How to Become a Certified Mobile Vehicle Inspector (Certified State Vehicle Inspector) in Arizona
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Arizona has a statewide requirement that all vehicles pass a vehicle safety inspection; however, Phoenix and Tucson require emission checks in order to operate vehicles legally. The Vehicle Emissions Test Program is administered by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ). Finding ADEQ to become a Certified Inspection Technician can offer those looking for an automotive technician job a great way to build their resume.
Information about a vehicle inspector in Arizona
To become a vehicle inspector in Arizona, a technician must contact ADEQ and apply to join the department. They must also work in a department-certified repair shop.
Many technicians want to know how getting certified to inspect vehicles can affect their auto mechanic salary. We compared the average annual salary of a smog specialist or emissions inspector with the average annual salary of a mobile mechanic, for example, our team at AvtoTachki:
Phoenix Smog Technician: Auto mechanic's annual salary of $23,136.
Phoenix Mobile Mechanic: $45,000 annual auto mechanic salary.
Tucson Smog Technician: Auto mechanic's annual salary of $22,064.
Tucson Mobile Mechanic: $44,778 annual auto mechanic salary.
Inspection requirements in Arizona
If the vehicle is newer than the 1967 model year, but older than six years old and regularly driven to work in Phoenix or Tucson, the vehicle will generally need to pass emissions testing. This includes gasoline-powered vehicles, diesel-powered vehicles, alternative fuel vehicles, flexible-fuel vehicles, and hybrid vehicles.
Emissions checks are required every one to two years, depending on the year of manufacture and vehicle weight. Light duty vehicles in Phoenix manufactured no later than 1981 must be tested every two years; vehicles older than 1980 or vehicles in the Tucson area must be inspected every year.
Inspection procedure in Arizona
The state of Arizona primarily uses the OBD-II system for emissions testing. If a vehicle fails an emissions test due to a faulty component, anyone can make repairs. The state of Arizona does not have the required certification to repair smog components. There are four types of tests that can be used in the emission testing process:
IM 147: Used for gasoline vehicles manufactured from 1981 to 1995.
Load or idle steady state test: used for heavy duty gasoline vehicles manufactured from 1967 to 1995.
OBD test: used for most vehicles, especially after 1996.
Tests for diesel engines. Diesel engine testing involves the use of a smoke meter to check the density of smoke from the emissions system.
If you are already a certified mechanic and would like to work with AvtoTachki, please apply online for the opportunity to become a mobile mechanic.
