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NJ Emission Technician Education Program (ETEP)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
General Questions and Updates
1. What is the purpose of the program?
State air quality regulations require that vehicles that fail the emissions inspection be repaired by
a registered Emission Repair Facility (ERF) or by the vehicle owner. A registered ERF must
have at least one certified Emission Repair Technician (ERT) to conduct and/or supervise these
emission repairs. As motorists are required by regulation to use ERFs (if they don’t self-repair
their vehicle), there is an inherent obligation to ensure that ERTs are able to fix these often-times
complex emissions failures. The knowledge achieved by ERTs through completing the ERT
certification program requirements is a cornerstone of our motor vehicle inspection program;
proper vehicle repair is an integral part of keeping the air in NJ clean for all its citizens.
2. What are the requirements?
The following are required for NJ ERT Certification:
• ASE A6 – Electrical/Electronics
• ASE A8 – Engine Performance
• ASE L1 – Advanced Engine Performance
• Completion of free online NJ-CERT Course (NJ-Certified Emission Repair Technician
Course)
The NJ ERT expiration date will always be the same as the ASE L1 expiration date, which runs
on a 5-year cycle.
Bonus: Optional Advanced Recognition for those with ASE A9 (Light Duty Diesel Engines)
and/or L3 (Hybrid/Electric) Certifications. Advanced Recognition in each topic will have an
expiration date the same as the A9 and/or L3, as applicable.
3. I need to renew my Emission Repair Facility license (ERF), what do I need to do?
Emission Repair Facilities are registered by Motor Vehicle Commission. If you have any
questions regarding your ERF or you need to renew your facilities license, you must contact
NJMVC Business License Services at (609)-292-6500 ext. 5014.
4. Why is ASE testing the only method of certification?
Vehicle emission systems today are much more technologically and electronically advanced than
they were 15 to 20 years ago. The ASE certification process most comprehensively addresses
these advances and best reflects knowledge of the rapidly evolving field of vehicle emissions
technology, as well as the highly computerized equipment used to research, diagnose, and repair
emissions-related system failures.
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In addition, ASE tests are nationally standardized and recognized, and are updated on a continual
basis to keep up with the rapidly evolving technology. There is also a work experience
requirement associated with the ASE test process. Work experience is a positive factor when
considering a technician’s overall ability to perform the often-complex emissions-related repairs
of today’s vehicles.
Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Information
5. How can I prepare for the ASE tests?
ASE maintains a “Test Prep & Training” webpage here: https://www.ase.com/test-prep-and-
training. There are many self-instructional learning methods and informational resources
available, including ASE practice tests, study guides, and online webinars. You can also choose
to attend ASE prep classes through in-service training providers, local community colleges and
technical training schools, or other aftermarket test prep and training programs.
Some of our former Emission Technician Education Program (ETEP) Training Providers have
opted to continue serving NJ ERTs by offering such ASE prep classes. A link to these and other
training sources are posted on our website here:
https://www.stopthesoot.org/etep/asetestprep.htm
ASE prep classes are offered independently and are not subject to State oversight, so there are no
restrictions on where you may take such classes. *Please note that NJDEP has neither reviewed
nor approved the content of any training or test preparation materials available through these
sources.
6. What happens if I fail an ASE test?
There is a wait period of 30 days before you can re-take an ASE test that was failed. To account
for this, begin taking the ASE tests as early as possible in the process to give yourself plenty of
time to retake any tests as needed.
7. Can I complete the requirements before my expiration date?
Absolutely! We encourage everyone to take and/or recertify in all the required ASE tests as soon
as possible.
8. I’ve passed my ASE tests, what is my next step?
Since ASE is a private company, NJDEP does not receive access to their private information.
The test-taker must request ASE to e-mail their ASE Status Letter to the NJDEP for us to see
what tests were completed and the expiration dates for each, and to update their ERT profile
accordingly. The directions for how to do this can be found on our website here:
https://www.stopthesoot.org/etep/ert/ase.pdf
9. Can I choose to drop out of the program if I don’t want to take the ASE Tests?
Yes; however, please be aware that if you let your NJ ERT certification expire, and if your shop
does not employ at least one other certified NJ ERT, the shop’s Emission Repair Facility (ERF)
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registration will be revoked. This means that you and your shop will no longer be allowed to
repair for compensation any vehicles that have failed the NJ emissions inspection.
Certification Progression
10. What is the free online NJ-CERT Course?
This is a course on the rules and regulations of the Enhanced I/M program in New Jersey, the air
quality issues in the State, and the reasons why the I/M program is required. The course covers
topics such as what vehicles are inspected and what tests they receive. It also covers special
repair topics on tampering, readiness and communications, known repair issues, emissions
warranties, and aftermarket catalytic converters. In addition, it provides repair resources,
customer services tips, and program contact phone numbers.
11. What credentials will I receive upon completion of my ERT requirements?
Once you have completed all the requirements and your ERT certification is approved, you will
receive a certificate and ID cards via e-mail.
In addition, all newly certified initial ERTs will receive one (1) free embroidered patch delivered
right to your doorstep! The patch may be worn to recognize and display your status as a certified
ERT. Patches may only be worn by currently certified ERTs; displaying or wearing the patch
without a current ERT certification is strictly prohibited.
The embroidered patch is only issued once upon initial certification, no additional patches are
issued for recertifications. There are currently no plans for additional patches to be provided and
no mechanism for ERTs to be able to purchase additional patches; however, you will be notified
if this changes in the future.
Additional Questions
12. What is the Advanced Recognition bonus program?
Those ERTs who possess the ASE A9 (Light Duty Diesel Engines) and/or L3 (Hybrid/Electric)
certifications will be given Advanced Recognition status in one or both areas, as applicable, with
an expiration date that corresponds to the A9 and/or L3 expiration date(s).
This will allow motorists to seek out an ERF that employs an ERT with specialized training in
either light-duty diesel, hybrid/electric, or both repair technologies, if they own such a vehicle
and it has failed the NJ emissions inspection. In addition, shops that do not repair these types of
vehicles will not be precluded from becoming an ERF and participating in the program if they do
not possess these advanced certifications.
13. I previously took ETEP Sections 9 (light-duty diesel) and 10 (hybrid/electric) to
substitute for the ASE tests in those subject areas. Am I still eligible for the Advanced
Recognition?
No, the Advanced Recognition is only for those who have ASE certification in the A9 and/or L3.
However, these certifications run on a 5-year cycle, so they must be continually renewed to keep
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the recognition. Those who obtained these certifications in the last round will need to recertify
in order to receive and/or keep the recognition.
