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Become a Certified Inspector
Emissions inspectors play an important role in identifying heavy-polluting vehicles. Georgia's I/M Program aims to ensure the vehicles you inspect meet set criteria for the pollutants they emit. Meeting these criteria helps improve our air quality.
The I/M program rules include specific procedures for conducting emissions inspections. Failing to adhere to these procedures can result in violations, penalties, or revocation of the inspector license.
State law, O.C.G.A. Section 12-9, sets the requirements for inspector certification. Georgia's I/M Rule, Chapter 391-3-20-11, entitled "Inspector Qualifications and Certifications," details the requirements, in part provided below, for individuals interested in becoming certified Georgia emissions inspectors.
Step 1
Application
Complete and submit a complete Inspector Certification Application
You are required to provide detailed information on the Inspector Certification Application in several categories, some of which are listed below with important notes regarding the fields that must be completed.
Section A - Applicant Information
For Georgia drivers' licenses and state IDs, the number generally is located in the top left corner and is a nine-digit number.
A post office box address is not permitted for the "Home Address". However it is permitted for the "Mailing Address” if different than the "Home Address."
If your contact information changes, you are required to submit an Inspector Contact Information Update Form within one business day to update your profile (Rule 391-3-20-.11(1)).
Section B - Background Information
If you are currently a Georgia emissions inspector, check "Yes" and enter your inspector certification number. This is the number on your badge, not your access code.
Required Documentation
One of the following forms of ID must be submitted with your application.
Driver's license/state ID
Voter's ID card
Valid employee photo ID from any branch, department, agency, or entity of the U.S. government, Georgia, or any county, municipality, board, authority, or other entity of this state
U.S. passport ID
Tribal photo ID
see the Georgia Secretary of State Secure and Verifiable Documents for a complete list
Electronic copies (scans, camera photos, etc.) are acceptable but copies must be completely clear and readable.
NOTE: GCAF only accepts documentation in English; documents in other languages will not be accepted. Additional documentation may be required in order to process the request to become a certified inspector.
Start the Application
Once you’ve read the instructions above and have your documentation ready, you’re ready to start the application.
Next Steps…
After GCAF determines your application is complete and the supporting documents meet the requirements, your application will be conditionally approved, pending final EPD approval.
Please allow seven (7) business days for processing applications. Applications are processed in the order in which they are received. The applicant will receive a confirmation number for an online submittal to acknowledge a successful transmission. Please use this number when referring to your application. The applicant or the applicant's station owner/authorized representative will be notified by email when the application is approved. NOTE: If the applicant fails to upload the correct documentation, you or the station owner/authorized representative will be contacted by email, instructing the inspector to resubmit the application.
At this point, you will be ready to complete Step 2 below. Note that you cannot be scheduled for training until you are notified by GCAF that your application received final approval.
Step 2
Training
Successfully complete a two-day training course held at a GCAF training center.
After your application receives final approval, you’re ready schedule and complete your two-day inspector training course, held at a Georgia's Clean Air Force (GCAF) training centers located in GCAF North and GCAF Central.
Upcoming Trainings
Click on the button below to view and download a calendar of all scheduled training classes.
Cancellations and No-Shows
Cancellations must be emailed to industry@cleanairforce.com at least two business days in advance.
If a student does not show for class, a doctor's note, police report, or any additional documentation as approved by GCAF, that is signed and dated, must be submitted to GCAF in order to re-register promptly.
If a student fails to attend his or her scheduled inspector training class for an unexcused reason, he or she must wait 90 days to reschedule.
Next Steps…
After you’ve completed the two-day training, prepare for the examination in Step 3 below.
Step 3
Examination
Pass the written examination
In order to become certified, you must pass a written examination with a score of 80 percent or better and complete the equipment training segment, all included in the two-day course.
Prepare for the Exam
Take the Practice Exam
Use this test to prepare for the inspector certification class and to give you an idea of what to expect on the final exam.
This practice test and the following training manuals will help you familiarize yourself with the Georgia I/M program.
Download the training manuals:
Training Program Manual
Inspection Equipment Hands-On Training Manual
What’s Next…
Upon successful completion of the course, you will receive an inspector ID badge and wall certificate, valid for two (2) years.
Passing students will receive certificates and photo identification cards in the mail at their home address within 10 business days after the end of inspector certification.
If you do not pass, you will receive notice of the test failure within two (2) business days from GCAF so you can schedule a re-test.