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Why Recertify

Stay at the forefront of mountain bike instruction excellence.
All BICP Level 1 Instructors are required to complete an in-person recertification every four years to uphold the highest standards in coaching and rider development. This process ensures that every certified instructor continues to deliver safe, consistent, and world-class instruction aligned with the latest BICP teaching methods.

Recertifying not only strengthens your skills but also elevates the value of your credentials, demonstrating your commitment to professionalism and continuous growth within the cycling community.

How to Recertify

  1. Register for a Level 1 course using code LEVELUP1.

  2. Complete the online coursework and participate in the pre-course Zoom call.

  3. Attend the 3-day course, connect with fellow instructors, and exchange experience, insight, and inspiration.

Cost: $500 USD
A BICP Level 1 membership will be automatically added to your purchase.

Level 1 Certification Prerequisites

The BICP Level 1 Certification is designed for instructors who are ready to grow their teaching ability, deepen their understanding of skill progressions, and expand their professional coaching toolkit. To ensure you’re fully prepared, the following prerequisites must be met prior to attending the course:

  • BICP Ride Leader Certification (included in the price of the Level 1 course).

  • Current First Aid and CPR Certification.

    • Wilderness First Aid certification is strongly recommended.

  • A minimum of one year of mountain biking experience.

  • Volunteer or professional experience within the cycling or outdoor recreation industry.

  • At least 14 years of age.

  • Strong communication skills and a positive, professional attitude.

  • A genuine passion for helping others progress safely and confidently.

  • Ability to perform basic trailside repairs, including flat tires, broken chains, and shifting adjustments.

  • Fluency in English, both spoken and written.

The Level 1 Certification is an excellent opportunity for Ride Leaders who are eager to refine their techniques, strengthen their coaching presence, and lead with confidence in every teaching environment.

Our Expectations

At this stage, you’re expected to confidently demonstrate mastery of the Fundamental Elements and be able to teach all Level 1 skills effectively on your first attempt. You should also show the ability to identify and correct rider errors through positive, constructive feedback.

We look for fluency in all current keywords, teaching points, and progressions, along with precise demonstrations performed using platform/flat pedals.

Recertification Evaluation

During your recertification, you will be evaluated on your ability to teach, demonstrate, and lead with professionalism and integrity. Assessment areas include:

  • Fundamental Elements – Core riding skills and control techniques.

  • Skill Description – Clear and accurate explanation of each skill.

  • Demonstrations – Confident, precise execution of all Level 1 skills.

  • Group Management – Safe, organized, and engaging session flow.

  • Error Detection & Correction – Ability to identify and correct rider mistakes with positive feedback.

  • Progressions – Effective step-by-step teaching strategies.

  • Communication – Clarity, tone, and engagement with participants.

  • Leadership & Professional Conduct – Demonstrating BICP standards in attitude, integrity, and presentation.

Ride Standards & Course Expectations

The BICP Certification Program is designed as a skills teaching course—not a skills learning course. Our goal is to elevate your ability to teach and assess rider skills, not to introduce them for the first time.

To maintain the integrity and value of BICP certification, all participants must meet the Minimum Ride Standard before attending the in-person course. This ensures that every instructor is capable of demonstrating and teaching at a consistently high level.

During the certification course, you will be required to successfully demonstrate each skill listed in the curriculum at or above the BICP Ride Standard. These demonstrations are a prerequisite for certification and reflect your readiness to instruct others with confidence and precision.

Being able to perform a skill = Proficiency.
Being able to teach a skill = Mastery.

BICP LEVEL ONE SKILLS DEMONSTRATIONS

Neutral and Ready Position – Move smoothly between standing Neutral to a Low Ready using all Ten Fundamentals. Foot Wedge “Heavy Feet-Light Hands”.

Bike/Body Separation Forward and Back – Slide the body forward and slide the body back while maintaining a level plane.

Bike/Body Separation Side to Side – Lean the bike from one side to the other side while maintaining a balanced Ready position, using all Ten Fundamentals.

Braking – Apply both brakes for a controlled and complete stop from a range of speeds, using all Ten Fundamentals.

Shifting – Perform seamless/silent up-shifts and down-shifts during a gentle climb.

Ratcheting – In a Tall Ready position, perform multiple ratcheting pedal strokes, while staying balanced. Minimum of 1 bike length.

Riding Straight Lines – Ride an elevated feature 6 inches (15 cm) off the ground.

Small Circles – Ride a small 8 ft (2.4 m) circle, using all Ten Fundamentals.

Switchbacks – Ride a section of switchbacks of varying grades – in both directions.

Climbing – Seated – Standing – Crouched – Proper use of bike body movements while maintaining a balanced position and traction on both wheels.

Restarting on a Climb – Restarting on technical terrains, such as loose dirt, on slopes of varying grades of difficulty.

Dismounts – Climbing and Descending – Dismounting the bike on technical terrains, such as loose dirt, on slopes of varying grades of difficulty.

Braking on Descents – Come to a complete stop, on a downhill slope of varying grades of difficulty, then continue pedaling.

Descending – Ride a small technical trail (Blue Trail) while maintaining stability and control.

Rock Dodge – Dodge a set of four cones in a square formation 12 ft (3.6 m) apart – in both directions.

Cornering – Maintain a balanced position while leaning the bike through a 90-degree corner, at a moderate speed – in both directions.

Roll Down – Roll Down Lunge – Roll Down a 12-inch (30 cm) feature, while keeping both wheels in contact with the ground.

Front Wheel Lift – Perform a Front Wheel Lift over a 4-inch (10 cm) high obstacle.

Rear Wheel Lift – Perform a Front Wheel Lift then Rear Wheel lift over a 4-inch (10 cm) high obstacle.