PA Emissions Inspector Certification Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT a function of the emissions inspector?

1. Performing visual inspections

2. Setting emission standards

3. Recording test results

4. Interpreting diagnostic codes

The correct answer is: Setting emission standards

Setting emission standards is primarily the responsibility of regulatory agencies and government bodies rather than the emissions inspector. Inspectors are tasked with ensuring compliance with these established standards, conducting inspections, and recording results. Their role involves conducting visual inspections to check for visible emissions or tampering, recording test results from equipment that measures pollutants, and interpreting diagnostic codes from onboard diagnostic systems to assess vehicle performance related to emissions. Each of these tasks directly contributes to the enforcement of existing emission standards, but creating or setting those standards falls outside the scope of an emissions inspector's duties.