Safety Inspection Mechanic Certification Program

Online Application

**Apply online then call in to make a credit card payment over the phone at least two weeks before the class to secure your spot**

You will receive a confirmation email once we receive your online application.  Please check your SPAM folder if you do not see this confirmation email. 
CAREFULLY READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION BELOW

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 participants must be 18 years of age or older and possess a valid photo driver’s license.

Categories Offered

Category 1 – Passenger cars/Trucks 17,000 pounds or less/trailers 10,000 pounds or less ($200 – classroom, written test & tactile)

Category 2 – Motorcycles * need to have a current motorcycle license – NOT a permit (add $100 – test & tactile only).

Category 3 – Trucks over 17,000 lbs./trailers over 10,000 pounds/buses. (add $150 – test & tactile only).

We also offer 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. (add $50, written test only)

  • Certified by PA Dept. of Transportation
  • Leads to safety inspection mechanic certification
  • Monthly start dates
  • Registration Fee: $200 (Call 717.652.3170 Option 2 to make a payment over the phone and reserve your spot) 

The $200 registration fee includes all coursework, an instruction manual, and Category 1 tactile (hands-on) examination.  There will be an additional fee of $100 for Cat 2,  $150 for Cat 3, and $50 for Enhanced.  Cat 2,  Cat 3, and Enhanced tests can be taken without classroom training if a Cat 1 certification is current.

Materials can be found on the PennDOT website.

Registrants are required to visit: http://www.dmv.state.pa.us/inspections/safetybulletinsto see updated bulletins regarding safety inspections.


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. 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.


Course Info

Cost: $200 – Cat 1 only

You may register for  “add on” categories without having to register for the entire course if you have a current state inspection license.  See the additional charges listed above for each add-on which will include two testing nights (written and tactile). It is not required but highly recommended that add on categories attend class on tool night to familiarize yourself with the tools if necessary. Note: You will be required to show your state inspection license. Class space is limited and priority is given to full-course participants.

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.

Online Application.  Your spot will only be effective once payment is made.

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.


Acceptable Forms of Payment

Personal Pay: Credit/Debit (Visa, Mastercard, American Express), Money Order, or Cash

Company Pay: Company Credit Card or Company Check

Registration and fee deadline 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 over the phone. No online payments. No refunds will be issued after the start of class.


Schedule – Classes for 2023-2024

PA State Safety Inspection (18 hour class):   Classroom and Tools Clinic, Mon/Tues/Wed/Thurs 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Tactile Testing, Sat 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Sept 11,12,13,14,16, 2023

Oct 10,11,12,13,14, 2023 (Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat)

Nov 13,14,15,16,18, 2023

Dec 11,12,13,14, 16, 2023

Jan 8, 9,10,11,13, 2024

Feb 5,6,7,8,10, 2024

Mar 4,5,6,7,9, 2024

Apr 8,9,10,11,13, 2024

May 6,7,8,9,11, 2024


Misc. Information

Written Exam Re-takes: $50 (By appointment only.  Call the Adult & Continuing Education office at (717) 652-3170 ext. 7902 or email AdultEd@dcts.org

Tactile Exam Re-takes: Cat 1 & 2 $100 / Cat 3 $150 (By appointment only.  Call the Adult & Continuing Education office at (717) 652-3170 ext. 7902 or email AdultEd@dcts.org

*Individuals are not considered registered with DCTS until BOTH a payment is made AND a completed application with copy of driver’s license is submitted to the Adult & Continuing Education Office as well as the PA Safety Inspection Certification Class Regulations and Requirements Sheet.

Email application and copy of Driver’s License to AdultEd@dcts.org

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 possible forfeiture of payment.

Adult learners must be able to understand, speak, read, and write the English language.


Registration and fee deadline is one week prior to the first class. Individuals are not considered registered with DCTS until payment is made and a completed application is submitted to the Adult & Continuing Education Office.

Space is limited so sign up early to confirm your seat.

Due to safety considerations, no one under the influence of drugs or alcohol will be permitted to attend class or be on the premises of Dauphin County Technical School property. It is the discretion of the instructor in making any and all determination and identification of individuals under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This may include prescription drugs if, in the opinion of the instructor the drugs impair the judgment of the participant. Copies of the DCTS Use of Tobacco Policy #222 and Drug and Alcohol Policy #227 are listed below.

*Your signature is required on the registration form to indicate that you have read, understand, and will abide by these policies.

Online Application.  Your spot will only be effective once payment is made.

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.

 

TOBACCO PRODUCTS ON SCHOOL PROPERTY (Policy #222)
The Joint Operating Committee recognizes that tobacco, nicotine, and nicotine delivery products present a health and safety hazard that can have serious consequences for both users and nonusers and the safety and environment of the school. For purposes of this policy, tobacco includes a lighted or unlighted cigarette, cigar, cigarillo, little cigar, pipe, or other smoking product or material and smokeless tobacco in any form including chewing tobacco, snuff, dip, or dissolvable tobacco pieces.[1] For purposes of this policy, nicotine shall mean a product that contains or consists of nicotine in a form that can be ingested by chewing, smoking, inhaling, or through other means. For purposes of this policy, a nicotine delivery product shall mean a product or device used, intended for use, or designed for the purpose of ingesting nicotine or another substance. This definition includes, but is not limited to, any device or associated product used for what is commonly referred to as vaping or juuling.

CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE (Policy #227)
It is the goal of the Dauphin County Technical School to maintain a drug-free and alcohol-free school environment. In order to further this goal, the Alcohol, Drugs, and Controlled Substances Policy No. 227. A student shall not possess, use, transmit, deliver, sell or be under the influence of any controlled substance. Controlled substances shall be defined as A. All dangerous controlled substances prohibited by law within the meaning of the Controlled Substance, Drug-Device, and Cosmetic Act as amended. B. All over-the-counter medications. C. All alcoholic beverages. D. Any anabolic steroids. E. Any synthetic compound, or any herbal substance sold as an incense, bath salts, or smoking material that mimics the effects of marijuana. F. Any drug paraphernalia. Drug paraphernalia includes equipment, apparatus, and/or gear generally associated with the use/abuse of alcohol, narcotic drugs, and mood-altering chemicals. Examples may include items such as “pot pipes,” cigarette-rolling papers, roach clips, weighing scales, and any other device used to measure, inject, inhale, ingest, package, deliver or facilitate the use, sale, or distribution of a controlled substance. G. All legal or illegal hemp products. H. Volatile solvents or inhalants to include glue and aerosol propellants. I. Any prescription, patent drug, caffeine pills/capsules, epinephrine, or other stimulants except those for which permission for use in school has been granted pursuant to Joint Operating Committee Policy. J. Any look-a-like substance that resembles any item above including any non-controlled substance that in its overall finished dosage appearance is substantially similar in size, shape, color, marking, or packaging to any controlled substance.