Kickstart Your Career with a Powersports & Power Equipment Technician Diploma
Turn your passion for motorcycles, ATVs, and small engines into a high-demand career with a Powersports & Power Equipment Technician Diploma from Iowa Lakes. This fast-track, three-term program is designed to provide technical expertise and industry training in diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining motorcycles, snowmobiles, personal watercraft, and outdoor power equipment. Whether you see yourself working in dealerships, repair shops, rental fleets, or even starting your own business, this program prepares you for success in the power sports industry.
At Iowa Lakes, you’ll train in state-of-the-art labs using industry-grade tools and diagnostic equipment, working directly with top manufacturers like Briggs and Stratton, Stihl, and Honda Engines. These hands-on experiences ensure you develop the technical proficiency and problem-solving skills necessary to excel in the field. With a curriculum designed by industry experts, you’ll gain knowledge in engine diagnostics, electrical systems, fuel injection, and performance tuning.
Iowa Lakes’ strong industry partnerships offer students on-the-job training opportunities, giving you a head start in the workforce. This real-world experience ensures you graduate with employer-sought skills, positioning you for immediate job placement. Many students secure job offers before completing the program thanks to these industry connections.
As power sports and outdoor recreation industries continue to grow, so does the need for skilled power equipment technicians. Explore career opportunities and wage projections through the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Small Engine Mechanics Outlook.
Ready to Get to IT?
Connect with an enrollment coach today and take the first step toward an exciting future in power sports technology!
Find Your It!
Hands-On Training & Certification Opportunities
Develop the Skills to Work in a High-Demand Industry
The Power Sports & Power Equipment Technology Diploma program focuses on foundational repair techniques and industry-standard diagnostics for small engine and power sports technology. Key areas of training include:
- Motorcycle and ATV diagnostics and repair
- Snowmobile engine performance and tuning
- Lawnmower, chainsaw, and generator maintenance
- Fuel injection systems, carburetors, and emissions control
- Electrical systems and computerized diagnostics
Gain Real-World Experience Through Industry Partnerships
Students at Iowa Lakes benefit from strong connections with leading manufacturers and dealerships. These partnerships provide internships and cooperative work opportunities that offer hands-on experience before graduation. Thanks to these industry partnerships, many students secure employment before completing the program.
Continue Your Education with an AAS Degree
Graduates of the Power Sports & Power Equipment Technology Diploma program can advance their skills by continuing into the Power Sports & Power Equipment Technology AAS Degree, which opens doors to higher-paying roles in service management, advanced diagnostics, and high-performance tuning.
With increasing demand for skilled power sports technicians, Iowa Lakes provides the technical training, industry certifications, and real-world experience to help you launch a successful motorcycle and power equipment repair career.
Program Details
Length
3 terms
Degree
Diploma (40 credits)
Campus
Emmetsburg
Your Career Pathway: Additional Degree & Certificate Options
Additional Information
Term 1
COM 723 – Workplace Communications†
Developing skills in reading, writing and listening as they apply to students’ vocational needs.
MOT 153 – Fundamentals of Electricity
Basic electrical theory used in the motorcycle and small engine field. Study of Ohm’s Law, electrical symbols, problem solving, types of circuits, usage of a VOM and other electrical test equipment. Lecture and laboratory.
Corequisites: MSE 143 – Small Engines Theory
ELE 332 – Fundamentals of Electricity
This course provides knowledge of the fundamentals of electricity along with electrical testing procedures and equipment for the transportation and maintenance industry.
Corequisites: AGM 332 – Fund. of Electricity Lab Farm Equipment, AUT 332 – Fund. of Electricity Lab Automotive, MOT 332 – Fund. of Electricity Lab Powersports or MSE 332 – Fund. of Electricity Lab Marine
MOT 332 – Fundamentals of Electricity Lab Powersports
This course provides application of the fundamentals of electricity along with electrical testing procedures and equipment on powersports and power equipment.
Corequisite: ELE 332 – Fundamentals of Electricity
MOT 121 – Small Engines Theory
Basic two- and four-stroke engine theory, design, and construction. All basic systems are studied, as well as troubleshooting, failure analysis, and repair procedures. Service literature, warranties, and engine identification are covered.
MOT 122 – Small Engines Lab
Complete disassembly and reassembly of modern engines, troubleshooting, failure analysis, and proper repair techniques. Hands-on testing and inspection of engine systems.
MOT 151 – Shop Safety & Procedures
Safe shop practices and procedures, including safe equipment operation, proper tool usage, importance of personal protective gear and how to handle emergency situations.
Corequisite: MOT 121 – Small Engine Theory
MOT 155 – Outdoor Power Equipment I
This course is an introduction to the various types of drives and power delivery systems that will be encountered in the outdoor power equipment industry. Construction, operation, maintenance, repair of outdoor power equipment, and other systems including transmissions, clutches, belt drives, chain drives, basic hydraulics, and hydrostatic transmissions. Assembly, disassembly, inspection, and repair of these systems are also covered.
Prerequisite: MOT 121 – Small Engines Theory
WEL 334 – Trade & Industry Welding
Principles and applications of gas and MIG welding theory, safety and shop practices are covered. Lecture and laboratory.
Choose MOT 153 or ELE 332 & MOT 332
Term 2
MAT 772 – Applied Math
A course in elementary mathematical skills for technicians. Topics covered include fundamental operations with whole numbers, fractions, decimals and signed numbers; percents; geometric figures and basic constructions; area and volume formulas; English/Metric systems; measurements; and basic algebraic equations and applications.
MOT 129 – Powersports Engine 2&4 Stroke Lab
This course includes engine disassembly, reassembly, and operation of various power sports engines. Includes general repairs, maintenance, special tool usage, service manual usage, and testing of engines.
Prerequisites: First semester of program
Corequisites: MOT 131 – Powersports Engine 2&4 Stroke
MOT 131 – Powersports Engine 2&4 Stroke
This course includes the construction, design, and theory of operation for power sports engines, both two and four-stroke. Parts identification, correct service procedures, inspection, troubleshooting, and failure analysis will be covered.
MOT 139 – Powersports Fuel Systems
Powersports fuel systems including carburetion, fuel injection, and oil injection. Topics covered will be troubleshooting, testing, adjustments, and disassembly/reassembly. Proper service procedures are discussed, demonstrated, and practiced. Lecture and laboratory.
Prerequisites: First two semesters of program
MOT 144 – Drive Systems/Chassis/Suspension
This course covers the functions, construction, and operation of motorcycle drive systems, chassis, and suspension systems. Their importance in the safe operation and control of a motorcycle is discussed. Disassembly, assembly, troubleshooting, and repair of these components are covered.
Term 3
MOT 146 – Powersports Electrical Systems
Study of the construction, principles of operation, and design of Powersports ignition and electrical systems.
MOT 910 – Cooperative Work Experience
Student is involved in a supervised cooperative work experience in a dealership.
General Education & Program Learning Outcomes
In the Powersports & Power Equipment Technology program at Iowa Lakes, you will learn how to:1
- Practice safety in the repair and service of Powersports and Power Equipment systems.
- Identify the operational relationships in Powersports and Power Equipment components and systems.
- Select appropriate tools and equipment for the task being performed.
- Demonstrate effective use of industry related literature to perform repairs.
- Evaluate system performance for repair or replacement.
1The What You’ll Learn section of our website provides a description of Learning Outcomes for students who successfully complete all requirements for obtaining a Powersports & Power Equipment Technology diploma from Iowa Lakes Community College.
Train with Industry Leaders & Get Certified
Students receive hands-on training with top manufacturers, gaining access to factory-backed certifications and training programs that give them a competitive edge in the job market. Certification opportunities include:
- Polaris technician training
Students complete the Polaris Master Service Dealer (MSD) certifications at the Bronze and Silver levels while enrolled in the program at Iowa Lakes.
Special Certifications:
- Polaris
- Indian
- Stihl
- Briggs and Stratton
- Honda Engines
One of the Top 5 Motorcycle Mechanic Schools in the U.S.
Iowa Lakes has been recognized as one of the nation’s top five motorcycle mechanic schools by Best Accredited Colleges, solidifying our reputation as a leader in power sports and motorcycle repair education. This ranking highlights our cutting-edge facilities, hands-on training, and strong industry partnerships, ensuring students receive top-tier education and career preparation.
With a curriculum designed around real-world experience and manufacturer-backed certifications, the Powersports & Power Equipment Technology program at Iowa Lakes equips students with the skills needed to succeed in the fast-growing motorcycle and power sports industry. Whether you’re passionate about motorcycles, ATVs, UTVs, or small engine repair, our program provides the specialized training and industry connections that set graduates apart.
One Of The 5 Best Motorcycle Mechanic Schools in the U.S.
Hands-On
Training
Career-Ready
Day One
Opportunities, Earnings & Growth
Projected Employment Growth
.3%
Potential Careers
Rental Center, Independent Repair Shop, Powersport Dealers, Sales/Parts, Self Employment, Small Engines Dealers, Outdoor Power, Equipment Dealers
Projected Earnings
Iowa Workforce
$43,534
Average Salary
US Bureau of Labor
$48,070
Average Salary
START YOUR LAKER JOURNEY IN 4 STEPS!
Questions? Let's Talk
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Matthew Bohl Assistant Professor | Powersports & Power Equipment Technology 712-852-5230 | mbohl@iowalakes.edu |
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Dustin Ross Assistant Professor | Powersports & Power Equipment Technology 712-852-5260 | dross@iowalakes.edu |