Do I need to get a license to be able to do it?
Being a mechanic is harder than ever before. Of course, it has always been hard work. Part of the manual labor itself is hard work. Long hours on your feet can take a toll. Also, there is pressure many mechanics are under to keep their dealership or body shop afloat despite not being held accountable. On top of that, the types of vehicles being produced continue to evolve, requiring mechanics to learn about them as soon as possible or else they will have to go out of business. The government may also put forward new requirements that will force technicians to respond.
Fortunately, this also means that there are always new jobs for automotive technicians and new ways to attract business. If you're working in California, one option you might want to consider is getting a smog specialist license.
What is a smog specialist license?
In California, the government requires cars to emit only a certain amount of smog. The idea is that by limiting the amount of pollutants emitted by vehicles, the state can fight climate change and preserve the beauty of the environment. Smog testing is required by law for all Californians who own a 1997 or later vehicle. The exception is diesel vehicles. Any vehicle with a GVW over 14,000 pounds must also be tested. The same goes for natural gas vehicles weighing over 14,000 pounds, electric vehicles, trailers and motorcycles. These checks must be carried out by a certified specialist every two years. Newer vehicles—those that are six years old or less—have six years before they must show proof of passing these checks.
Become a can specialist
Obviously, this creates an excellent opportunity for technical specialists. If you are currently short of an auto mechanic salary, one way to increase the amount you earn is to get a smog technician license. You can almost always find auto mechanic jobs posted in California for this type of job.
There are actually two versions of this license, but the good news is that neither requires you to go back to auto mechanic school.
The first one becomes a smog inspector. That means working as a person who tests cars to make sure they don't emit excessive emissions. To obtain this license, you can take the second level course and complete it after 28 hours of study. Otherwise, you will have to complete the 68 hour Level XNUMX course.
There is a third option reserved for those with two years of experience or a degree in automotive technology, but this is only for mechanics who have also earned ASE certifications. However, they do not require you to take a test.
The second option you have to get on the California EPAs is to work as a smog removal technician. If you have ASE certificates in A6, A8 and L1 courses, you are automatically qualified.
If you don't, but you have two years experience as a mechanic, you just need to take their diagnostic and repair course. If you have a degree in automotive technology, all you need is a year of experience in a repair shop and, again, you can get your license without any extra effort. The third way to get this license, if you have a year of work experience, is to provide proof that you have spent at least 720 hours in the automotive technology program, including at least 280 hours dedicated to engine performance. Just present the certificate you received at the end of your studies and you're done.
As a smog repair technician, you will be fixing cars that emit unacceptable amounts of pollutants.
Are these licenses worth it?
For the most part, there are no downsides to getting one of these licenses. The only real reason not to do this is that they are time consuming (unless you have certain prerequisites). However, if you have the time, getting these licenses can definitely help your auto mechanic salary. They will definitely mean that you are a viable candidate for more auto mechanic jobs, which is never a bad thing.
If you live in California and work as a mechanic, consider obtaining a license related to state vehicle emissions regulations. This will be another reason for the car dealership or body shop to hire you or increase your salary.
