Emissions testing is a significant part of vehicle ownership these days. That means that someone must perform those inspections and any necessary repairs. If you’re looking for a new automotive technician job opportunity in a specialized field, becoming smog technician certified in Idaho may be a good way to go. Each state has its own laws and requirements for training, testing, and certification to become qualified to work in emissions testing and repair.
Idaho requires vehicle emissions inspections in Ada County, Canyon County, and the city of Kuna. This is because these are the only airsheds which meet the air quality levels necessary to require testing. Each area has its own slightly different testing process, although all share reciprocity with each other – an inspection in one county will be counted as valid in another.
Each county also has different procedures for testing and repair. Below we will take a look at Ada County’s emissions inspector requirements.
Requirements for getting an emissions technician license
The rules for obtaining the license are governed by the Ada County Air Quality Board. In order to qualify to apply for the license, you must pass a written or oral Emissions Technician Qualification Test which covers:
- Exhaust gas analyzer operation, including performance of a span gas procedure
- Certain portions of the rules and regulations, which are available on the AQB website
You must also pass a performance test demonstrating competence in:
- Visual inspection of emissions control equipment on vehicles 1984 model year and newer
- Proper analyzer use, care, maintenance, and gas spanning
- Conducting emissions testing
- Properly using AIR Program forms
The application and the license will be issued by the Air Quality Board. Some inspection stations will pay for your training and certification, so be sure to ask about this possibility when applying for an emissions inspector job.
Inspector requalification
The AQB may require that Emissions Technicians update their qualifications. If this is the case, the AQB will notify you via your AIR Program Station.
How to become an emissions repair technician
In Idaho, vehicle owners may choose a repair shop of their own preference to repair any potential issues causing their vehicle to fail an inspection. If you wish to work on emissions repair, inquire with the shop you’re applying to in order to find out what qualifications they require. These may include ASE certification in emissions-related areas such as Engine Performance and Exhaust Systems. Having these ASE certificates is certainly a great way to increase your chances of being hired by a shop.
Canyon County
The Canyon County emissions program is administered by Applus Technologies, Inc. This company is a contractor which provides testing facilities, technician training, and other services to municipal and state governments in order to implement their smog/emissions inspection programs. Check with the county to find out what the requirements are for becoming a technician in this area.
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.
