Training for applicants and licensees
Smog Check
Licensure training courses
Engine and emission control training (Level 1)
Course hours: 68 (minimum)
Provider: BAR-certified school
Description: The Engine and Emission Control Training (Level 1) course is intended to provide Smog Check inspector license applicants basic knowledge of engine and emission control theory, design, and operation.
Level 1 training is only required for Smog Check inspector license applicants with minimal or no experience. See the Smog Check inspector license qualifications for more information.
Smog Check training (Level 2)
Course hours: 28 (minimum)
Provider: BAR-certified school
Description: The Smog Check Training (Level 2) course is required for all Smog Check inspector license applicants. The course is intended to provide applicants the procedural knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform Smog Check inspections.
Diagnostic and repair training
Course hours: 72 (minimum)
Provider: BAR-certified school
Description: The Diagnostic and Repair Training course is intended to provide Smog Check repair technician license applicants high-level competency in the diagnosis and repair of Smog Check failures.
A Smog Check repair technician license applicant with a minimum of two years of automotive repair experience in the engine performance area may complete this course to qualify to take the Smog Check repair technician license examination. See the Smog Check repair technician license qualifications for more information.
License renewal training courses
Inspector update training
Course hours: 4
Provider: BAR online training
Description: Smog Check inspectors are required to complete four hours of online update training every two years as part of the license renewal process. The Smog Check Inspector Update Training online course is intended to provide licensees continuing education on changes in automotive technology, new and revised inspection procedures, and updates to the laws and regulations impacting the Smog Check Program.
Smog Check Inspector Update Reference Video - This video content is available for informational and educational purposes only. It does not satisfy the update training requirement for Smog Check inspector license renewal.
Repair technician update training
Course hours: 16
Provider: BAR-certified school
Description: Smog Check repair technicians are required to complete 16 hours of update training every two years as part of the license renewal process. The Smog Check Repair Technician Update Training course is intended to provide licensees continuing education on automotive technology and related diagnostic and repair practices. Training topics vary by course. Visit CalARC to find current course options.
Citation training
Smog Check citation training is intended to provide Smog Check inspectors remedial training related to a citation. Training courses are a minimum of eight hours, and up to four hours may be fulfilled by completing the Smog Check Inspector Update Training course. Training may include a review of Smog Check inspection procedures, a hands-on assessment using vehicles with emission control defects or tampers, and a final written examination or online test. Please note, training requirements such as course content and hours may be dependent on a citation settlement between the licensee and BAR.
Online tutorials
Smog Check information series
- Module 1: California Smog Check Program
- Module 2: How to do a Smog Check
- Module 3: Emission Control System Application Guide
- Module 4: Inspection Procedures for OBD II
- Module 5: Ignition Timing Inspection
- Module 6: Aftermarket Parts
- Module 7: Engine Changes
- Module 8: Exhaust Gas Recirculation System Functional Test
- Module 9: Referee Inspection Services
Smog Check inspections and procedures
- Diesel Vehicle Smog Check Inspection
- Hybrid Vehicle Smog Check Inspection
- Low Pressure Fuel Evaporative Test
- Permanent Diagnostic Trouble Codes
BAR On-Board Diagnostic Inspection System (BAR-OIS)
- BAR-OIS User Guide
- Registration
- BAR-OIS Software Download
- Smog Check Inspection Using the BAR-OIS
- Tips for Improving Authentication Success Using Biometric Palm Scanners
- Computer Replacement and DAD Setup
Vehicle safety systems
ASE certification
Vehicle safety systems technicians must hold valid ASE certification for licensure and renewal. Required certifications include:
- Suspension and steering (A4)
- Brakes (A5)
- Electrical/electronic systems (A6)
Online tutorials
BAR Safety Inspections System (BAR-SIS)
- BAR-SIS User Guide (See the "Performing Safety Systems Inspections" section)
- BAR-SIS Inspection Screen Walk-Through
- Tips for Improving Authentication Success Using Biometric Palm Scanners
- Computer Replacement and DAD Setup
Educational certifications
Educational certifications show your professional training and help build customer confidence. You can provide your certifications on the automotive repair dealer application. You can also update them after you're licensed. The certifications will soon display on the Auto Shop Locator. This will help consumers when choosing a business for repairs or services.
BAR accepts two types of educational certifications:
- Nationally recognized and industry-accepted educational certifications
- Bureau-approved educational certifications
Nationally recognized and industry-accepted educational certifications
You can earn these certifications from the following providers:
- Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collisions Repair (I-CAR)
- National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)
- Trade school or community college
- Vehicle manufacturer
Certification course subjects include:
- Automotive repair
- Diagnosis and repair of a motor vehicle
- Automotive technology
- Automotive service technology
- Customer service related to automotive repair and/or testing provided
Bureau-approved educational certifications
Educational certifications currently accepted by BAR include:
How to provide your educational certifications
Applicants: Provide educational certification information on the automotive repair dealer application. You can provide information for both your business and employees. Be sure to provide a copy of each certificate, degree, and diploma.
Licensees: Complete the Change of Educational Certification Information form.
Remedial training
Pursuant to Assembly Bill (AB) 471 (Low, Chapter 372, Statutes of 2021), an automotive repair dealer cited for minor violations of the Automotive Repair Act such as documentation or recordkeeping errors may, until July 1, 2026, complete remedial training to prevent public disclosure of the citation on BAR’s website. Additionally, pursuant to AB 1263 (Berman, Chapter 681, Statutes of 2023), any employee of the automotive repair dealer who was involved in the violation resulting in the Bureau’s issuance of the citation also may be required by BAR to attend remedial training with the automotive repair dealer to prevent disclosure of the citation.
A licensee is not eligible if they have taken a remedial training course to prevent disclosure of a citation in the prior 18 months, or the citation is issued for violations involving fraud.
Remedial training is provided by a BAR-certified remedial training provider and consists of a minimum of eight hours of instruction on BAR laws and regulations.
CalARC
BAR's California Automotive Resource Center (CalARC) connects applicants and licensees with automotive training classes and schools. Visit CalARC to find and register for a training class, complete update training, and more.
Scholarships
Automotive associations and organizations offer many scholarship opportunities to automotive students and professionals. To learn more, visit Scholarship opportunities for students and professionals.