Course Overview
The Adult & Continuing Education Center, in cooperation with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), provides the necessary information and testing for you to become a Certified Safety Inspector.
You should have an understanding of basic auto mechanics, including brakes and alignment, to succeed in this program. Upon successful completion of the program, you will receive a safety inspection certification card from PennDOT.
The Safety Inspector Certification Course is an evening program that provides classroom instruction, special category instruction, written examination, tool clinic, and tactile examination for each category needed to receive a state Safety Inspection Mechanic Certification by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.
Course Info
- You must call prior to the first night of class to reschedule if you are not able to make the class. Failure to show for the class will result in possible forfeiture of payment.
- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm; Saturday, 7:00 am – 1:00 pm
Category 1
- Passenger cars/Trucks 17,000 pounds or less
- Ttrailers 10,000 pounds or less
- Classroom, written test & tactile
Category 2
- Motorcycles
- Need to have a current motorcycle license – NOT a permit
- Test & tactile only
Category 3
- Trucks over 17,000 lbs.
- Trailers over 10,000 pounds
- Buses
- Test & tactile only
Category IV, Enhanced Vehicle Safety Inspector Certification
- Upon completion, you’ll be able to review title applications and supporting documentation for the purpose of issuances of a branded vehicle title.
- Written test only
- Registration Fee: $250
- The $250 registration fee includes all coursework, an instruction manual, and Category 1 tactile (hands-on) examination.
- If you are taking Category 1 and wish to add a category it must be included on your application, no add-ons are permitted the first night of class.
- Materials can be found on the PennDOT website.
- Registrants are required to visit: http://www.dmv.state.pa.us/inspections/safetybulletins to see updated bulletins regarding safety inspections.
Additional Fees
- Category 2: Add $100
- Category 3: Add $150
- Category 4 Enhanced Vehicle Safety Inspector Certification: Add $50
- Course participants must be 18 years of age or older and possess a valid photo driver’s license.
- Attendance is taken and all classroom hours must be completed as a requirement to take the final written and tactile certification exams.
- You MUST bring your valid driver’s license photo ID with you on the first night of class.
- You MUST call prior to the first night of class to reschedule if you are not able to make the class. Failure to show for class will result in forfeiture of payment.
- Adult learners MUST be able to understand, speak, read, and write the English language.
PA State Safety Inspection (18 hour class)
Classroom and Tools Clinic
- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday
- 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Tactile Testing
- Saturday
- 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Schedule
- Sept 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 2025
- Oct 6, 7, 8, 10,11, 2025
- Nov 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 2025
- Dec 8, 9,10,12,13, 2025
- Jan 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 2026
- Feb 9, 10, 11, 13,14, 2026
- Mar 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 2026
- Apr 13, 14, 15, 17, 18, 2026
- May 18, 19, 20, 22, 23, 2026 (Last Safety Inspection Certification class until September 2026)
Course Information
- Cost: $250 + Additional Fees Per Category
- Hours: 18+ hours
- Availability: Evenings
How To Apply
- Submit your Online Application
- Call our office to schedule a payment (717) 652-3170 ext. 7902
Course Format & Certifaction Information
5 Night Format
- Night 1 – Theory
- Night 2 – Theory
- Night 3– Theory and written exam
- To qualify for the tactile exam participants must pass a Baseline Test with a score of 70% or higher, if the participant fails they must repeat the entire course at an additional cost.
- Night 4 – Tool Clinic
- Night 5 (& 6 as needed) – Tactile (Hands-on) Exams – Participants will be notified of the date and time to report for their tactile exam during the Tool Clinic portion of the course.
Additional Information
- There is a $50 charge for Cat 1 re-tests.
- Baseline tests must be passed before taking Cat 1 exams.
- Re-tests will be charged as add-on fees of $100 for Cat 2, $150 for Cat 3, and $50 for Enhanced.
- All re-tests will be scheduled upon availability of the instructor and facility.
Steps to Get Certification Card
Upon successful completion of your Tactile Examination, your records will be forwarded to the PA Department of Transportation along with a recommendation for certification.
The PA Department of Transportation, NOT the Dauphin County Technical School issues this certification.
- Step 1: If you already have an account, log in to the training portal with your existing user ID and Password. If you don’t have an account, click on “Sign-Up” to set up a new account.
- Step 2: Once logged in, click on the plus sign beside “New ID Card” to see if there is a new ID card(s) available.
- Step 3: If you have already received a new Safety and/or Emissions ID card, the date(s) produced will be displayed. If there are card(s) available, continue to step 4.
- Step 4: If there are cards available, click on the “order” button and follow the instructions to produce the card(s), and confirm/change the delivery address.
You should receive your Safety Inspection Identification Card within three (3) weeks.
Payment Information
Payment Methods
- Personal Pay: Credit/Debit (Visa, Mastercard, American Express), Money Order, or Cash
- Company Pay: Company Credit Card or Company Check
- Payment in full is two weeks prior to the first class. Submission of an application alone does not guarantee a spot in the class
- Checks should be made out to DCTS ADULT & CONTINUING EDUCATION and mailed to 6001 Locust Lane, Harrisburg, PA 17109 or call (717) 652-3170 ext. 7902 to make payment by credit card. No refunds will be issued after the start of class.
Paperwork & Cancellations
- Refunds (minus credit card fees) will be offered up until the start of the class.
- No refunds will be offered after the start of class..
- Cancellation requests must be received via email at AdultEd@dcts.org two weeks before the class start date.