrantee) are verified.
  • The importance of maintaining high level professionalism with customers and apply customer care is justified.
  • Ways and means to find and record information (stock control, job card, etc.) are compared.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the consumables, threads and materials.
  • Supervise bicycle mechanics and servicing and repair operations in the bicycle workshop.
  • Apply research skills to identify faults, defects and possible causes and formulate researched solutions.
  • Professionally liaise with customers and suppliers asking and giving information and advice.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated Formative Assessment:
    The skills development provider will use the curriculum to guide them on the stipulated internal assessment criteria and weighting. They will also apply the scope of practical skills and applied knowledge as stipulated by the internal assessment criteria. This formative assessment leads to entrance into the integrated external summative assessment.

    Integrated Summative Assessment:
    An external integrated summative assessment, conducted through the relevant Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) Assessment Quality Partner is required for the issuing of this qualification. The external integrated summative assessment will focus on the Exit Level Outcomes and Associated Assessment Criteria. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    International comparability was executed with two qualifications, namely the Certificate III in Bicycles (AUR30211) in Australia and in the United Kingdom an international Cytech programme for Bicycle Mechanics.

    Australia:
    The Bicycle Training Australia offers a Certificate III in Bicycle Training. This qualification provides skills and knowledge required to perform a range of routine assembly and servicing tasks within the Bicycle industry. It is suitable for entry into the bicycle retail, service and repair sector. This qualification is suitable for an Australian Apprenticeship pathway and as such it includes unit standards related to welding and the automotive troubleshooting, training and retail. Units which are more specific to the assembly repair and servicing of bicycles include aspect such as:
  • Assemble bicycles and box bicycle for retail sale.
  • Service and repair bicycle mechanical and hydraulic braking systems including drive train and suspension systems.
  • Remove, repair and fit bicycle tyres.
  • Service bicycle wheels and hubs.
  • Fit and adjust bicycle accessories.
  • Select and adjust bicycle to fit rider.
  • Restore a bicycle.
  • Repair bicycle hydraulic braking and drive train systems.
  • Repair/overhaul bicycle steering systems, suspension systems, and wheels and hubs.
  • Service electric power assists bicycles.
  • Service and repair bicycle frames.
  • Specify and select components for a custom bicycle.
  • Carry out servicing operations.
  • Inspect vehicle systems and determine preferred repair action.
  • Carry out diagnostic procedures.

    United Kingdom:
    The Cytech programme is a comprehensive range of technical courses which is recognised by the Cycling industry internationally. The competencies range from the basics of bicycle maintenance to complex bike builds and servicing of the newest and most technical products. The range of qualifications build on each other and the learner is expected to progress from the one to the other. The competencies covered in this training include:
  • Workshop practices.
  • Torque.
  • Lubrication.
  • Tyres and tubes.
  • Manufacturing standards.
  • Pre-delivery inspection.
  • Health and safety.
  • Consumer legislation.
  • Frame preparation and alignment.
  • Headsets.
  • Derailleur Gear Systems.
  • Hubs.
  • Brake systems (cable operated).
  • Internal hub gears.
  • Wheel truing and spoke replacement.
  • Wheel building.
  • Suspension systems.
  • Hydraulic brakes.
  • Advanced wheel building.
  • Specialist bike builds.
  • Electronic drive trains.

    Conclusion:
    This qualification compares favourably with both qualifications offered in Australia and the United Kingdom. The bicycle service and repair section of this qualification compares most favourably. However, this qualification exceeds the two qualifications in terms of the supervisory aspect. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows for possibilities of both horizontal and vertical articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Occupational Certificate: Motorcycle Mechanic, Level 4.
  • Further Education and Training Certificate: Generic Management: Wholesale and Retail Management, Level 4.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • National Certificate: Generic Management: Wholesale and Retail Management, Level 5.
  • National Certificate: Wholesale and Retail: Buying Planning, Level 5. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some of their learning programmes are moved to being recorded against the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replacement.
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.