Smog Check Technician Licensing Requirements

Initial Smog Check Inspector License
The Initial Smog Check Inspector License authorizes individuals to inspect and certify vehicle emissions control systems participating in the California Smog Check Program at licensed Test-Only or Test-and-Repair stations. No prior work experience is required unless the applicant chooses to bypass Inspector Level I training.

Licensure Requirements
To qualify for the Smog Check Inspector examination, applicants must meet one of the following prerequisites:

1. Completion of Inspector Level I and Level II training within the past two years.
2. Current ASE certifications in A6, A8, and L1, along with completion of Inspector Level II training within the past two years.
3. Education and experience pathways, including one of the following:

• An Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, or higher degree in Automotive Technology from a state-accredited or recognized institution, plus completion of BAR Inspector Level II training.
• A certificate in automotive technology from a state-accredited or recognized college, public school, or trade school consisting of at least 720 total hours, including 280 hours of engine performance coursework, along with one year of automotive repair experience in engine performance and completion of Inspector Level II training within the past two years.
• A minimum of two years of automotive repair experience in the engine performance area, completion of BAR-specified Diagnostic and Repair training within the past five years, and completion of Inspector Level II training within the past two years.

Initial Smog Check Repair Technician License
The Initial Smog Check Repair Technician License authorizes individuals to diagnose, adjust, and repair emissions control systems on vehicles participating in the Smog Check Program at licensed Test-and-Repair or Repair-Only stations.

Licensure Requirements
Applicants must qualify through either the certification path or the education and experience path:

1. Certification path: Current ASE certifications in A6, A8, and L1.
2. Education and experience path, including one of the following:

• An Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, or higher degree in Automotive Technology from a state-accredited or recognized institution, plus one year of automotive repair experience in engine performance.
• A certificate in automotive technology from a state-accredited or recognized college, public school, or trade school with at least 720 hours of coursework, including 280 hours in engine performance, and one year of automotive repair experience in engine performance.
• A minimum of two years of automotive repair experience in the engine performance area, along with completion of BAR-specified Diagnostic and Repair training within the past five years.

Initial Smog Check Test-and-Repair License
The Initial Smog Check Test-and-Repair License authorizes individuals to both inspect and repair emissions control systems at licensed Smog Check Test-and-Repair stations.

Licensure Requirements
Applicants must meet one of the following qualifications:

1. Completion of Inspector Level II training.
2. Current ASE certifications in A6, A8, and L1.
3. Education and experience pathways, including one of the following:

• An Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, or higher degree in Automotive Technology from a state-accredited or recognized institution, plus one year of automotive repair experience in engine performance.
• A certificate in automotive technology from a state-accredited or recognized college, public school, or trade school with at least 720 hours of coursework, including 280 hours of engine performance training, and one year of automotive repair experience in engine performance.
• A minimum of two years of automotive repair experience in the engine performance area, along with completion of BAR-specified Diagnostic and Repair training within the past five years.