The full course catalog.

Level 1 Smog Check Inspector Training: Engine and Emission Control Training

Foundational training in engine theory, emission control systems, OBD-II diagnostics, and California's Smog Check inspection procedures. This is the first step of the Bureau of Automotive Repair's training requirements for inexperienced or minimally-experienced Smog Check Inspector candidates, and one of the ways you qualify to take Level 2.

Student learning outcomes. Upon successful completion, students will be able to:

• Describe and demonstrate personal, shop, equipment, and vehicle safety practices.
• Describe engine theory, design, and operation for gasoline, diesel, and hybrid vehicles.
• Demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities in identifying engine systems, parts, and components.
• Describe emission control systems theory, design, and operation for gasoline, diesel, and hybrid vehicles.
• Demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities in identifying emission control systems on various vehicle designs.
• Demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities in checking ignition timing on various vehicle designs.
• Demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities in checking the operation of exhaust gas recirculation systems on various system designs.
• Demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities in checking monitor readiness on vehicles equipped with second generation on-board diagnostic systems (OBDII).

Register for Level 1 →

Level 2 Smog Check Inspector Training: Inspection Procedures

The class required before you can take the state licensing exam for the Smog Check Inspector license. Builds directly on Level 1 with hands-on inspection procedures, BAR-97 and OIS operation under live conditions, and the full inspection workflow used at BAR-licensed Smog Check stations.

Student learning outcomes. Upon successful completion, students will be able to:

• Describe and demonstrate personal, shop, equipment, and vehicle safety practices.
• Describe the laws, regulations, and procedures associated with consumer authorization of inspections and the overall administration of the Smog Check Program.
• Describe the standards of practice expected of Smog Check Inspectors.
• Describe and demonstrate the ability to properly calibrate, initialize, and operate the Smog Check Emission Inspection System (BAR-97) and BAR OBD Inspection System (OIS).
• Describe and demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities to properly perform Smog Check emission tests on all vehicles subject to the Smog Check Program.
• Describe and demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities to properly perform Smog Check visual inspections on various vehicle designs.
• Describe and demonstrate they have the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform Smog Check functional tests on various vehicle designs.

Register for Level 2 →

BAR Specified Training: Diagnostic and Repair

One of the state-approved options a Smog Check Repair Technician candidate may choose to qualify for the initial state licensing exam — the ASE alternative (A6, A8, and L1) for technicians with at least two years of engine-performance repair experience. It also serves as the 5-year renewal for repair technicians who do not hold their ASEs.

Student learning outcomes. Upon successful completion, students will be able to:

• Practice safety and professionalism by following personal, shop, environmental, equipment, and vehicle safety procedures while meeting the responsibilities and ethical expectations of a Smog Check technician.
• Use service information effectively to diagnose Smog Check failures, prioritize repairs, and develop appropriate repair strategies based on customer concerns and vehicle data.
• Apply electrical and electronic system knowledge to understand circuit operation, interpret wiring diagrams, use diagnostic equipment, and identify electrical and electronic faults.
• Understand engine and emissions systems by explaining engine operation, combustion, emission control technologies, and how these systems affect vehicle emissions.
• Diagnose and repair engine and emissions problems using industry-standard diagnostic tools, exhaust gas analysis, and systematic troubleshooting techniques to identify root causes and verify repairs.
• Operate and interpret OBD/OBD II systems by using scan tools, analyzing diagnostic data, understanding monitor operation, diagnosing communication issues, and confirming proper system performance.
• Demonstrate competency in Smog Check diagnostics and repair through successful completion of written and hands-on assessments using current industry practices and procedures.

Successful completion of the course requires passing the written examination and all required hands-on performance assessments.

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BAR Certified Repair Technician Update Training

The two-year renewal that keeps a Smog Check Repair Technician license active. One Saturday, delivered entirely online. F.A.S.T. class topics are updated every two years, so every time you need an update you get fresh material that meets the BAR update training requirements.

Register for Repair Technician Update →

BAR Citation Training

BAR Citation Training provides remedial training to licensed Smog Check Inspectors who have received a citation by the Bureau and are mandated to complete corrective training. This training is a minimum of 8 hours, which may include a 4-hour online component. However, actual training hours could vary depending on the conditions of the citation issued by the Bureau. As applicable, the training includes an assessment to confirm the online training component, a review of the official inspection procedures, hands-on assessments using vehicles with emission control defects or tampers, and a final written exam.

Tuition by required hours: