How to Become a California Smog Technician [in 2022]

[@Ralph619]

I used to own a smog shop in San Diego about 4 years ago, things didn’t go well for me, I was very young and ambitious so I didn’t know much about the business I just got my smog tech license got some experience working in different shops and then decided to open my own station. To make the long story short I ended up selling the shop after a year because I ran out of money and I couldn’t keep it going. The best advice I would give to all new smog techs thinking about opening a station is find a place where the rent is cheap! Be patient, share a garage with a Mechanic, think of other options, just avoid paying high rent.

[@MasterAutomotiveTraining]

Thank you for the great info, I am sorry to hear about you losing your business, we all learn from our failures and they make us stronger!

[@Ralph619]

@@MasterAutomotiveTraining no problem, it’s the least I can do to help someone else go through less pain, but it’s all good I switched careers I’m a welder/fabricator now, everything is going well thank God!

[@MasterAutomotiveTraining]

@@Ralph619 thats bad ass man, glad to hear you recovered and are now killing it!

[@818TahoeOn8s]

Sorry to hear about it great to hear your doing good now 😊 I buy and sale cars and I have plenty of time on my own I was thinking of opening a shop any tips on how much money I need for equipment?

[@brandonguzman626_]

@@818TahoeOn8s that depends. If your leasing a shop environment location you would spend less because they already have lifts and air lines for you typically

[@miggywidit]

I just found my local community college offers this class and I will be starting it January

[@MasterAutomotiveTraining]

Congratulations buddy! If we can be any help let us know!

[@JGZ00]

Yo huge question how has it gone you graduated? You working ? Own shop!!?

[@stuffedchicken420]

In my area everyone is always willing to pay top dollar for a Jonny on the spot smog tech

[@nicholassanza296]

I was just watching your video on becoming a smog tech technician, and I’ve been thinking about going to school for it, but I also noticed at the end of the video you said to call Sacramento licensing department, so I’m guessing that tells me you’re somewhere in California I’m up in Napa California wasn’t sure where your master automotive training is located. Thanks.

[@ASEMasterTech909]

Here is a great way to know what you need todo to become a smog technician!

[@artemioleon8369]

Oscar Gómez, thank you so much, excellent vídeos, excellent information, now where can I buy the handbook smog tech.? Again thank you, thank you, thank you

[@MasterAutomotiveTraining]

Thank you for taking the time to watch my videos. Hope I was able to teach you a thing or two. Which handbook are looking for?

[@christianaguayo6756]

Thank you for these videos. I have had my smog technician license for 10 ueats now (not always my full time job) but what has worried me now is that my score has been dropping to where am thinking of leaving doing smogs all together. Am the technician that does what others dont (do BAR-97 cars..95 and older). I have great reviews for the shop i work for... Do over 20 smogs a day. Bit my score went from 57 to 50 to 31 and today in 2024 at .28!!!! Should i STOP doing the old cars? Help please 😢

[@neorabado8990]

Dude what an awesome channel. Glad I found your channel, I only wish that you were closer to me so I can attend your course :(

[@MasterAutomotiveTraining]

Thank you! I really appreciate the positive feedback. Stop by anytime my classroom is always open and would love the opportunity to teach you a few things!

[@abdenuryassin7582]

How to find job for smog inspection ?

[@MasterAutomotiveTraining]

If you have your license give us a call, we have many shops in southern California needing a technician.

[@YNGJBRZ]

Just started my smog station, sharing with a tech that has his smog repair tech license, still awaiting clients, any advice to attract clients to my smog station?

[@MasterAutomotiveTraining]

Make sure to create a google business profile, make sure to post images and content that answers clients common questions. I'd also recommend running google ads, to help drive traffic.

[@ambersingh4060]

Can u make a video about how to become an instructor for smog tech?

[@MasterAutomotiveTraining]

Sure, in the meanwhile, BAR requires both smog inspector and smog repair technician licenses, minimum of ASE A6, A8 & L1, you'll take a 100 question written exam, then create a class from a list of topics and teach it to a panel. Upon passing both assessments you'll be a BAR certified instructor.

[@esmatullahbayan1154]

Hi thank you for your video

[@moofix1027]

Thank you, keep it up!

[@samuelramirez6695]

When you opt to rent the bar97 smog machine does it come with the evap tester.

[@MasterAutomotiveTraining]

Unfortunately is doesn’t. If you opt to lease the Gen III you’ll have to purchase or lease a LPFET separately.

[@TheHyperlethal]

Would this also allow you to be an inspector for diesel engines as well?

[@Persianjon]

where is your class at?

[@leo12th]

Hi, thank you so much for the info, I would like to know if I can get the smog license no repair, with itin number

[@MasterAutomotiveTraining]

Yes, you can get a license with a i-tin.

[@nathanwhitlow7549]

I'm a recondition technician at a Chevrolet dealership for the pass 3 years and I have a associate's degree from Universal Technical Institute after taking auto diesel and Ford fact. With those credentials do I still need to take a class or can I just take the test?

[@MasterAutomotiveTraining]

Congrats on your accomplishments! With an AA you’d skip level I and only need to take level II, this then qualifies you for the state exam.

[@nathanwhitlow7549]

Thanks. Does Master Automotive Training offer just the level 2 course?

[@MasterAutomotiveTraining]

Yes we do! Gives us a call 909-539-0114

[@365DailyLiving]

I’m in Fresno ca and I want to obtain my smog license where so you guys have a class here in town? Or do I have to come up there?

[@olegvolosenco4521]

Do you have any school suggestion in Sacramento?

[@rudyhattabaugh4290]

Oscar Have you heard of a school called advanced automotive training for smog technicians in Rancho Cordova,CA and is it a good School

[@MasterAutomotiveTraining]

I haven't heard of it, up north I'd send you to my buddy Rick Escalambre from skyline college.

[@florgonzalez9168]

I am woman and want to open a smog shop in Merced, ca > Do you think it will difficult for a woman to run a smog shop

[@MasterAutomotiveTraining]

Hey Flor! Congratulations on wanting to be better and open your first shop!! It’s not difficult at all, I have helped many of my students open their shops and its not difficult at all. The most difficult part is making the choice and starting! I actually believe women can run these shop's better then we can. Plus most of my female students are much more attentive, spot the small details and are much more eager to learn! When you open please let me know where I'd love to stop by!

[@tyga0402]

I’m thinking about becoming a smog tech but I personally feel like I’m starting late in the game.. I’m almost 30 lol

[@MasterAutomotiveTraining]

It’s never to late! The founder of KFC Harland David Sanders at the age of 65, let’s get you in class and by mid next year have you owning your own shop.

[@alan99yu]

Hi, I want to be an owner not a technician of a Smog check station business. What do I do?

[@MasterAutomotiveTraining]

Awesome! You can go thru the process on your own or we do offer a consultation program where we can help you do it. We are a bit on the busy side at the moment so this service is taking longer than normal. kzbin.info/www/bejne/laqYcpR4bsStpbM

[@BbeChasing619]

Brotha how much is the schooling and testing

[@dimascartech]

How long is the school ?

[@MasterAutomotiveTraining]

Our smog program is 7 weeks, 4 days a week.

[@dimascartech]

IS IT POSSIBLE TO DO IT ONLINE ON YOUR OWN TIME?@@MasterAutomotiveTraining

[@thedeltahookset]

Great stuff brotha 🤙

[@MasterAutomotiveTraining]

Thank you sir!

[@jdmtake1]

Hey how’s it going just turning into your channel I just became a smog technician I have a question what would happen if I happen to smog a directed vehicle and I’m not a star ⭐️ station and I do a smog and it passes or fails is that bad ? What would happen

[@MasterAutomotiveTraining]

Congrats on passing your state exam! If the car is directed you can’t smog it, the machine will let you know it’s directed and you aren’t a directed station and only allow you to do a pretest.

[@jdmtake1]

Master Automotive Training ok but will I get in trouble?

[@MasterAutomotiveTraining]

@@jdmtake1 nope, you won’t get in trouble.

[@jdmtake1]

Master Automotive Training thank you so much

[@isidroochoa2142]

Can people atemp to school on spanish class..?

[@MasterAutomotiveTraining]

I have had plenty of students who are English as a second language who pass the smog exam. I am bilingual so can help if Spanish is your primary language, I just had a student take and pass the state test without being able to read and write English properly.

[@RudyLinares-o6u]

How much the course

[@iquikcastillo6818]

Me gustaría que subieran videos en español gracias 🙏

[@MasterAutomotiveTraining]

Gracias por su apoyo, con gusto!

[@craigjoseph9374]

How much longer will the smog tech position be around considering the push for the electric vehicles?

[@MasterAutomotiveTraining]

Being that this won’t take effect until 2035, gasoline vehicles sold up until 2035, won’t require smogs until 8 years after. That puts it up to 2057, even then all gasoline vehicles will still be required to be inspected to receive DMV renewal, plus the smog program is California’s #1 money pig.

[@craigjoseph9374]

@@MasterAutomotiveTraining, Thanks.

[@rychytrujillo3322]

Puedo obtener mi licencia sin saber inglés?

[@MasterAutomotiveTraining]

Si puede. Con que tenga un conocimiento básico de inglés para poder tomar y pasar el examen del estado que nomas lo dan en inglés.

[@n310ea]

Can technicians smog visiting cars from out-of-state?

[@MasterAutomotiveTraining]

You can, however most states don't recognize California inspections and certificates.

[@JoseLopez-bt7zp]

Where is you school located

[@weshawkins7165]

Does the state of California still require you to be ASE Master Tech Certified with the advanced ASE certification required also? I became ASE certified Master tech back in 1985. Back then no one cared if you had those certifications or not but last I heard the state required you to have all the ASE certifications.

[@MasterAutomotiveTraining]

Hmmm, since I can recall they haven't required ASE master technician, they did at one point require A6, A8 & L1, but now you can become a smog technician with only taking the inspector only courses, take and pass the state exam and you'll be golden! If you plan on doing smog check repairs or if you are already doing emission repairs you are required to have ASE A6, A8, & L1 or have take the BAR specified diagnostics class, a.k.a. ASE Alternative courses.

[@weshawkins7165]

@@MasterAutomotiveTraining That’s interesting, the state might have changed. I took the advanced test about 15 years ago because the state required it as a prerequisite for the smog test.

[@Motivationzak]

Can you write it down you place of address for training we can able to join.

[@EnriqueRivera-ib1gy]

Brother how much $$$ for the school

[@mauroaparicio1855]

what's the price for the course

[@MasterAutomotiveTraining]

Contact the office by text or call [phone] or smartautotraining.com

[@MotorheadRedo]

Where is your school located? Cost?

[@MasterAutomotiveTraining]

We are located at 9253 Archibald Ave., Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730.

[@shootthemoon9549]

I know of people with smog licenses that have no idea how a car even works and couldn't change their own oil if their life depended on it. The state needs to stop handing out licenses to people that just take the test over and over until they pass. Some doofus asked me how many times I had to take the test, I had a good laugh from that.

[@MasterAutomotiveTraining]

Sadly not all of us are born masters of auto repair like you where and some of us have to do a thing called learning and gain experience as we go. Secondly since you obtain a smog check inspector license you aren’t required to change oil to save no ones life, now if a repair technician can’t do an oil change then we got a problem. On a last note, BAR doesn’t hand them out without passing the required course plus passing a written exam like you said some can’t pass, so they aren’t handing them out like you said they are, they are earned.

[@JGZ00]

@@MasterAutomotiveTrainingbro you my inspiration

[@Ricardo-qv9jn]

I think it will be more hard if you havent had any experience working on cars

[@MasterAutomotiveTraining]

Not at all, about 70% of my student no previous automotive experience.

[@bennysegura6968]

Can you take class online because of covid or do they require hands on ?

[@MasterAutomotiveTraining]

Hello Benny, I am not offering online classes since, this line of inspections you need to learn hands-on how to properly perform inspections. I have tutored roughly 10 students who went to other schools online and couldn't pass the state test.

[@user-xt8mo8mm5s]

I'm about to graduate from a tech program. Does it make sense to get my smog inspector license now, or will shops generally not allow new techs to do any smog inspections until they prove themselves? I'm really into engine performance and diag work and plan to focus heavily on certifications/training in those areas.

[@MasterAutomotiveTraining]

I would suggest getting it now, the longer you have it the more experience you will obtain with it. Smog techs don't nor do any techs have to prove themselves, if thats how the shop runs you should find another shop to take you in. In California you can also get your smog check repair technician license which will allow you to also to legally do emission related repairs. Hope this helps.

[@JJ-rs6qt]

@@MasterAutomotiveTraining Thanks for your answer. BAR says that experience in the engine performance area is required to be eligible for the smog repair license. Does BAR count an Inspector job position as experience?

[@MasterAutomotiveTraining]

Unfortunately, no they wouldn’t consider an inspector experience as engine performance experience. They are looking that you are performing diagnostics, drivability concerns etc. However I have had students in the past that took my class and submitted applications with smog inspector as experience and were able to test.

[@JJ-rs6qt]

@@MasterAutomotiveTraining I completed the inspector class and sent out the $20 to BAR. I received a handbook from PSI with a label on it that has a 'File ID' number on it, along with a 'Test Before' date.. Would the 'File ID' number be my candidate ID number?

[@1980sSinaloense]

Do any programs ever help you find a job or are you 100% on your own to find one ?!

[@MasterAutomotiveTraining]

Depends on what school you attend. At MAT we do have many shops who are looking for a technicians, however it’s always up to the technician to make it to the interview and work with the employer to be hired. We will help as much as we can but you’ll still have to do some leg work as well.

[@1980sSinaloense]

@@MasterAutomotiveTraining ahh ok thank you! Im in Fresno so there’s only 1 place i can attend for smog tech guess ill have to give them a call

[@MasterAutomotiveTraining]

Give them a call and see how they help technicians. We do have 3 students right now attending our classes from Sac. Helping them grow in the industry.

[@michaelsalgado-v5s]

Bought a car, took it to the DMV. She pointed out it's not smog certified. 😆 Can I get my registered stickers for the car. No. It needs to be smog certifued before you can completely register your wife's car.😢 "Thank you very much". This is how we fat worked by the system. Shhh

[@BbeChasing619]

Yea man none of your videos break down pricing for schools nor the upstart costs as far as licensing/ tools and materials needed

[@rumbador]

Where is your school located? Is there an online school?

[@MasterAutomotiveTraining]

We are located in Southern California. 9253 Archibald Ave., Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730. At the moment we are doing live, in-person training.

[@rumbador]

@@MasterAutomotiveTraining do you have a website

[@MasterAutomotiveTraining]

Of course www.smartautotraining.com

[@hammad86556]

Young

[@soniakhan8450]

🙄🙄

[@JuanSanchez-di6zz]

This carrier is a wasted of time most employers don't pay into taxes and no workers comp no overtime eather. Don't become on

[@MasterAutomotiveTraining]

Sorry to hear you had a bad experience with a shop owner. It's always a sad moment when shop owners don't treat a technician right.