Training Information and Resources
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.
Licensure Training
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 (Level 2) Training 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 competecy 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.
Update Training
Smog Check 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.
Smog Check 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 automtive technology and related diagnostic and repair practices. Training topics vary by course. Visit CalARC to find current course options.
Citation Training
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.
Remedial Training
Coming Soon
Pursuant to Assembly Bill 471 (Low, Chapter 372, Statutes of 2021), BAR is developing a citation and remedial training program for automotive repair dealer violations of the Automotive Repair Act and associated regulations. The program will, until July 1, 2026, allow an automotive repair dealer to, once every 18 months, prevent the disclosure of a citation for a violation deemed minor in nature upon successful remedial training.
To receive important updates and announcements on the new citation and remedial training program, join our email list.
Video 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
- BAR-OIS Tutorials
- Diesel Vehicle Smog Check Inspection
- Hybrid Vehicle Smog Check Inspection
- Low Pressure Fuel Evaporative Test
- Permanent Diagnostic Trouble Codes
Scholarships
Automotive associations and organizations offer many scholarship opportunities to automotive students and professionals.
For more information, visit Scholarship Opportunities for Students and Professionals.