Credentials & Certification Program

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Sewing Doc Academy Certification Program:

Your Path to Becoming a Recognized Technician

Are you ready to take your sewing machine service skills to the next level? The Sewing Doc Academy is excited to announce our new Certification Program, designed to help you progress from a dedicated student to a recognized technician. This program features three distinct levels—Member, Apprentice, and Certified Technician—each tailored to help you grow your skills, track your progress, and achieve industry recognition.

Please note that we are building this program as of Spring 2025, so this is a work in progress. A large part of 2025 will be focused on implementing different parts of this new program.

Please note that the certification program is just for testing and recognition. Any and all learning takes place in our various programs.

Let’s break down how each phase works and what you can expect as you advance through the program.

Level 1: Member

When you enroll in any of our core programs—Remove Your Covers, Vintage Sewing Machine Mastery, or Singer Featherweight Service—you automatically become a Member of the Sewing Doc Academy. This is your entry point, where you gain foundational skills in sewing machine maintenance, restoration, and troubleshooting.

Member Benefits:

All benefits associated with the programs you enroll in (i.e. lifetime access, human help when you need it, etc.)
A digital Member sticker to showcase your progress and commitment to use on your website, email footers, and social media.
Opportunities to connect with a supportive community of others on a similar path.

As a Member, you’re building the essential skills needed to take the next step. Keep honing your techniques, log your progress, and prepare for the next level: Apprentice.

Level 2: Apprentice

The Apprentice level is where things get serious. You’ve developed a strong foundation and are ready to deepen your knowledge and expertise. This phase is perfect for those who want to turn their hobby into a business or career, or simply take their skills to a more advanced level.

What Does It Mean to Be an Apprentice?

You have a strong understanding of standard maintenance and basic repairs.
You’re actively working on machines—whether for personal use, volunteer work, or building a business.
You’re committed to documenting your journey, including the machines you’ve serviced, skills you’ve acquired, and notes from live events.

Apprentice Requirements:

Submit a brief form detailing your goals and experience level (coming soon!).
Keep a log of your progress and the machines you’ve worked on, and track your progress in building skills.
Participate in Sewing Doc Academy's various supplemental programs and live events.

Apprentice Benefits:

Receive an Apprentice digital sticker to highlight your progress.
Option to be listed on our website as an Apprentice Technician, allowing potential clients to find you.
Video interview (optional), which can be used to promote yourself on your website, social media, or any way you choose.
Personalized guidance on filling any skill gaps and planning your learning path as you prepare for certification.

The Apprentice phase is designed to be flexible. Whether you’re here for a few months or a few years, you’ll be developing the skills needed to move up to the next level: Certified Technician.

Level 3: Certified Technician

This is the ultimate goal for many of our students. Becoming a Certified Technician means you’ve met a recognized standard of knowledge and proficiency in our various certification options.

Certification is not just cramming your learning into a weekend jam session, then tackle the test on Monday. The biggest key to certification is getting plenty of experience under your belt.

Why Certification Matters:

Certification is a mark of quality and expertise. It shows that you have completed structured education and training and can demonstrate competency in essential skills.
It’s a powerful credential for those building a repair business or seeking employment with a dealer.
Many may work toward and earn certification without plans to build a business or career in machine service, but rather for personal satisfaction.

Certification Requirements:

Completion of Training: Demonstrate that you’ve completed the necessary coursework and gained the required skills. This includes passing a written assessment (open book, untimed) and submitting a log of your journey, detailing the machines you’ve worked on and the skills you’ve mastered.
Skills Evaluation: Provide demonstrations of key techniques, such as timing adjustments and complex procedures. Because we are a virtual academy, we are developing ways to demonstrate your skills without the need for travel or testing in person.

Certification Options:

Vintage Sewing Machine Service: Master the art of restoring and servicing classic machines.
Modern Sewing Machine Maintenance: Focus on routine service and maintenance of modern and computerized sewing machines.
Full Service (Modern Machines): Demonstrate advanced skills, including timing and other adjustments.
Specialty Certifications: Featherweight and Singer 301 service, motor rewiring, and more.

Certified Technician Benefits:

A digital Certified Technician sticker, printed stickers, and a framed certificate. We will also include other items such as a custom shirt from Sewing Doc Academy, and other special items.
Personalized video promotion and recognition from the Sewing Doc Academy to use to promote yourself on social media, your website, or wherever you choose.
Listing on our website as a Certified Technician, giving you visibility and credibility with potential clients.