PennDOT Safety Inspection Certification
For individuals to become certified PA State Inspection Mechanics.
4 Categories of Certification
Category 1 – Cars, Light Trucks (under 17,000 lbs) & Trailers (under 10,000 lbs)
Category 2 – Motorcycles
Category 3 – Trucks & Buses (over 17,000 lbs) & Trailers (over 10,000 lbs)
Category 4 – Enhanced Inspection/Document Reviewer. **Testing only, there is no classroom instruction associated with Category 4.
All individuals must be at least 18 years of age and have a valid driver's license for each class of vehicle they intend to inspect, each night of class. A certificate will be issued to the student by the PA Department of Transportation approximately 4-6 weeks after all components of the course are successfully completed.
Any individual who holds an out-of-state drivers license will need to contact PennDOT at 717-787-2895 prior to the start of class to be issued a “PA number” to be used on their MV409 form.
Students should be aware that while every effort will be made to assist them in learning the skills needed to be a proficient inspector, a basic understanding of mechanics and vehicle repair is assumed upon registration. Novice students may struggle and may not be successful during their first attempt without this background.
It is recommended that students become familiar with course content prior to the start of class.
Information
Dates & Time:
Tuesday- Sept. 23rd, 2025 (5:00 - 9:00pm)
Wednesday- Sept. 24th, 2025 (5:00 - 9:00pm)
Thursday- Sept. 25th, 2025 (5:00 - 9:00pm)
Attendance: Mandatory
You must attend all three nights of class from 5:00pm – 9:00pm. No refunds will be issued once the class begins.
Course Manual:
Course manual can be picked up MCCC or emailed as a PDF once registration has been paid.
Cost:
$210 - Includes cars & light truck category, theory class, manual and tactile testing.
$65 - For each additional category.
**New Information**
Effective July 1, 2025
The passing percentage for Initial Vehicle Safety Inspector Certification and Enhanced Vehicle Safety Inspection Inspector Certification will change from 70% to 80%.
The change to the passing grade percentage aligns with all other vehicle safety and emissions inspection certification exams. These include Initial Vehicle Emissions Inspector Certification, Vehicle Safety Inspector Recertification, Vehicle Emissions Inspector Recertification, and Enhanced Vehicle Safety Inspection Inspector Recertification.
How to Apply
Click the link below, to register and pay online.