Course Offerings

This training will familiarize students with the mandates and procedures required for certification as a North Carolina Vehicle Safety Inspector-Mechanic. It is designed to meet the licensing (and licensing renewal) requirements for the N.C. Vehicle Safety Inspection Program administered by the N.C. State Highway Patrol Investigative Services Unit. Participants must bring safety glasses, a state-issued ID, station number and a signed ISU-310. Certification will be issued upon full payment of tuition.
NOTE: Successful completion of this course requires 100% attendance and satisfactory class participation; late students may not be admitted.

Students must come to class with the following:
PPE (full-length pants and closed-toe shoes)
Pen/pencil
ISU-310 Action Form-Revised 06/2026, signed by employer
Students who show up to class not prepared with these items will be asked to transfer to another course.

Course Objectives

List the nine inspection areas inspector mechanics must check during a safety inspection

Identify eight emission-control devices installed by vehicle manufacturers

Determine what emission-control devices are required on a vehicle by using the Emission Control System Applications Manual

Calibrate and utilize a headlight aimer

Calibrate and utilize a window tint meter

Using the safety inspection regulation manual, successfully complete a North Carolina State Safety Inspection

Outline of Instruction

Introduction

Inspection Fees

Technician Qualifications

Inspection Procedure

Vehicle Components

19A NCAC 03D .0541 Exhaust Emission Controls

19A NCAC 03D .0542 Emission Control Device

§ 20-183.8A. Civil Penalties Against Motorists for Emission Violations; Waiver

19A NCAC 03D .0544 Safety Inspection of Motorcycles

Emission Control Device Exemption

19A NCAC 03D .0551 Window Tinting

§ 20-127(c) Tinting Exceptions

Medical Exemption

Safety Analyzer Operating Procedure

Penalty Schedule for Licensed Safety/OBD Inspection Stations

Inspections Update

Noteworthy Topics

Conclusion

Contact Hours

8

CEUs

Yes

Industry Standard, State or National Certification

Certification

N.C. State Highway Patrol Investigative Services Unit

Website

https://www.ncshp.gov/investigative-services-unit/documents

Certification Learning Outcomes/Requirements

North Carolina State Safety Vehicle Inspector

CE or CU Articulation

No

Prerequisites

N/A

Learning Supplies Needed

Safety glasses
Personal protection equipment (PPE) – long pants and closed-toe shoes are required
Pen/pencil
Note paper
ISU-310 Action Form-Revised 06/2026, signed by employer
DMV-approved material provided by the college – Safety Inspection/Emission Inspection Regulations and Emission Control System Application Manual

Clinical Site/Special Facilities

Classroom with projector, facility to conduct auto inspection using safety inspection equipment, including auto lift and emission analyzer

Requirements for Successful Completion

100% attendance
Late students are not admitted to class. Students with less than 100% attendance or those who are unable to demonstrate competency receive a grade of NG (no grade).,Students must be able to demonstrate proficiency in all concepts taught.,Students conduct an emissions inspection of a motor vehicle, and a passing score of 80% or higher is required on both the written and the hands-on tests.,State-issued ID and station number.,Students must arrive on time on testing day. Students will not be allowed into the classroom after the test begins, and no makeup testing dates are offered.,Safety glasses,Personal protection equipment (PPE),Pen/pencil,Note paper

Accreditation/Special Approval Requirements

Applicants meeting the state requirements and successfully completing the end-of-course test are able to obtain or renew their license as a safety inspection mechanic.

Intended Audience

Auto mechanics

Specific Industry or Business Support Needs

N/A

Wake County Need for Industry Positions

N/A

Industry or Job Titles Related to Training Outcomes for Employment

North Carolina State Safety Vehicle Inspector

Related Courses

Course Contact Information

Bill Lurie

[email protected]