ASE A8 · California Smog Check license
How to become a smog technician, the ASE route
In California, Smog Check work needs a license from the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR). One way to qualify is to hold three ASE certifications at once: A6 + A8 + L1. The others are a degree, a certificate program, experience with BAR training, or military service. Whichever way you qualify: BAR exam still required.
- A6 + A8 + L1ASE certifications
- $316A6 + A8, then L1
- $20BAR application fee
- Every 2 yearslicense renewal
Two licenses, one route
BAR issues two individual Smog Check licenses, and they split the work: a repair technician diagnoses, adjusts and repairs emissions control systems but does no inspections; an inspector inspects and certifies them but does no diagnosis or repairs.
The ASE option is the same for both licenses: A6 + A8 + L1, all three held (it stands in for the degree, certificate, experience or training options, not for the BAR exam). The inspector license adds one requirement: Smog Check (Level 2) training within the last 2 years, on top of a qualifying option (inspectors can also qualify with Level 1 training within 2 years).
This route is verified for California only. Other states with emissions programs set their own rules, and we have not checked them yet.
The California license facts, with sources
| Fact | Detail | Source | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| The two licenses | A repair technician diagnoses, adjusts and repairs emissions control systems but does no inspections; an inspector inspects and certifies them but does no diagnosis or repairs | California BAR: apply for a license (qualifications and exams) | |
| ASE route | Hold all three of A6, A8 and L1: one of the qualifying options for both Smog Check licensesit stands in for the degree, certificate, experience or training options, not for the BAR exam | California BAR: apply for a license (qualifications and exams) | |
| Other ways to qualify | AA/AS degree in automotive technology + 1 year of engine-performance repair experience · a certificate of at least 720 hours (280 in engine performance) + 1 year · 2 years of engine-performance experience + BAR-specified diagnostic and repair training within the last 5 years · comparable military education or experience | California BAR: apply for a license (qualifications and exams) | |
| Inspector: extra requirement | Smog Check (Level 2) training within the last 2 years, on top of a qualifying option (inspectors can also qualify with Level 1 training within 2 years) | California BAR: apply for a license (qualifications and exams) | |
| BAR exam | BAR exam after the application is approved; a separate exam for each license | California BAR: apply for a license (qualifications and exams) | |
| BAR license fee | $20 application fee (non-refundable), $20 renewal every 2 years | California BAR: apply for a license (qualifications and exams) · California BAR: renew a license | |
| Repair technician renewal | Every 2 years: Repair Technician Update Training within the last 2 years, plus Diagnostic and Repair Training within 5 years or current A6, A8 and L1 | California BAR: renew a license | |
| Route cost: A6 + A8, then L1 (two orders) | $316 in two orders: A6 + A8 ($62 + $62 + $34 registration), then L1 once A8 is passed ($124 + $34 registration) | ASE: test fees and registration (2026) · ASE: L1 test page |
The ASE route, step by step
Pass A6 and A8
Two A-series tests in one order, $62 each plus registration. Each needs 2 years of experience to certify.
Pass L1
Once A8 is passed: the advanced engine performance test, $124, in a new order. It asks for 3 years of experience.
Apply to BAR
Online or by mail, with your ASE certifications. Application fee $20.
Pass the BAR exam
After BAR approves the application. Inspectors also need Level 2 training.
The three ASE tests
| Test | Test fee | Testing time | Work experience required | Practice | Source | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASE A6Electrical/Electronic Systems | $62 | 90 min | 2 years | Practice test Facts | ASE: test fees and registration (2026) | |
| ASE A8Engine Performance | $62 | 75 min | 2 years | Practice test Facts | ASE: test fees and registration (2026) | |
| ASE L1Advanced Engine Performance Specialist | $124 | 2½ hours | 3 years | — | ASE: test fees and registration (2026) |
Is the ASE route the right one for you?
It suits a working tech who already does driveability work. A8 is the engine performance core, A6 covers the electrical side, and L1 tests advanced diagnosis on a reference vehicle; the same skills are what a smog repair technician uses every day. The cost is the tests: $316 across two orders as of October 2026 (L1 opens only after A8 is passed), plus the $20 BAR application fee.
The catch is L1’s 3 years of experience. If you are newer to the trade, compare the other options in the table above (degree, certificate, experience or military): the experience option still asks for BAR-specified training, and the school options for coursework plus a year in the shop.
The ASE certifications also keep paying off at renewal: for a repair technician, current A6, A8 and L1 stand in for BAR’s Diagnostic and Repair Training at each renewal, which comes every 2 years.
Trap: “ASE-certified” is not a license
Passing A6, A8 and L1 qualifies you to apply. It does not license you: BAR still approves the application, and you still pass BAR’s exam for each license you want. The certifications must also stay current if you want them to count at renewal.
More on A8
- ASE A8 Format, the five content areas, fees and every A8 page on this site
- ASE A8 practice test Questions from all five A8 content areas, every option explained
- ASE A8 exam facts Questions, time, scoring, retakes, recertification and experience, with sources
- ASE A8 cost One attempt, retakes, recertification and the smog-license budget
- ASE A8 study guide A scan-data-first study plan built on the 2026 A8 task list
Smog technician license: quick answers
How do I become a smog technician in California?
Meet one BAR qualifying option (A6, A8 and L1 together, a degree or certificate plus a year of experience, two years of experience plus BAR training, or military), apply to BAR, then pass the BAR exam. Inspectors also need Level 2 training within the last two years.
How much does it cost to become a smog technician in California?
On the ASE route, $316 in two orders: A6 + A8 ($62 + $62 + $34 registration), then L1 once A8 is passed ($124 + $34 registration), as of October 2026, plus BAR’s $20 application fee. Training-based routes cost whatever the school or course charges.
Which ASE certifications do I need for a smog license?
All three of A6 (electrical/electronic systems), A8 (engine performance) and L1 (advanced engine performance specialist). Two of the three do not count.
Do I still take the BAR exam with ASE certifications?
Yes: BAR exam after the application is approved; a separate exam for each license.
How often do I renew a smog technician license?
Every 2 years: Repair Technician Update Training within the last 2 years, plus Diagnostic and Repair Training within 5 years or current A6, A8 and L1. The renewal fee is $20.