SMOG CHECK INSPECTOR
PRACTICE EXAMINATION
2026 QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS
GRADED
A+
● What is the focus of OBD II functional tests?. Answer: To
verify compliance with state standards.
● What knowledge is required to prepare cost estimates for
smog inspections?. Answer: Knowledge of types of
information that must be included in cost estimates.
● Visible Smoke Test. Answer: What portion of the inspection
is not performed on hybrid vehicles?
● Change of ownership. Answer: What program area performs
only TSI tests on change of ownership?
● How many attempts are allowed for the examination before
reapplying?. Answer: Two attempts
● What is the relationship between RPM and gear selection?.
Answer: Knowledge of the relationship between RPM and gear
selection.
● Enter F (defective) into the analyzer and follow the prompts.
Also, note the defect on the VIR and final invoice.. Answer:
,What should be done in the case of a damaged harmonic
balancer (mechanical defect) during an ignition timing
functional test?
● What percentage of the Smog Check Repair Technician
examination focuses on diagnosing test failures?. Answer: 60%
● What does the Inspector license allow an individual to do?.
Answer: Inspect and certify emission control systems on
vehicles in California's Smog Check Program.
● What is the purpose of the 'Write It Right' booklet?. Answer:
It is part of the BAR training materials for Smog Check
Inspectors.
● The last 17 characters. Answer: For VIN numbers over 17
character, what should be entered?
● What must Smog Check Inspectors do to renew their
license?. Answer: Complete and submit a license renewal
application to the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR).
● What alternative training option is available for Smog Check
Inspectors?. Answer: Hands-on work can be done in lieu of
written work, or comparable military training can be submitted
via Verification of Military Experience and Training (V-MET)
records.
● What knowledge is necessary for assessing vehicles for
safety hazards?. Answer: Knowledge of signs of unsafe, unfit,
or incompatible vehicle inspection conditions.
● What is the purpose of the Smog Check Inspector Licensing
Examination?. Answer: To assess the basic qualifications of
, the applicant for inspecting vehicles in the Smog Check
Program.
● Enhanced. Answer: What program area performs both TSI &
ASM tests on a biennial basis?
● Notify the customer both orally and in writing that they are
unable to repair if it fails.. Answer: If a test and repair station
does not have the tools/equipment to repair a vehicle, what
must be done prior to accepting a vehicle for an inspection.
● What is the purpose of performing visible smoke tests?.
Answer: To determine compliance with state standards.
● What is assessed during the visual inspection of air induction
systems?. Answer: Compliance with required state standards.
● Zero Air, BAR 97 High, BAR 97 Low. Answer: What are the
names of the calibration gases used by the BAR 97 EIS?
● Idle Test, Crankcase Test, BAR Snap Test. Answer: What
are the three parts of a "visible smoke test" on a gasoline
vehicle?
● F for defective. Answer: How are components or systems
that are found to be defective during the visual inspection
entered into the OIS system.
● What is the role of trade experience in the Smog Check
examinations?. Answer: Experience performing inspections
and repairs increases the likelihood of answering questions
correctly.
PRACTICE EXAMINATION
2026 QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS
GRADED
A+
● What is the focus of OBD II functional tests?. Answer: To
verify compliance with state standards.
● What knowledge is required to prepare cost estimates for
smog inspections?. Answer: Knowledge of types of
information that must be included in cost estimates.
● Visible Smoke Test. Answer: What portion of the inspection
is not performed on hybrid vehicles?
● Change of ownership. Answer: What program area performs
only TSI tests on change of ownership?
● How many attempts are allowed for the examination before
reapplying?. Answer: Two attempts
● What is the relationship between RPM and gear selection?.
Answer: Knowledge of the relationship between RPM and gear
selection.
● Enter F (defective) into the analyzer and follow the prompts.
Also, note the defect on the VIR and final invoice.. Answer:
,What should be done in the case of a damaged harmonic
balancer (mechanical defect) during an ignition timing
functional test?
● What percentage of the Smog Check Repair Technician
examination focuses on diagnosing test failures?. Answer: 60%
● What does the Inspector license allow an individual to do?.
Answer: Inspect and certify emission control systems on
vehicles in California's Smog Check Program.
● What is the purpose of the 'Write It Right' booklet?. Answer:
It is part of the BAR training materials for Smog Check
Inspectors.
● The last 17 characters. Answer: For VIN numbers over 17
character, what should be entered?
● What must Smog Check Inspectors do to renew their
license?. Answer: Complete and submit a license renewal
application to the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR).
● What alternative training option is available for Smog Check
Inspectors?. Answer: Hands-on work can be done in lieu of
written work, or comparable military training can be submitted
via Verification of Military Experience and Training (V-MET)
records.
● What knowledge is necessary for assessing vehicles for
safety hazards?. Answer: Knowledge of signs of unsafe, unfit,
or incompatible vehicle inspection conditions.
● What is the purpose of the Smog Check Inspector Licensing
Examination?. Answer: To assess the basic qualifications of
, the applicant for inspecting vehicles in the Smog Check
Program.
● Enhanced. Answer: What program area performs both TSI &
ASM tests on a biennial basis?
● Notify the customer both orally and in writing that they are
unable to repair if it fails.. Answer: If a test and repair station
does not have the tools/equipment to repair a vehicle, what
must be done prior to accepting a vehicle for an inspection.
● What is the purpose of performing visible smoke tests?.
Answer: To determine compliance with state standards.
● What is assessed during the visual inspection of air induction
systems?. Answer: Compliance with required state standards.
● Zero Air, BAR 97 High, BAR 97 Low. Answer: What are the
names of the calibration gases used by the BAR 97 EIS?
● Idle Test, Crankcase Test, BAR Snap Test. Answer: What
are the three parts of a "visible smoke test" on a gasoline
vehicle?
● F for defective. Answer: How are components or systems
that are found to be defective during the visual inspection
entered into the OIS system.
● What is the role of trade experience in the Smog Check
examinations?. Answer: Experience performing inspections
and repairs increases the likelihood of answering questions
correctly.
