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Vehicle Maintenance Tip

If the “Check Engine” or “Service Engine Light” stays lit for more than one week, your vehicle has an emissions-related problem that could lead to drivability problems and/or decreased fuel efficiency. Therefore, you should have your vehicle serviced by a trained repair technician.

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Inspection and Repair Industry: Repair Shops

Benefits of becoming a registered emissions repair technician/shop
How to become a registered repair shop
How to become a registered repairer
Training for repairers
Mass Module
Industry helpful links

Registered Repair Shops
If repairs of private passenger vehicles make up the bulk of your business, being a Registered Emissions Repair Shop can give you a competitive advantage. Becoming a Registered Emissions Repair Shop will bring you:

  • High Visibility. Massachusetts Vehicle Check strongly encourages motorists to patronize Registered Emissions Repair Shops. When a vehicle fails its emissions test, a list of nearby shops that employ Registered Emissions Repair Technicians is displayed on the Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR). Motorists can also search for Registered Repair Shops and Emissions Technicians.
  • Training. Registered Emissions Repair Technicians are offered specialized training related to new program requirements.
  • Exclusivity. Only repairs made by a Registered Emissions Repair Technician count toward an emissions waiver.
  • MAC Priority. Registered Emissions Repair Technicians receive priority access to Motorist Assistance Centers (MACs) across the state. MAC staff help Registered Emissions Repair Technicians diagnose vehicles that have problems passing emissions tests.
  • Marketing Possibilities. Registered Emissions Repair Shops may display special signs indicating their qualifications to perform emissions repairs and, as part of the registration process, create their own advertisement to accompany their listings on VIRs, including the types of vehicles they repair.

Repair shops specializing in commercial vehicles do not need to be registered, since waivers are not issued for those vehicles.

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How to become a Registered Repair Shop
In order to register, your shop must employ at least one Registered Emission Repair Technician, and you must file a Registration Application with Parsons. Download an application, and once it is complete, mail your application to:

Massachusetts Vehicle Check Program
Parsons
55 Messina Drive, Unit C
Braintree, MA 02184

To learn more about becoming a Registered Emissions Repair Shop, contact Parsons:
1-877-834-4677 (1-877-VEH INSP)

Current registered emissions repairers will be required to review the new Mass Module on-line, and pass the Mass Module’s proficiency test.

New registered repairers will be required to complete the Mass Module and a new 28-hour OBD repair course as a prerequisite to becoming registered.

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How to Become a Registered Repairer
To become a Registered Emissions Repair Technician, you must:

  • Hold a National Institute for Auto Service Excellence (ASE) L-1 or L-2 Certification
  • Successfully complete the Mass Module training and pass the proficiency exam
  • Successfully complete OBD training for Registered Emissions Repair Technicians
  • Register with Parsons

Download an application, and once it is complete, mail your application to:

Massachusetts Vehicle Check Program
Parsons
55 Messina Drive, Unit C
Braintree, MA 02184

To learn more about becoming a Registered Emissions Repair Technician, contact Parsons:
1-877-834-4677 (1-877-VEH INSP)

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ASE Certifications
ASE certifications are obtained by passing advanced level tests given by the National Institute for Auto Service Excellence (ASE). These tests measure a technician’s knowledge of the skills needed to diagnose problems with computer-controlled engine systems. These skills are extensions of the basic repair and diagnostic skills that are tested on the Automobile Engine Performance (A-8) test. For more information, call ASE at 703-713-3800 or visit the organization’s web site at www.asecert.org.

Mass Module
Mass Module Training is a free on-line course designed to teach automotive repair professionals what they need to know to become Massachusetts Registered Emissions Repair Technicians. It provides specific information relevant to the Massachusetts Vehicle Check program. The Mass Module is an online course, and includes a proficiency exam.

Current Registered Emissions Repair Technicians will be required to review the new online Mass Module and pass the test.

Newly registered emissions repairers are required to complete the Mass Module and a new 28-hour OBD repair course as a prerequisite to becoming registered.

Mass Module Training Material
Coming in the Summer of 2010

On-going Training Requirements
Registered Emissions Repair Technicians will be required to complete an on-going training requirement to retain their registration in the Massachusetts Vehicle Check program. Parsons will offer four-hour training modules related to emissions-related diagnosis and repair. Registered repairers will need to complete three of these modules every two years.

We recognize that registered repairers may be participating in on-going training. In that case, you may request “equivalent training” credit for up to two of the three modules. To receive the credit, the registered repairer or the course provider must request the credit from MassDEP.

Specific classes will soon be available, on topics including:

  • OBD Diagnosis and Related Repairs
  • Using Internet Resources to Diagnose and Repair OBD Failures

Check back for announcements of dates and locations.

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Industry helpful links


Local Automotive Associations:

General:

Service Information Providers:

Scan Tool Protocols:

Technical Training Providers:

Service Websites

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