Smog tech students call NBC 7 Responds over equipment issues

With rising costs pushing many people to seek better-paying careers, a group of adult students at the San Diego College of Continuing Education (SDCCE) say broken smog-testing equipment nearly prevented them from finishing their automotive certification program.

The students enrolled in the school’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. Without that certification, they cannot move forward in their new careers.

Cars have always been part of Jeriko Sosa’s life.

“My dad, in particular, had three different types of shops, and I used to go hang out with him and see how the mechanics used to work,“ Sosa said.

That’s why enrolling in the free program at SDCCE was a natural step toward a new career for Sosa.

“It’s very intricate, very demanding,” Sosa said.

Sosa and two of his classmates — Mohammad Hussain and Adan Covarrubias — said earning their certification could open the door to better pay, and even business ownership.

Pursuing that goal has required sacrifices, though. For Covarrubias, that means spending extra money on child care while he is in class. Hussain said he put everything else on hold to complete the program. 

“I left everything outside to do this, finish my class and get my certification,” Hussain said.

In less than six months, students can earn their automotive certificate, allowing them to take the California state exam for a smog-inspector license.

In December, however, students discovered the BAR 97 smog machine at the Educational Cultural Complex campus was broken.

“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,” Sosa said. “It didn’t work. It was broken.”

At first, Sosa said, they weren’t too concerned, but by January, with the program ending in February, anxiety grew.

“To our surprise, the machine is still not fixed, and there’s no answer to when or how they are going to fix it,” Sosa said.

Students contacted NBC 7 Responds for help. After we reached out to the school, the students were told they could use a smog machine at the Miramar College campus.

But, Sosa said, the experience there was also rocky.

“Out of the three days that we were able to go there, the machine only worked once,” Sosa explained.

Covarrubias said the situation was discouraging.

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

Hussain agreed: “After five months, it’s like a waste of time.”

After NBC 7 Responds contacted the school again, students said they were told the Miramar College machine was working and that they could return to test.

The school dean initially agreed to an on-camera interview but later declined, instead providing a written statement from the school:

“At San Diego College of Continuing Education, student success is our top priority. When concerns are raised, we take them seriously and work directly with students and campus partners to address issues and implement timely solutions that allow students to complete their coursework and program requirements. We remain committed to providing high-quality instruction and clear, proactive communication in support of our students’ academic and career goals.

“The smog-testing equipment at the Educational Cultural Complex (ECC) became inoperable prior to winter break on Dec. 18, 2025, the final day of instruction for the year. Since returning from the break, the college has actively worked to identify solutions. While the equipment at ECC is currently undergoing repairs, we are coordinating with Miramar College in our district to schedule lab hours and ensure students continue to have access to required hands-on training and testing.“

The school said it couldn’t comment on how the ECC smog testing equipment broke, nor did it explain why repairs to the machine were taking so long.

“They have not been able to provide a concise and direct answer to, not just my concern, but the other students’ concerns,” Sosa said.

There is now a positive outcome. Sosa, Hussain and Covarrubias said they were able to take their tests at Miramar College this week and received their certificates. They can now apply to take the California state exam and begin their new careers as smog technicians.

This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC San Diego. AI tools helped convert the story to a digital article, and an NBC San Diego journalist edited the article for publication.