Credentials & Certification Program
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 the certification program is just for testing and recognition. Any and all learning takes place in our various programs.
Not a student of Sewing Doc Academy? The place to start is enrolling in our progams to start learning and practicing hands-on experience. Our Open House event will show our service programs in detail, what you will learn, how you will learn it, and to decide the best programs to fit your needs and your budget. Register for the on-demand open house here to watch immediately.
Let’s break down how each phase works and what you can expect as you advance through the program.
Stage 1: Member
All students in the Remove Your Covers, Vintage Sewing Machine Mastery, and/or Featherweight Service program are considered a Member. This is the entry point into certification, where you build a strong foundation in maintenance, functional restoration, and troubleshooting.
Member Benefits:
- SDA Member Badge
- A high-quality digital graphic, that publicly recognizes your entry into the Sewing Doc Academy training and certification pathway
- Ideal for your website, social media, email signature, and printed materials
- Eligibility to advance to the Apprentice level when you're ready to deepen your skills and prepare for testing
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.
Stage 2: Apprentice
When you're ready to get hands-on and prepare for certification, you'll enter the Apprentice stage.
We expect a minimum of 6 to 9 months of study and hands-on machine work at the Apprentice level. This is not a weekend crash course — it's your time to build experience, confidence, and a portfolio of real work.
What Does It Mean to Be an Apprentice?
- You have a strong understanding of standard procedures in each designated area where you are developing your skills
- You’re actively working on various machines for personal use, volunteer work, or as part of a business
- You’re keeping detailed notes on your work and participating in live events or watching replays
- You’re learning to recognize your scope of practice- understanding when a machine or repair is outside your current training, and how to respond responsibly (e.g., referring to an authorized service shop, pausing to ask for guidance, or declining a job)
Apprentice Requirements:
- There is no cost to apply or enter into the Apprentice phase of certification
- Submit an application form including your goals and current experience
- Work on as many machines as possible, maintaining a log of work and skills gained
- Participate in supplemental programs and live events
- Aim to become as knowledgeable and well-rounded as possible
Apprentice Benefits:
- SDA Apprentice Badge
- A high-quality digital graphic that communicates your active participation in hands-on training and your dedication to becoming a certified technician
- Ideal for your website, social media, email signature, and printed materials and client communications
- Listing in the Sewing Doc Academy Technician Directory
- Public-facing directory where potential clients can find and contact trained technicians
- Apprentice-level listings help you begin building visibility and trust in your local or online market
- Promotional Support from Andi & Sewing Doc Academy
- Optional: Record a short video call with Andi to introduce yourself and your services
- Optional alternative: Private session with Andi for a written article to introduce yourself and your services
- Personalized feedback to help fill skill gaps and prep for certification
Stage 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 key is real-world experience and a commitment to the process.
Why Certification Matters:
- Shows that you've completed structured training and can demonstrate competence
- Serves as a valuable credential for building your service business or employment in the industry
- Provides personal satisfaction and recognition of your expertise
Certification Requirements:
- Completion of Training: Verified coursework and a written test (“open book” and untimed)
- Portfolio of Experience: Submit documentation of your work and learning from Apprenticeship
- Skills Evaluation: Record and submit demonstrations of essential procedures. We’ll work with you to plan what to show and how to show it—no travel required.
Certification Options:
- Vintage Machine Service: Functional restoration and service
- Modern Machine Maintenance: Routine and mechanical and computerized maintenance
- Modern Adjustments: Timing, feed, and other advanced adjustments
- Specialty Certifications: Featherweight, 301 service, motor rewiring
- Serger Service & Timing (in development)
- Full Certification: Complete vintage machine service, modern machine service, modern adjustments, and motor service & electrical rewiring to earn Full Certified status
Certified Technician Benefits:
- Sewing Doc Academy Certified Technician badges (for area each area)
Distinct digital badge for each passed certification (e.g., modern machine maintenance, vintage machine service & functional restoration, motor service & electrical rewiring, etc.)- Proof of hands-on proficiency and verified skill
- Ideal for your website, social media, email signature, and printed materials and client communications
- Printed Certification badges (Stickers): High-quality printed stickers for toolboxes, event displays, etc.
- Framed official certificate: A physical certificate to display in your workshop, event table, or studio
- Promotional video or written article with Andi
- Optional recorded interview, intro video, or written article to showcase your expertise
- Helps build trust with new clients and highlights your unique background and approach
- Technician Directory Listing - Priority Placement
- Featured higher in the Sewing Doc Academy public directory
