San Diego students struggle with broken smog testing equipment

Automotive certificate program students at San Diego College of Continuing Education faced equipment issues that nearly derailed their certification plans.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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A group of adult students enrolled in the automotive certificate program at the San Diego College of Continuing Education (SDCCE) say broken smog-testing equipment nearly prevented them from finishing their training and obtaining a smog-inspector license. The students needed hands-on experience with a BAR 97 smog machine to qualify for the state exam, but the machine at their campus was broken. After initially being told they could use a machine at Miramar College, the students faced further issues with that equipment not working consistently. The school eventually coordinated for the students to complete their testing at Miramar, allowing them to earn their certificates and move forward with their new careers.

Why it matters

Obtaining a smog-inspector license is a key requirement for students in SDCCE's automotive certificate program, which provides an affordable path to a new career. The broken equipment threatened to derail the students' plans and delay their ability to start working as smog technicians, a field with growing demand as more drivers seek vehicle inspections.

The details

The students enrolled in SDCCE's automotive certificate program need hands-on training with a BAR 97 smog machine in order to qualify for the California state exam and obtain a smog-inspector license. In December, they discovered the machine at their campus was broken, and by January, with the program ending in February, they grew increasingly anxious as the machine remained unfixed. The school initially told the students they could use a machine at Miramar College, but that equipment also experienced issues, only working properly one out of three days the students tried to use it.

  • The BAR 97 smog machine at the SDCCE Educational Cultural Complex campus broke down on December 18, 2025, the final day of instruction for the year.
  • By January 2026, with the SDCCE program ending in February, the students grew increasingly concerned that the broken machine had not been repaired.

The players

Jeriko Sosa

A student in the SDCCE automotive certificate program who says the broken equipment nearly prevented him from finishing his training and obtaining a smog-inspector license.

Mohammad Hussain

A student in the SDCCE automotive certificate program who put everything else on hold to complete the program and earn his certification.

Adan Covarrubias

A student in the SDCCE automotive certificate program who has had to spend extra money on child care while attending classes.

San Diego College of Continuing Education (SDCCE)

The community college where the automotive certificate program is offered, which faced issues with broken smog testing equipment.

Miramar College

Another local college that the SDCCE students were initially told they could use a smog machine at, though that equipment also experienced problems.

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What they’re saying

“We went to, obviously, take a look at the machine that we're going to use for the certification … and the machine didn't work. It didn't work. It was broken.”

— Jeriko Sosa, Student (NBC San Diego)

“It's pretty frustrating and kind of sad, because I've been working hard these couple of months to do my best.”

— Adan Covarrubias, Student (NBC San Diego)

“After five months, it's like a waste of time.”

— Mohammad Hussain, Student (NBC San Diego)

What’s next

The students were ultimately able to complete their testing at Miramar College this week and receive their automotive certificates, allowing them to now apply to take the California state exam and begin their new careers as smog technicians.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the challenges that adult students can face when pursuing career training programs, especially when relying on specialized equipment that may unexpectedly break down. It underscores the importance of schools having reliable backup plans and clear communication to support students in completing their programs on time.