SMOG CHECK INSPECTOR EXAM CA
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS WITH
COMPLETE SOLUTIONS LATEST
UPDATED 2026
1. Emission Testing Procedures
Q: What are the two types of Two-Speed Idle (TSI) tests? A: 2500 RPM and
Idle. This test evaluates a vehicle's emissions at two different engine speeds to
simulate both cruising conditions and idling at a stoplight.
Q: What are the two types of Acceleration Simulation Mode (ASM) tests? A:
50/15 and 25/25 tests. These tests place the vehicle under a load on a
dynamometer (a treadmill for cars).
50/15: 50% load at 15 mph.
25/25: 25% load at 25 mph.
2. Equipment and Program Geography
Q: What does DAD stand for? A: Data Acquisition Device. The DAD is the
critical piece of hardware that interfaces between the vehicle’s On-Board
Diagnostic (OBD) system and the state’s central database to ensure accurate,
tamper-proof reporting.
Q: The Smog Check program divides the state into three areas based on air
quality. What are they? A: Enhanced, Basic, and Change of Ownership.
Q: In which program area are biennial (every two years) smog checks
required? A: Enhanced Areas. These are regions that do not meet federal or state
air quality standards for pollutants like ozone and carbon monoxide, necessitating
more frequent and rigorous testing.
3. Administrative Protocols
Q: If the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) on the vehicle does not match
the registration documents, what should the inspector do? A: Use the VIN on
,the vehicle to inform the customer that it does not match the registration
document. The DMV will not accept test results if the VINs do not match. The
inspector must document the discrepancy and direct the customer to the DMV to
resolve the registration error before the test can be certified.
If VIN and plate entries are correct and communication failure continues what
should the tech do? How do you proceed? -ANSWER ✔✔Complete the inspection
as promoted by the EIS.
The CARB EO parts listing contain information about what ? -ANSWER ✔✔Part
manufacturer catalog, part listings, catalytic converters, the applicable vehicles for
which it can be ínstalled
What are Grey Market Vehicles? -ANSWER ✔✔Vehicles that were
manufacturered for sale outside the u.s and imported into the US
In the two speed idle inspection which test comes first? -ANSWER ✔✔2500 RPM
run for 30 seconds
vehicles 1976-1999 MY are subject to what kind of emissions tailpipe test ?? -
ANSWER ✔✔Two speed idle
On Bar 97 EIS selecting "G" or "government" will chase the EIS to ask for what to
input into the system ? -ANSWER ✔✔BAR FILE # (thereby preventing a
certificate of compliance from being issues) N/A
What is required under visual inspection for gasoline vehicles from 1975-1999 ? -
ANSWER ✔✔All of them (Crankcase emission controls, TAC, EVAP, EGR,
, computers, sensors, switches, visible smoke, liquid fuel leaks, ignition spark
controls,
Star Station certification allows test and repair stations to..? -ANSWER ✔✔Issue
certificates to gross polluters, perform repairs, perform initial inspection, issue
certificates to directed vehicles
What are directed vehicles? -ANSWER ✔✔Bar directs a portion of the enhanced
area fleet to star certified stations for certification
Required tests for Tailpipe inspection? (2) -ANSWER ✔✔ASM or two speed idle
Bar referee label provides what information on the label for kit cars ? (2) -
ANSWER ✔✔Certification type and emission control requirements
If a vehicle is not at normal operating temperature the vehicles may either be ___
or ___. -ANSWER ✔✔Idled or driven normally as necessary to achieve normal
operating temperature
Which type of vehicles excluding hybrids (electric) must be tested for visible
smoke? -ANSWER ✔✔Gasoline and Diesel
What is the BAR snap test ? -ANSWER ✔✔Quickly push and release the
accelerator pedal from idle position to between 2,000- 3,000 RPM then
immediately allow the engine to return to idle.
What is an under hood emission control label? Indicates the vehicles ___? -
ANSWER ✔✔Certification type ( California or Federal)
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS WITH
COMPLETE SOLUTIONS LATEST
UPDATED 2026
1. Emission Testing Procedures
Q: What are the two types of Two-Speed Idle (TSI) tests? A: 2500 RPM and
Idle. This test evaluates a vehicle's emissions at two different engine speeds to
simulate both cruising conditions and idling at a stoplight.
Q: What are the two types of Acceleration Simulation Mode (ASM) tests? A:
50/15 and 25/25 tests. These tests place the vehicle under a load on a
dynamometer (a treadmill for cars).
50/15: 50% load at 15 mph.
25/25: 25% load at 25 mph.
2. Equipment and Program Geography
Q: What does DAD stand for? A: Data Acquisition Device. The DAD is the
critical piece of hardware that interfaces between the vehicle’s On-Board
Diagnostic (OBD) system and the state’s central database to ensure accurate,
tamper-proof reporting.
Q: The Smog Check program divides the state into three areas based on air
quality. What are they? A: Enhanced, Basic, and Change of Ownership.
Q: In which program area are biennial (every two years) smog checks
required? A: Enhanced Areas. These are regions that do not meet federal or state
air quality standards for pollutants like ozone and carbon monoxide, necessitating
more frequent and rigorous testing.
3. Administrative Protocols
Q: If the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) on the vehicle does not match
the registration documents, what should the inspector do? A: Use the VIN on
,the vehicle to inform the customer that it does not match the registration
document. The DMV will not accept test results if the VINs do not match. The
inspector must document the discrepancy and direct the customer to the DMV to
resolve the registration error before the test can be certified.
If VIN and plate entries are correct and communication failure continues what
should the tech do? How do you proceed? -ANSWER ✔✔Complete the inspection
as promoted by the EIS.
The CARB EO parts listing contain information about what ? -ANSWER ✔✔Part
manufacturer catalog, part listings, catalytic converters, the applicable vehicles for
which it can be ínstalled
What are Grey Market Vehicles? -ANSWER ✔✔Vehicles that were
manufacturered for sale outside the u.s and imported into the US
In the two speed idle inspection which test comes first? -ANSWER ✔✔2500 RPM
run for 30 seconds
vehicles 1976-1999 MY are subject to what kind of emissions tailpipe test ?? -
ANSWER ✔✔Two speed idle
On Bar 97 EIS selecting "G" or "government" will chase the EIS to ask for what to
input into the system ? -ANSWER ✔✔BAR FILE # (thereby preventing a
certificate of compliance from being issues) N/A
What is required under visual inspection for gasoline vehicles from 1975-1999 ? -
ANSWER ✔✔All of them (Crankcase emission controls, TAC, EVAP, EGR,
, computers, sensors, switches, visible smoke, liquid fuel leaks, ignition spark
controls,
Star Station certification allows test and repair stations to..? -ANSWER ✔✔Issue
certificates to gross polluters, perform repairs, perform initial inspection, issue
certificates to directed vehicles
What are directed vehicles? -ANSWER ✔✔Bar directs a portion of the enhanced
area fleet to star certified stations for certification
Required tests for Tailpipe inspection? (2) -ANSWER ✔✔ASM or two speed idle
Bar referee label provides what information on the label for kit cars ? (2) -
ANSWER ✔✔Certification type and emission control requirements
If a vehicle is not at normal operating temperature the vehicles may either be ___
or ___. -ANSWER ✔✔Idled or driven normally as necessary to achieve normal
operating temperature
Which type of vehicles excluding hybrids (electric) must be tested for visible
smoke? -ANSWER ✔✔Gasoline and Diesel
What is the BAR snap test ? -ANSWER ✔✔Quickly push and release the
accelerator pedal from idle position to between 2,000- 3,000 RPM then
immediately allow the engine to return to idle.
What is an under hood emission control label? Indicates the vehicles ___? -
ANSWER ✔✔Certification type ( California or Federal)
