Smog Check Inspector Exam
Prep – Practice Test
Questions & Verified Answers
(2026)
1. What are the two types of Two-Speed Idle
(TSI) tests?
2500 RPM test and idle test
2. What are the two Acceleration Simulation
Mode (ASM) test types?
50/15 and 25/25 tests
3. What does DAD stand for in the smog
program?
Data Acquisition Device
4. Into how many categories is California’s smog
check program divided based on air quality?
Enhanced, Basic, and Change of Ownership areas
,5. In which area are biennial smog inspections
required?
Enhanced areas
6. If VIN on the vehicle does not match
registration, what should be done?
Use the vehicle VIN and notify customer; DMV will
reject mismatched results
7. If VIN and plate are correct but
communication fails, what should the technician
do?
Proceed with inspection using EIS prompts
8. What does a CARB Executive Order (EO)
parts listing include?
Approved aftermarket parts and compatible vehicle
applications
9. What are “grey market vehicles”?
Vehicles manufactured outside the U.S. and
imported for use
10. In a two-speed idle test, which mode is
performed first?
2500 RPM test for about 30 seconds
,11. Vehicles from 1976–1999 are typically tested
using what method?
Two-speed idle or ASM depending on area
12. In BAR 97 system, selecting “Government”
requires entry of what?
BAR file number
13. What must be visually inspected on 1975–
1999 gasoline vehicles?
All emission control systems including EGR, EVAP,
PCV, TAC, and sensors
14. What can STAR stations do?
Test, repair, and certify directed or gross polluter
vehicles
15. What are directed vehicles?
Vehicles assigned by BAR to STAR stations for
inspection
16. Which tests are used for tailpipe emissions?
ASM or two-speed idle
17. What does a BAR referee label indicate for
kit cars?
Certification type and emission equipment
requirements
, 18. What if a vehicle is not at normal operating
temperature?
It may be idled or driven until normal temperature is
reached
19. Which vehicles must be checked for visible
smoke?
Both gasoline and diesel vehicles
20. What is the BAR snap test?
Quick acceleration from idle to 2000–3000 RPM
followed by return to idle
21. What does the under-hood emission label
identify?
Vehicle emission certification type
22. Is a missing emission label an automatic
failure?
No, if emissions equipment can still be verified
23. During inspection, what is checked for stop-
start systems?
Fuel leaks and KOEO condition
24. SPCNS vehicles may be built from what
sources?
Kit cars, rebuilt vehicles, and mixed parts builds
Prep – Practice Test
Questions & Verified Answers
(2026)
1. What are the two types of Two-Speed Idle
(TSI) tests?
2500 RPM test and idle test
2. What are the two Acceleration Simulation
Mode (ASM) test types?
50/15 and 25/25 tests
3. What does DAD stand for in the smog
program?
Data Acquisition Device
4. Into how many categories is California’s smog
check program divided based on air quality?
Enhanced, Basic, and Change of Ownership areas
,5. In which area are biennial smog inspections
required?
Enhanced areas
6. If VIN on the vehicle does not match
registration, what should be done?
Use the vehicle VIN and notify customer; DMV will
reject mismatched results
7. If VIN and plate are correct but
communication fails, what should the technician
do?
Proceed with inspection using EIS prompts
8. What does a CARB Executive Order (EO)
parts listing include?
Approved aftermarket parts and compatible vehicle
applications
9. What are “grey market vehicles”?
Vehicles manufactured outside the U.S. and
imported for use
10. In a two-speed idle test, which mode is
performed first?
2500 RPM test for about 30 seconds
,11. Vehicles from 1976–1999 are typically tested
using what method?
Two-speed idle or ASM depending on area
12. In BAR 97 system, selecting “Government”
requires entry of what?
BAR file number
13. What must be visually inspected on 1975–
1999 gasoline vehicles?
All emission control systems including EGR, EVAP,
PCV, TAC, and sensors
14. What can STAR stations do?
Test, repair, and certify directed or gross polluter
vehicles
15. What are directed vehicles?
Vehicles assigned by BAR to STAR stations for
inspection
16. Which tests are used for tailpipe emissions?
ASM or two-speed idle
17. What does a BAR referee label indicate for
kit cars?
Certification type and emission equipment
requirements
, 18. What if a vehicle is not at normal operating
temperature?
It may be idled or driven until normal temperature is
reached
19. Which vehicles must be checked for visible
smoke?
Both gasoline and diesel vehicles
20. What is the BAR snap test?
Quick acceleration from idle to 2000–3000 RPM
followed by return to idle
21. What does the under-hood emission label
identify?
Vehicle emission certification type
22. Is a missing emission label an automatic
failure?
No, if emissions equipment can still be verified
23. During inspection, what is checked for stop-
start systems?
Fuel leaks and KOEO condition
24. SPCNS vehicles may be built from what
sources?
Kit cars, rebuilt vehicles, and mixed parts builds
