Safety Inspector Recertification

As of October 1 of 2016, Safety Inspectors seeking to renew their inspection license are required to take a recertification exam.  This is done through an online exam and requires a test for every category the inspector is licensed in.  This is in accordance with the requirements in Subchapter B that state: 

Recertification - A mechanic shall be certified for no more than 5 years. Mechanics may renew their mechanic certification by passing the required examination within 180 days of receipt of notice from the Department that the mechanic card is due to expire.

Each safety inspector should receive a letter 180 days prior to their expiration giving more detailed information about the process.  It is important that each inspector renew their license prior to expiration or they will need to take the original 12 hour safety certification course over again.  It is good advice to take your recertification test early in the 180 day window.  If you do not pass you will have more options to retake the test or take the class in person.  If you do not successfully recertify before your current inspection license expires the only option is to take the entire certification course over again, including both the written exams and the tactiles. 

The primary option for online testing is set at a fee of $89.99 and includes: 

• • 20 question baseline recertification exam.

  • 10 question category specific exam for one specific category. 

  • access to a study guide to prepare for the online examination. 

  • Additional categories will be added at a cost of $9.99 each. 

  • This price also include one free retest at no additional charge. 

This means that an inspector that has a CAT 4 license and can inspect cars, motorcycles and heavy trucks can expect to pay $109.97 and will have 4 tests and a total of 50 questions to recertify. 

*If you do not want to recertify in all the categories you have on your current license you will need to have the category removed first by submitting form MV-401 to PennDOT prior to paying for the recertification exam on the website. 

It is highly recommended that inspectors use the study guides to prepare for the test and there will even be refresher classes available (at a cost) at schools that offer PA safety inspection training. 

Click here to view more information about the pricing and test options. 

In order to pass an inspector must score 80% or higher on the exams.  After the one free retake inspectors will have the option of paying $29.99 for retake of a baseline and $9.99 for retake of a category exam.  If an inspector fails three tests they will be required to retake the original 12-hour certification course. 

Note:  The online test is a timed test.  The questions are randomized and technicians will have 90 seconds per question.  It is an open book test so make sure you have your inspection manual ready and understand that their is no way to pause the test once it is started. 

Caution:

There is a another "test-out" option that is $30 lower but it does not include access to any study guides or free retests.  Given the slight difference in price and less benefits I would not recommend this option for most inspectors.  Also, if they do not pass the "test-out" option on the first attempt, inspectors must then purchase the full training package (starting at $89.99) to continue with recertification. 

Grandfathered:  As of January 3, 2017 there is  no longer an option to be "grandfathered".  This was removed with Bulletin BI16-07.   

I know this is a big change for our safety inspection recertification process that used to simply require a single form to be mailed back to PennDOT but the goal is to improve the knowledge and consistency of safety inspectors.  Once the test is passed the new license will be good for 5 years at which point inspectors will need to recertify again. 

PennDOT has released the January 2016 Bulletin that gives more information about the Recertification process. 

There is also a December 2016 Newsletter that gives more information.  

To register and take the recertification training please go to https://www.patrainingportal.com/  Once you are registered you can log in and out of the portal as many times as you like just as long as you complete the testing before your expiration date. 

There is a FAQ sheet to answer questions about the recertification program available here.  PennDOT has additional information regarding on recertification on their website available here. 

Also be aware, adding an additional category to your inspection license will not change your expiration date and will not replace the need to pass the recertification test.