How to Become a Certified Mobile Vehicle Inspector (Certified State Vehicle Inspector) in Colorado
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Colorado does not require any statewide safety or emissions checks; however, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, and Jefferson Counties, and parts of Adams, Arapahoe, Larimer, and Weld Counties require emission verification during the registration process. Finding an inspection certificate can offer those looking for an automotive technician job a great way to build their resume.
Become an Emissions Inspector in Colorado
To inquire about obtaining emission testing certification, a facility or technician should contact the Colorado Department of Public Health and the Environment at 303-692-3120 or one of six emission engineering centers located throughout the state.
Technicians can also apply directly to Air Care Colorado, who do not have any specific requirements, to become a Colorado Certified Emissions Inspector. Applicants must only meet the following criteria:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a valid Colorado driver's license
- Be able to drive a car with a manual transmission
- Be able to pass a background check and a drug test
Car inspection process in Colorado
Only a licensed inspection center may conduct inspections in the State of Colorado. Inspections are required every two years for vehicles newer than 1982 and every year for vehicles older than 1982; checks are also required when a vehicle changes hands.
The following exceptions are the only scenarios where a vehicle is not required to undergo emissions testing in one of the applicable Colorado counties:
Within the first seven years from the date of manufacture of the vehicle, unless the vehicle changes ownership and less than 12 months have passed before reaching at least seven years of age.
Motorcycles, horseless carts, kit-cars, all-electric cars, and any vehicle registered as street-legal.
Vehicles older than 1975 registered as collector's items are exempt from emissions testing.
There are several types of tests that can be done when checking emissions in Colorado. The technician can perform an I/m 240 dyno test, which involves driving the vehicle on a slow moving highway and measuring emissions. They may also perform an idle test or an OBD test. All inspections should end with a check of the gas cap, with the technician making sure that the gas cap is secure.
emissions inspector salary
Becoming a certified auto inspector can be a great way to build a career as an auto mechanic, but one of the things many mechanics want to know is how certification can change their auto mechanic salary options. According to Salary Expert, the average annual salary for a smog technician in Colorado is $23,901. On the contrary, the average annual salary of a mobile mechanic in Colorado, just like our team at AvtoTachki, is $48,435.
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.
