Apply for an Inspector/Technician License

Important! Vehicle safety systems licenses will replace brake and lamp licenses soon pursuant to AB 471 (Low, Chapter 372, Statutes of 2021). Join our email list to receive important implementation announcements in your inbox.

License Types


BAR licenses individuals who perform inspections and repairs of vehicles for the Smog Check Program and brake and lamp inspection programs.

License Description
Smog Check Inspector An individual that is licensed to inspect and certify the emissions control systems on vehicles subject to the Smog Check Program.
Smog Check Repair Technician An individual that is licensed to diagnose and repair the emissions control systems on vehicles subject to the Smog Check Program.
Brake Adjuster An individual that is licensed to test, inspect, adjust, and repair the brakes and brake systems on vehicles.
Lamp Adjuster An individual that is licensed to test, inspect, adjust, and repair the lamps and related electrical systems on vehicles.

Qualifications


Smog Check Inspector

An examination is required for licensure. To qualify to take the Smog Check inspector license examination, an applicant must provide on the application proof of:

  1. Successful completion of Smog Check (Level 2) training within the last two years, AND

  2. ONE of the following:

    • Successful completion of engine and emission control (Level 1) training within the last two years.
    • Certification by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) in all three of the following areas:
      • Electrical/Electronic Systems (A6)
      • Engine Performance (A8)
      • Advanced Engine Performance Specialist (L1)
    • An Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree or higher in automotive technology, from a state accredited or recognized college, public school, or trade school, AND one year of automotive repair experience in the engine performance area.
    • A certificate in automotive technology from a state accredited or recognized college, public school, or trade school with a minimum of 720 hours course work that includes at least 280 hours course work in the engine performance area, AND one year of automotive repair experience in the engine performance area.
    • A minimum of two years of automotive repair experience in the engine performance area, AND successfully completed BAR specified diagnostic and repair training within the last five years.
    • Comparable military education/experience.

For more information, see the Smog Check Inspector and Repair Technician Examination Handbook (candidate information bulletin).

Smog Check Repair Technician

An examination is required for licensure. To qualify to take the Smog Check repair technician license examination, an applicant must provide on the application proof of ONE of the following:

  • Certification by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) in all three of the following areas:
    • Electrical/Electronic Systems (A6)
    • Engine Performance (A8)
    • Advanced Engine Performance Specialist (L1)
  • An Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree or higher in automotive technology, from a state accredited or recognized college, public school, or trade school, AND one year of automotive repair experience in the engine performance area.
  • A certificate in automotive technology from a state accredited or recognized college, public school, or trade school with a minimum of 720 hours course work that includes at least 280 hours course work in the engine performance area, AND one year of automotive repair experience in the engine performance area.
  • A minimum of two years of automotive repair experience in the engine performance area, AND successfully completed BAR specified diagnostic and repair training within the last five years.
  • Comparable military education/experience.

For more information, see the Smog Check Inspector and Repair Technician Examination Handbook (candidate information bulletin).

Brake Adjuster

An examination is required for licensure. There are no training, certification, or education qualifications required to take the brake adjuster license examination. Submit a completed application and the applicable fee to start the licensure and examination process.

For more information, see the Brake and Lamp Adjuster Examination Handbook.

Lamp Adjuster

An examination is required for licensure. There are no training, certification, or education qualifications required to take the brake adjuster license examination. Submit a completed application and the applicable fee to start the licensure and examination process.

For more information, see the Brake and Lamp Adjuster Examination Handbook.

Scholarship Opportunities

Automotive associations and organizations offer many scholarship opportunities to automotive students and professionals.

For more information, visit Scholarship Opportunities for Students and Professionals.

How to Apply


Step 1: Verify you meet the qualifications for licensure

Step 2: Complete an application

Step 3: Submit your application and nonrefundable application fee

Once your application is submitted, BAR will verify that all the information on your application is complete, your application fee is paid, and you meet the qualifications to take the examination.

  • If the application is approved, BAR will notify you within 14 days of receipt of the application. The examination contractor will send you a notice providing instructions for scheduling the examination.
  • If the application is deficient or denied, BAR will notify you within 14 days of receipt then application. BAR cannot process a deficient application until all required information and fees are provided.

Step 4: Take and pass the examination

After BAR has reviewed your application and determined you meet the qualifications for licensure, the examination contractor will send you a notice providing instructions for scheduling the examination.

Step 5: Receive your license

Once you pass the examination, your wall and badge license (Smog Check licenses) will be mailed to you with details on how to activate your license.

Application Assistance


Resources for Military Members and Their Families

Application and licensure assistance options are available to military personnel and their spouses or domestic partners.

For more information, visit Assistance for Veterans, Military Personnel, and Their Spouses/Domestic Partners.

Expedited Licensure Process for Refugees, Asylees, and Holders of SIVs

Refugees, asylees, and holders of special immigrant visas (SIV) may seek an expedited licensure process as required by Business and Professions Code section 135.4. Learn more

Potential License Denial


BAR is committed to reducing barriers to licensure and ensuring qualified applicants are granted a license. An applicant may be denied a license in certain circumstances as required by California law. However, circumstances such as a criminal conviction or prior formal discipline do not automatically preclude an applicant from licensure with BAR. BAR evaluates each applicant on a case-by-case basis and considers criteria to determine if the license should be granted.

For more information, visit Criminal Convictions, Formal Discipline, and Potential License Denial.

FAQs


Do I need to be licensed with BAR?

Individuals that perform repairs and inspections of vehicles for the Smog Check Program and brake and lamp inspection programs must be licensed with BAR.

What type of Smog Check license(s) do I need?

A Smog Check inspector license is required to inspect and certify vehicle emissions control systems. A Smog Check repair technician license is required to diagnose, adjust, and repair vehicle emissions control systems. If you will be inspecting and repairing vehicles, both licenses are required.

If I'm applying for both a Smog Check inspector license and a Smog Check repair technician license, do I need to submit two separate applications?

No, an applicant may submit one application to apply for both licenses. Be sure to select both license types on the application.

Can I request an application fee refund?

No, fees are non-refundable pursuant to Business and Professions Code section 158.