Inspection Training Classes Update
For the last 17+ years, NJGCA has maintained a training program for technicians and shop staff seeking to gain their Emission Inspector Licenses, as well as their Emission Repair Technician License through the former ETEP program.
Over the last few months, we have received numerous calls from members and non-members with interest in taking an Emission Inspector Class. Over time, the list of interested students has swelled; and each week we add more names to an already lengthy waiting list.
Why is the list getting longer? Why hasn’t a class been held to train these students?
Presently, and despite the demands, we do not have any scheduled classes. Unfortunately, that reality is beyond our control.
No doubt there is a high probability that a member is reading this who needs training; or is eager to send an employee to our class. And rather than have dozens of separate conversations, we thought to send a general notice out on the current status of the training program.
Late last year, officials from MVC mandated that every training provider in New Jersey revise their curriculum to incorporate a list of select topics. These additions were compiled by MVC auditors after it was discovered that a large number of emission inspectors were making mistakes while performing inspections at PIF locations.This included both long-time inspectors, as well as those newer to the program. This alarmed MVC auditors, who later directed that all training programs were to submit a revised curriculum and materials for review, edits, and final approval.
NJGCA made the required changes, submitted them to state officials, and we are waiting for them to be approved.
Though we cannot address all the anticipated changes, or when the final approval will be granted, one thing we can confirm is that MVC’s revisions will include a slightly longer training period (2 days vs. the previous 1.5 days) and will be organized differently (testing and hands-on training both on Day 2).
Of course, if we find that additional changes need to be made to better prepare students, we will have the ability to address them as the changes are put into action.
While this process has taken far longer than we anticipated, we do not anticipate any issue with scheduling new classes and implementing the revised curriculum once approved. All the while, we appreciate your patience as we wait for approval, and plan on holding multiple sessions in a shortened time span to catch up with the pent-up demand.
If you have any questions on these changes, or just wish to add yourself/a possible employee-student to our waiting list, please email us at training@njgca.org at your convenience, or talk to Nick 732-256-9646.
.jpg)
