How to Become a Certified Mobile Vehicle Inspector (Certified State Vehicle Inspector) in Virginia
Auto repair

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

08.11.2022 /

There are many ways to get an automotive technician job in Virginia. You can enroll in a vocational school or take an entry-level job in a garage or auto repair shop and slowly build the skills you need to pass certification tests through groups like ASE. However, one unique way to earn an auto mechanic salary is to get certified to perform government inspections.

Become a Certified Mobile Vehicle Inspector in Vermont

A state automobile inspector in Virginia is a person who must meet several requirements, but with this certification, you can conduct mandatory vehicle inspections for car owners. To obtain an inspector certificate you need:

  • Apply for Mechanical Certification (Form SP-170B)

  • Submit a Criminal Record Request (Form SP-167)

  • Select the classes you want to certify (Class A - can test any car, motorcycle or trailer; Class B - can only test trailers; Class C - can only test motorcycles)

  • Prepare for the written exam by studying the Official Guide to Vehicle Safety Inspection.

  • Have a valid driver's license in Virginia

  • Pass an exam on an approved site and get a minimum of 75%

  • Have at least one year of practical experience (as an automotive technician) OR have completed a training program approved by the State Police Department. Currently, you can replace a year of work with the following training:

    • Associate's degree in automotive technology offered by Virginia Community College.
    • Career Technical Automotive Services 1,080-hour technical program developed by the State Department of Education's Office of Vocational Education.
    • National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certification
    • Complete the 1,500 hour Auto Diesel Technician course offered by the Nashville Automotive Diesel College.

As you can see, a high level of preparation is required to obtain a certificate. This can be done through the programs outlined above, or you can get a year of hands-on training with a degree in automotive services technology. There are many places where you can get this kind of training, including schools like the UTI Universal Technical Institute.

They have a 51-week program that combines traditional classroom learning with hands-on learning through formal workshops. Here you will learn everything you need to service and repair foreign and domestic cars. In addition, the same level of knowledge will prepare you to be certified to test vehicles in Virginia.

Coursework for the technical program will include:

  • Advanced diagnostic systems
  • Automotive engines and repairs
  • Automotive power units
  • brakes
  • Climate control
  • Driveability and Emission Repair
  • Electronic technology
  • Power and performance
  • Professional Writing Services

Getting a job at a car dealership and enjoying one of the many mechanic jobs requires training. You can start with the programs used to certify inspectors in Virginia, but you'll definitely want to consider training auto mechanics in vocational and technical schools as well, as this opens the door to higher pay and more career opportunities.

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.

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