Education · 1 of 4

The path

Nobody licenses this trade. You are hired on what you can do, then trained by the brand you work for.

1. 1

   High school

   Grades 11 and 12

   Auto shop, small engines, welding and electronics all count. Working on your own bike counts more.

2. 2

   Get in the door

   Weeks to months

   Porter, lot attendant or lube tech at a dealership. A trade school certificate helps you skip this step, but plenty of people start here.

3. 3

   Core training

   1 to 2 years

   Either on the bench with a senior technician or through a motorcycle technology program. Engines, fuel systems, electrical, suspension and brakes.

4. 4

   Brand certification

   Ongoing

   Harley-Davidson, Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki and Kawasaki each run their own technician training. Your dealer sends you, level by level.

5. 5

   Master technician, or your own shop

   5 to 10 years

   Top level brand certification, service manager, or an independent shop of your own.