Most car and truck owners know that their vehicles may have to meet specific safety standards and even emissions standards. In many states, though, there are no formal requirements for annual inspections. West Virginia requires an inspection of a car or truck every twelve months, and it also requires that a vehicle pass an emissions test at the same time. This opens up a lot of employment options for anyone seeking an automotive technician job.
Inspections in West Virginia
The West Virginia Code around vehicle inspections says that it is the superintendent of the state police who will issue permits to facilities offering vehicle inspections. There is not much clarification about training, only that "the superintendent shall grant permits only when the superintendent is satisfied that the station is properly equipped and has competent personnel to make the inspections".
Clearly, this means that an entry-level technician or mechanic can use their hands-on experiences in such garages to become skilled at inspections and repairs. If we look at a list of the skills that are required of those who want to become certified vehicle inspectors in the states where inspections are mandatory, we see that they need an entry-level job, but also something more.
Working as a certified mobile vehicle inspector or state car inspector certified in West Virginia
Certification, though not mandatory, is something that employers prefer and may even demand of the people they hire for such mechanic jobs. It is also a good idea to consider formal training in a technical, vocational or community college. These are all institutions that offer everything from six-month training programs that award different certifications to associate's degree programs that result in a highly qualified mechanic.
They all blend classroom or online studies with hands-on work, and they can ensure that you obtain the kinds of skills needed to do inspections for state certified facilities or even more advanced inspections for mobile clients.
After all, many car and truck buyers and sellers have no working knowledge about vehicles. Students in certification programs and technical training learn such important things as:
- Automotive Engines & Repair
- Automotive Power Trains
- Brakes
- Climate Control
- Drivability & Emissions Repair
- Electronic Technology
- Power & Performance
- Professional Service Writing
In addition to formal classroom training, there are certification options available through organizations such as ASE or the Automotive Service Excellence. They have nine certifications for cars and light trucks and more than 40 different tests for trucks, heavy equipment, collision repair and more. When you pass such exams, and gain more and more certification, it can take you to the Master Mechanic status.
This can allow you to earn an auto mechanic salary in a very unique way - heading out into the field to do on-site inspections on used cars and trucks that are for sale by owner or simply to satisfy a potential seller that the vehicle is in working order.
Are you interested in taking your skills to the greatest extent and working in one of the most innovative auto mechanic jobs? If so, explore your options for training today.
If you’re already a certified mechanic and you’re interested in working with YourMechanic, submit an online application for an opportunity to become a mobile mechanic.
