SMOG CHECK INSPECTOR LEVEL 1 |
2026 UPDATE MOST TESTED
QUESTIONS WITH VERIFIED
ANSWERS GRADEDA+ | ASSURED
SUCCESS
1. Scope of the Smog Check Program
Q: What model year gasoline vehicles are subject to California's Smog Check
program? A: 1976 through current model year.
Note: Vehicles six years old or newer are often exempt from the biennial
requirement, but they must still participate in the program at the time of
initial registration or transfer of ownership.
Q: What model year diesel vehicles are subject to California's Smog Check
program? A: 1998 through current model year (with a Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating of 14,000 lbs or less).
2. Visible Smoke Test Procedures
Q: During the smog check inspection on a 2005 gasoline hybrid vehicle,
Technician A says the visible idle smoke check can be performed at any time.
Technician B says it must be performed after the OBDII portion. Who is
correct? A: Neither.
The Rule: The visible smoke test must be performed during the pre-
inspection portion of the smog check, before the OBDII or tailpipe testing
begins.
Q: The Bureau of Automotive Repair's (BAR) snap throttle visible smoke test
is performed on what vehicles? A: All vehicles 1976 and newer.
Procedure: The inspector must perform a "snap throttle" (quickly opening
and closing the throttle) to observe for excessive exhaust smoke, which
indicates internal engine wear or oil consumption.
, 3. Emission Control Systems
Q: What emissions does the PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) system
reduce? A: HC (Hydrocarbons).
Why: The PCV system is designed to recirculate "blow-by" gases—which
contain unburnt fuel vapors (hydrocarbons)—from the crankcase back into
the intake manifold to be burned in the combustion chamber, rather than
venting them into the atmosphere.
What emissions does the Oxidation Catalyst (OC) reduce -ANSWER ✔✔H/C and
CO
A diesel vehicle is in for a smog check inspection but fuel is seen leaking onto the
ground. if the smog check inspector feels the vehicle is safe for testing how should
he or she proceed -ANSWER ✔✔Ignore the leak and test the vehicle in accordance
to OIS
What emissions class of vehicles have an extended warranty on emissions
components of 15 years and/or 150,000 miles -ANSWER ✔✔PZEV
What emissions does an AIR system (pump or pulse) reduce -ANSWER ✔✔CO
and H/C
All 2000 and newer hybrid vehicles are tested on the EIS machine, true or false -
ANSWER ✔✔false
During the crankcase visible smoke check portion of a smog check inspection
smoke is seen coming from the oil dipstick tube technician A says this is normal
and the vehicle should pass. technician b says the vehicle should fail only if the
2026 UPDATE MOST TESTED
QUESTIONS WITH VERIFIED
ANSWERS GRADEDA+ | ASSURED
SUCCESS
1. Scope of the Smog Check Program
Q: What model year gasoline vehicles are subject to California's Smog Check
program? A: 1976 through current model year.
Note: Vehicles six years old or newer are often exempt from the biennial
requirement, but they must still participate in the program at the time of
initial registration or transfer of ownership.
Q: What model year diesel vehicles are subject to California's Smog Check
program? A: 1998 through current model year (with a Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating of 14,000 lbs or less).
2. Visible Smoke Test Procedures
Q: During the smog check inspection on a 2005 gasoline hybrid vehicle,
Technician A says the visible idle smoke check can be performed at any time.
Technician B says it must be performed after the OBDII portion. Who is
correct? A: Neither.
The Rule: The visible smoke test must be performed during the pre-
inspection portion of the smog check, before the OBDII or tailpipe testing
begins.
Q: The Bureau of Automotive Repair's (BAR) snap throttle visible smoke test
is performed on what vehicles? A: All vehicles 1976 and newer.
Procedure: The inspector must perform a "snap throttle" (quickly opening
and closing the throttle) to observe for excessive exhaust smoke, which
indicates internal engine wear or oil consumption.
, 3. Emission Control Systems
Q: What emissions does the PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) system
reduce? A: HC (Hydrocarbons).
Why: The PCV system is designed to recirculate "blow-by" gases—which
contain unburnt fuel vapors (hydrocarbons)—from the crankcase back into
the intake manifold to be burned in the combustion chamber, rather than
venting them into the atmosphere.
What emissions does the Oxidation Catalyst (OC) reduce -ANSWER ✔✔H/C and
CO
A diesel vehicle is in for a smog check inspection but fuel is seen leaking onto the
ground. if the smog check inspector feels the vehicle is safe for testing how should
he or she proceed -ANSWER ✔✔Ignore the leak and test the vehicle in accordance
to OIS
What emissions class of vehicles have an extended warranty on emissions
components of 15 years and/or 150,000 miles -ANSWER ✔✔PZEV
What emissions does an AIR system (pump or pulse) reduce -ANSWER ✔✔CO
and H/C
All 2000 and newer hybrid vehicles are tested on the EIS machine, true or false -
ANSWER ✔✔false
During the crankcase visible smoke check portion of a smog check inspection
smoke is seen coming from the oil dipstick tube technician A says this is normal
and the vehicle should pass. technician b says the vehicle should fail only if the
