How to Become a Certified Mobile Vehicle Inspector (Certified State Vehicle Inspector) in Massachusetts

In most states, vehicle owners must pass a vehicle inspection before they can legally register a vehicle. Inspection certificates are issued by the state and can offer those looking for an automotive technician job a great way to build their resume.

The State of Massachusetts requires that all vehicles undergo an annual safety inspection. In addition to the standard vehicle inspection, the state also requires two types of vehicle-specific emissions tests:

• On-board diagnostics, or OBD, emissions test. This test is required for all vehicles manufactured after 2002. For diesel vehicles over 8,500 lbs GVW, the emissions test will be conducted on any vehicle older than 2007. For non-diesel vehicles over 8,500 GVW, the emissions test will be conducted on models newer than 2008.

• Emission opacity test for diesel vehicles not equipped with OBD.

Massachusetts Mobile Vehicle Inspector Qualification

To inspect commercial vehicles in Massachusetts, an auto service technician must have the following two qualifications:

• The technician must undergo special training provided by the state.

• The technician must hold an inspection license issued by the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV).

With these two qualifications, a Massachusetts Vehicle Inspector is qualified to inspect any non-commercial vehicle, commercial vehicle, or motorcycle. These qualifications authorize the mechanic to perform both safety checks and various emissions tests required by the state. Commercial inspections also include Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Administration regulations, and training provided by the State of Massachusetts focuses on this information.

Inspector licenses are valid for one year in Massachusetts.

Initial training for a certified traffic inspector

Initial government-provided inspector training is available at the following locations:

• Medford
• Pocasset (Bourne)
• Braintree
• Shrewsbury
• West Springfield

All curricula require classroom instruction, a written exam, and a hands-on workstation element for hands-on demonstration of testing procedures. In order to pass the training and obtain an inspector's license, the student must score at least 80% on the written exam, as well as receive a "pass" grade from the instructor.

Upon completion of inspector training and payment of required fees, RMV will issue an inspector license by mail.

Massachusetts Mobile Vehicle Inspector Recertification

While an inspector's license is valid for one year, a training certificate is valid for two years. However, if the mechanic's license expires more than two years from the end date of initial training, he will be required to participate in periodic recertification training. This program allows mechanics to reclaim their inspector license by retaking a written exam.

If a mechanic does not pass the written exam before the expiration of his recertification period, he may be deprived of the opportunity to conduct inspections. To avoid this situation, it is best to renew the inspection license before the end of the two-year period.

Vehicle inspection requirement

The only vehicles that are exempt from emissions testing are those that fall under the following categories:

• Cars manufactured before 2002.

• Diesel vehicles manufactured before 2007 or older than 15 years.

• Non-diesel vehicles manufactured before 2008 or older than 15 years.

• Motorcycles and mopeds.

• Tactical military vehicles.

• Vehicles that run solely on electricity.

• ATVs, tractors, construction equipment and similar mobile vehicles designed for off-road driving.

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.