Emissions inspections are required in more than two thirds of states, including Delaware. This presents those in a mechanic career the opportunity to secure an automotive technician job in a specialized field. Each state has its own specific requirements for training, testing, and certification to become qualified to work in the emissions testing and repair field. Here we’ll take a look at how to become smog technician certified in Delaware.
In this state, emissions inspections are required every two years on most vehicles older than five years but newer than 1968. The actual inspection is performed by the DMV, and then vehicle owners are free to choose a mechanic to do any necessary repairs. It’s possible for customers to apply for a waiver if their vehicle fails the retest, however in order to qualify for a waiver the repairs must have been performed by a Certified Emission Repair Technician (CERT). This is where you come in.
Requirements to become a CERT
In the past, Delaware provided emissions repair training through its DEEP (Delaware Emission Education Program). However, this training is no longer available so the state has devised a substitute system, which is to accept ASE L1 certification as a form of proof of training.
Gaining your ASE L1 is the first step. Next you must submit a certification application to the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control. The certification is otherwise known as SB 215.
If you have already been emission repair certified through the former DEEP training, you will submit your SB 215 application with a fee of $125. If you’ve been certified via ASE L1 training, you should submit the application along with $25 for each year remaining on your ASE L1 certificate.
If you are not currently certified, you need to obtain an ASE L1 certificate (if you don’t already have one), and submit your SB 215 permit application with the $125 fee. Once the state determines that you are eligible, they will issue a clearly marked certificate as proof of your qualification.
Smog technician employment
As stated above, you do not have to obtain a SB 215 permit in order to perform repairs on vehicles which fail smog and emissions testing. It is beneficial to go ahead and seek certification anyway, however, because doing so gives you an edge when applying for auto tech jobs in repair shops which have a strong focus on emissions repairs. Due to the waiver eligibility for vehicles that fail two or more inspections, having their repairs performed by a CERT is desirable.
If you’re already a certified mechanic and you’re interested in working with YourMechanic, submit an online application for an opportunity to become a mobile mechanic.
