SMOG LEVEL 1 PRACTICE TEST — 2026/2027
California Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) — Smog Check Inspector License Examination
100 Multiple-Choice Questions | Single Best Answer | Passing Score: 70% (70/100) | Testing Time: 120
Minutes
Section I: BAR Regulations & Smog Check Program Requirements (Questions 1–10)
1. Which California Code of Regulations title contains the primary administrative rules
governing the Smog Check Program?
A. Title 13, Chapter 4 B. Title 16, Chapter 4, Article 4.5
C. Title 22, Chapter 1 D. Title 17, Section 95000
Answer: B. Title 16, Chapter 4, Article 4.5
Rationale: Title 16 CCR, Chapter 4, Article 4.5 (Sections 3300.1 through 3399.11) establishes the Smog
Check Program regulations administered by BAR. Title 13 covers motor vehicle regulations but not Smog
Check; Title 22 covers environmental health; and Title 17 covers public health programs.
2. A Smog Check station classified as Test-Only is permitted to perform which of the following
services?
A. Diagnosis and repair of emission failures B. Testing vehicles and issuing Certificates of
Compliance
C. Testing vehicles only; no repairs may be performed D. Certifying Gross Polluters after repairs
Answer: C. Testing vehicles only; no repairs may be performed
Rationale: Test-Only stations are prohibited from performing any emission-related diagnosis or repairs.
Their sole function is to test vehicles and forward results to BAR. This separation prevents conflicts of
interest and ensures impartial inspections. Per CCR §3344.5, Test-Only stations must not offer repair
services.
3. The STAR Program directs certain vehicles to STAR-certified stations based primarily on
which criteria?
A. Vehicle age and odometer reading
B. Vehicle emission profile and owner driving patterns
C. A statistical model that identifies vehicles most likely to fail or most in need of specialized testing
D. Random selection by the DMV at the time of registration
1
,Answer: C. A statistical model that identifies vehicles most likely to fail or most in need of
specialized testing
Rationale: The STAR Program uses a statistical model developed by BAR that selects vehicles based on
their likelihood of failing the Smog Check or being Gross Polluters. High-emitter-profile vehicles are
directed to STAR Test-Only stations, while low-emitter-profile vehicles may choose any STAR station. This
is defined under CCR §3340.14.
4. Under BAR regulations, how often must a licensed Smog Check inspector complete
continuing education (CE) requirements?
A. Every year B. Every two years, coinciding with license renewal
C. Every four years D. CE is not required once initially licensed
Answer: B. Every two years, coinciding with license renewal
Rationale: Per Health and Safety Code §44015, licensed Smog Check inspectors must complete a BAR-
approved update training course at least once every two years in order to renew their inspection license.
Failure to complete CE results in the license not being renewed.
5. A vehicle that exceeds the maximum allowable emission levels by more than 200% of the
applicable standard is classified as what?
A. Conditional pass B. Gross Polluter C. Super emitter D. Tampered vehicle
Answer: B. Gross Polluter
Rationale: Under CCR §3340.22, a Gross Polluter is a vehicle that fails a Smog Check inspection with
measured emissions exceeding the applicable standard by more than 200%. Gross Polluters must be
repaired and retested at a Test-Only station or a STAR-certified station before a Certificate of Compliance
can be issued.
6. Which of the following station types is authorized to inspect and repair Gross Polluter
vehicles?
A. Test-and-Repair station B. Gold Shield station C. Test-Only station D. Referee Center only
Answer: B. Gold Shield station
Rationale: Gold Shield stations are the only repair stations authorized to certify Gross Polluters after
repairs. Gold Shield certification requires the station to meet higher performance standards. Test-Only
stations cannot perform repairs; regular Test-and-Repair stations cannot certify Gross Polluters. This is
per CCR §3344.5.
7. In a Change of Ownership area, when is a Smog Check required for the transfer of a
vehicle?
A. Within 90 days of the sale B. Before the transfer of title is completed
C. Within 30 days after the transfer D. At the next regular biennial Smog Check
Answer: B. Before the transfer of title is completed
2
,Rationale: Under Health and Safety Code §4000.1 and CCR §3311, a Smog Check is required before a
change of ownership can be completed in designated Change of Ownership areas. The seller must provide a
valid Certificate of Compliance to the buyer. Without it, the DMV will not transfer the vehicle title.
8. BAR has the authority to issue which of the following penalties to a station found
committing fraud during Smog Check inspections?
A. A written warning only on the first offense
B. Suspension or revocation of the station license and/or inspector license
C. Mandatory retraining without license impact
D. A fine of up to $100 per violation
Answer: B. Suspension or revocation of the station license and/or inspector license
Rationale: Per Health and Safety Code §44015.5, BAR may suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew a station's
or inspector's license for violations including fraud. Penalties include license suspension, revocation, civil
penalties up to $10,000 per violation, and potential criminal prosecution. Fraud is treated seriously.
9. What is the primary purpose of the Consumer Assistance Program (CAP) under BAR?
A. To provide free vehicle registrations for low-income drivers
B. To provide financial assistance for emission-related repairs or vehicle retirement for qualifying consumers
C. To offer free Smog Check inspections to all California residents
D. To reimburse consumers for the cost of aftermarket parts
Answer: B. To provide financial assistance for emission-related repairs or vehicle retirement
for qualifying consumers
Rationale: The CAP provides financial assistance to income-eligible consumers who need emission-related
repairs or who choose to retire their vehicle. CAP repair assistance is capped at a BAR-determined amount,
and retirement assistance provides a fixed payment toward the replacement vehicle. See Health & Safety
Code §44052.
10. If a consumer files a complaint against a Smog Check station, within how many business
days must BAR notify the station of the complaint?
A. 5 business days B. 10 business days
C. 30 calendar days D. There is no requirement to notify the station
Answer: B. 10 business days
Rationale: Per BAR's Consumer Complaint Procedures, once a complaint is received and investigated, BAR
will notify the station in writing within 10 business days. The station is then given an opportunity to
respond. Failure to cooperate with the investigation may result in license action.
Section II: Emissions Control Systems Fundamentals (Questions 11–25)
11. What is the primary function of the Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) system?
A. Reduce intake air temperature
3
, B. Recirculate blow-by gases from the crankcase back into the intake manifold to be burned
C. Prevent oil from entering the combustion chamber
D. Increase engine vacuum at idle
Answer: B. Recirculate blow-by gases from the crankcase back into the intake manifold to be
burned
Rationale: The PCV system routes blow-by gases (unburned fuel and combustion byproducts that slip past
the piston rings) from the crankcase back into the intake manifold where they are reburned during
combustion. This reduces hydrocarbon (HC) emissions and prevents pressure buildup in the crankcase.
12. A vacuum-operated EGR valve fails to open when vacuum is applied at cruising RPM.
Which of the following is the MOST likely result?
A. Increased CO emissions B. Increased NOx C. Decreased HC D. Rough idle condition
emissions emissions
Answer: B. Increased NOx emissions
Rationale: The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system reduces combustion temperatures by
reintroducing inert exhaust gas into the intake charge, which lowers NOx formation. If the EGR valve fails
to open, combustion chamber temperatures will be higher than normal at cruise, resulting in elevated NOx
emissions. This is a common cause of NOx failure.
13. During an EVAP system inspection, a technician discovers that the gas cap is missing the
factory pressure/vacuum relief valve. What is the correct course of action?
A. Install any gas cap that fits the filler neck
B. Fail the visual inspection; the cap must be a CARB-approved cap with proper relief valve function
C. Pass the vehicle since the cap is not part of the EVAP system
D. Apply a pass if the cap passes the pressure test on the test equipment
Answer: B. Fail the visual inspection; the cap must be a CARB-approved cap with proper relief
valve function
Rationale: The gas cap is a critical EVAP system component. Per BAR visual inspection guidelines, a
missing or non-functional pressure/vacuum relief valve constitutes a visual inspection failure. The cap
must meet CARB or manufacturer specifications. Installing an incorrect cap may cause tank damage or
evaporative leaks.
14. What is the key difference between a two-way catalytic converter and a three-way catalytic
converter?
A. A two-way converter reduces HC and CO; a three-way converter reduces HC, CO, and NOx simultaneously
B. A two-way converter is used only on diesel engines
C. A three-way converter operates only under lean conditions
D. A two-way converter is larger and more efficient
4
California Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) — Smog Check Inspector License Examination
100 Multiple-Choice Questions | Single Best Answer | Passing Score: 70% (70/100) | Testing Time: 120
Minutes
Section I: BAR Regulations & Smog Check Program Requirements (Questions 1–10)
1. Which California Code of Regulations title contains the primary administrative rules
governing the Smog Check Program?
A. Title 13, Chapter 4 B. Title 16, Chapter 4, Article 4.5
C. Title 22, Chapter 1 D. Title 17, Section 95000
Answer: B. Title 16, Chapter 4, Article 4.5
Rationale: Title 16 CCR, Chapter 4, Article 4.5 (Sections 3300.1 through 3399.11) establishes the Smog
Check Program regulations administered by BAR. Title 13 covers motor vehicle regulations but not Smog
Check; Title 22 covers environmental health; and Title 17 covers public health programs.
2. A Smog Check station classified as Test-Only is permitted to perform which of the following
services?
A. Diagnosis and repair of emission failures B. Testing vehicles and issuing Certificates of
Compliance
C. Testing vehicles only; no repairs may be performed D. Certifying Gross Polluters after repairs
Answer: C. Testing vehicles only; no repairs may be performed
Rationale: Test-Only stations are prohibited from performing any emission-related diagnosis or repairs.
Their sole function is to test vehicles and forward results to BAR. This separation prevents conflicts of
interest and ensures impartial inspections. Per CCR §3344.5, Test-Only stations must not offer repair
services.
3. The STAR Program directs certain vehicles to STAR-certified stations based primarily on
which criteria?
A. Vehicle age and odometer reading
B. Vehicle emission profile and owner driving patterns
C. A statistical model that identifies vehicles most likely to fail or most in need of specialized testing
D. Random selection by the DMV at the time of registration
1
,Answer: C. A statistical model that identifies vehicles most likely to fail or most in need of
specialized testing
Rationale: The STAR Program uses a statistical model developed by BAR that selects vehicles based on
their likelihood of failing the Smog Check or being Gross Polluters. High-emitter-profile vehicles are
directed to STAR Test-Only stations, while low-emitter-profile vehicles may choose any STAR station. This
is defined under CCR §3340.14.
4. Under BAR regulations, how often must a licensed Smog Check inspector complete
continuing education (CE) requirements?
A. Every year B. Every two years, coinciding with license renewal
C. Every four years D. CE is not required once initially licensed
Answer: B. Every two years, coinciding with license renewal
Rationale: Per Health and Safety Code §44015, licensed Smog Check inspectors must complete a BAR-
approved update training course at least once every two years in order to renew their inspection license.
Failure to complete CE results in the license not being renewed.
5. A vehicle that exceeds the maximum allowable emission levels by more than 200% of the
applicable standard is classified as what?
A. Conditional pass B. Gross Polluter C. Super emitter D. Tampered vehicle
Answer: B. Gross Polluter
Rationale: Under CCR §3340.22, a Gross Polluter is a vehicle that fails a Smog Check inspection with
measured emissions exceeding the applicable standard by more than 200%. Gross Polluters must be
repaired and retested at a Test-Only station or a STAR-certified station before a Certificate of Compliance
can be issued.
6. Which of the following station types is authorized to inspect and repair Gross Polluter
vehicles?
A. Test-and-Repair station B. Gold Shield station C. Test-Only station D. Referee Center only
Answer: B. Gold Shield station
Rationale: Gold Shield stations are the only repair stations authorized to certify Gross Polluters after
repairs. Gold Shield certification requires the station to meet higher performance standards. Test-Only
stations cannot perform repairs; regular Test-and-Repair stations cannot certify Gross Polluters. This is
per CCR §3344.5.
7. In a Change of Ownership area, when is a Smog Check required for the transfer of a
vehicle?
A. Within 90 days of the sale B. Before the transfer of title is completed
C. Within 30 days after the transfer D. At the next regular biennial Smog Check
Answer: B. Before the transfer of title is completed
2
,Rationale: Under Health and Safety Code §4000.1 and CCR §3311, a Smog Check is required before a
change of ownership can be completed in designated Change of Ownership areas. The seller must provide a
valid Certificate of Compliance to the buyer. Without it, the DMV will not transfer the vehicle title.
8. BAR has the authority to issue which of the following penalties to a station found
committing fraud during Smog Check inspections?
A. A written warning only on the first offense
B. Suspension or revocation of the station license and/or inspector license
C. Mandatory retraining without license impact
D. A fine of up to $100 per violation
Answer: B. Suspension or revocation of the station license and/or inspector license
Rationale: Per Health and Safety Code §44015.5, BAR may suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew a station's
or inspector's license for violations including fraud. Penalties include license suspension, revocation, civil
penalties up to $10,000 per violation, and potential criminal prosecution. Fraud is treated seriously.
9. What is the primary purpose of the Consumer Assistance Program (CAP) under BAR?
A. To provide free vehicle registrations for low-income drivers
B. To provide financial assistance for emission-related repairs or vehicle retirement for qualifying consumers
C. To offer free Smog Check inspections to all California residents
D. To reimburse consumers for the cost of aftermarket parts
Answer: B. To provide financial assistance for emission-related repairs or vehicle retirement
for qualifying consumers
Rationale: The CAP provides financial assistance to income-eligible consumers who need emission-related
repairs or who choose to retire their vehicle. CAP repair assistance is capped at a BAR-determined amount,
and retirement assistance provides a fixed payment toward the replacement vehicle. See Health & Safety
Code §44052.
10. If a consumer files a complaint against a Smog Check station, within how many business
days must BAR notify the station of the complaint?
A. 5 business days B. 10 business days
C. 30 calendar days D. There is no requirement to notify the station
Answer: B. 10 business days
Rationale: Per BAR's Consumer Complaint Procedures, once a complaint is received and investigated, BAR
will notify the station in writing within 10 business days. The station is then given an opportunity to
respond. Failure to cooperate with the investigation may result in license action.
Section II: Emissions Control Systems Fundamentals (Questions 11–25)
11. What is the primary function of the Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) system?
A. Reduce intake air temperature
3
, B. Recirculate blow-by gases from the crankcase back into the intake manifold to be burned
C. Prevent oil from entering the combustion chamber
D. Increase engine vacuum at idle
Answer: B. Recirculate blow-by gases from the crankcase back into the intake manifold to be
burned
Rationale: The PCV system routes blow-by gases (unburned fuel and combustion byproducts that slip past
the piston rings) from the crankcase back into the intake manifold where they are reburned during
combustion. This reduces hydrocarbon (HC) emissions and prevents pressure buildup in the crankcase.
12. A vacuum-operated EGR valve fails to open when vacuum is applied at cruising RPM.
Which of the following is the MOST likely result?
A. Increased CO emissions B. Increased NOx C. Decreased HC D. Rough idle condition
emissions emissions
Answer: B. Increased NOx emissions
Rationale: The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system reduces combustion temperatures by
reintroducing inert exhaust gas into the intake charge, which lowers NOx formation. If the EGR valve fails
to open, combustion chamber temperatures will be higher than normal at cruise, resulting in elevated NOx
emissions. This is a common cause of NOx failure.
13. During an EVAP system inspection, a technician discovers that the gas cap is missing the
factory pressure/vacuum relief valve. What is the correct course of action?
A. Install any gas cap that fits the filler neck
B. Fail the visual inspection; the cap must be a CARB-approved cap with proper relief valve function
C. Pass the vehicle since the cap is not part of the EVAP system
D. Apply a pass if the cap passes the pressure test on the test equipment
Answer: B. Fail the visual inspection; the cap must be a CARB-approved cap with proper relief
valve function
Rationale: The gas cap is a critical EVAP system component. Per BAR visual inspection guidelines, a
missing or non-functional pressure/vacuum relief valve constitutes a visual inspection failure. The cap
must meet CARB or manufacturer specifications. Installing an incorrect cap may cause tank damage or
evaporative leaks.
14. What is the key difference between a two-way catalytic converter and a three-way catalytic
converter?
A. A two-way converter reduces HC and CO; a three-way converter reduces HC, CO, and NOx simultaneously
B. A two-way converter is used only on diesel engines
C. A three-way converter operates only under lean conditions
D. A two-way converter is larger and more efficient
4
