Credentials & Certification Program

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.