Concord Automotive Training School

Smog Check Inspector License

There are two licenses available to a current technician or a perspective technician:

1. Smog Check Inspector Technician
2. Smog Check Repair Technician

Students with minimal or no experience must complete both Engine and Emission Control Training (Level 1) and Smog Check Procedures (Level 2) within the last two years and pass a state licensing exam to obtain their Inspectors License. Please see the Smog Inspector Flow Chart.

Descriptions

Level 1 Engine and Emission Control Fundamentals Training

This course is a minimum of 68 hours in length and is designed for Inspector applicants with little or no automotive experience and covers the following topics:

• Safety
• Engine theory
• Design and operation for gasoline and diesel engines
• Cooling systems
• Exhaust systems
• Electrical systems
• Ignition systems
• Induction systems
• Fuel injection systems
• Carburetion
• Engine management systems and on-board diagnostics
• Emission control theory, design, and operation
• Emissions cause and effect.

Level 2 Smog Check Procedures

This course is a minimum of 28 hours in length and is designed for Inspector applicants and covers the following topics:

• Safety
• Administrative requirements of Smog Check
• Equipment Maintenance
• Visual Inspection procedures
• Emissions testing procedures
• Functional testing procedures
• General information when completing a Smog Check inspection

NOTE:

Level 1 class may be bypassed if you meet the criteria from the Smog Inspector Flow Chart.

BAR will be checking “Proof of Experience” through employer contacts and IRS Tax Statements. In addition, all technicians, whether current or perspective, can no longer mix and match the ASE required courses A-6, A-8, and L-1 with ASE Alternative A-6, A-8, and L-1. For instance, candidates must take and pass all three ASE courses or take the ASE Alternative courses in order to meet the requirements. Example: a candidate cannot take and pass the ASE A-6 and ASE A-8 then fail the ASE L-1 and take the ASE L-1 Alternative for the purpose of satisfying the requirements for licensing. It is advisable that technicians weigh the odds of passing the ASE tests versus the hands-on training and knowledge technicians receive by attending the BAR Specified Diagnostics Training Courses.

TECHELP’S 2026 LEVEL I SMOG CHECK INSPECTOR TRAINING
Tuition Cost = $900.00

TecHelp’s 2026 Level II Smog Check Inspector Training
Tuition Cost = $450.00