Diagnosing emissions failures can be a complex process and sometimes requires special testing equipment. As a Rhode Island motorist, you are free to select a repair technician or repair the vehicle yourself. However, we recommend you consider having your vehicle repairs performed by a qualified technician, such as a Certified Inspection Repair Technician (CIRT), who is experienced in diagnosing and repairing vehicle emissions systems. 95% of vehicles repaired by CIRTs pass on their first retest.

Please click here to find a CIRT near you.

What is a Certified Inspection Repair Technician (CIRT)?

A Certified Inspection Repair Technician (CIRT) is a technician who has demonstrated skill in diagnosing and repairing emissions related problems. All CIRTs have passed the Rhode Island CIRT exam or are ASE L1 Certified (Automotive Service Excellence Advance Engine Performance Certification). (Repair technicians who have successfully passed the State CIRT exam have two (2) years to obtain their ASE L1 certification.)

How do technicians qualify to become a Certified Inspection Repair Technician (CIRT)?

Technicians are required to have the following certifications before they can apply to become a CIRT:

On confirmation of the above certifications, each CIRT is rated with a five (5) star Repair Effectiveness Index (REI) . Each individual CIRT must maintain his/her rating. With the certifications above, a CIRT is expected to have the ability to inspect your vehicle, to answer any questions you may have about the inspection process, and to repair your emissions failure correctly.

What is the Repair Effectiveness Index (REI)?

*(Waivers and motorist complaints are investigated on case-by-case basis.)

How will I know if a station employs a CIRT?

Each CIRT has a certificate that shows his or her name and title as a Certified Inspection Repair Technician. Any shop employing a CIRT has a sign advertising that fact.

Below is the list of Certified Inspection Repair Technicians, by community, along with each CIRT's Repair Effectiveness Index (REI) . This list is updated on a regular basis. However, we request that you please call the station to confirm the presence of a CIRT at that business prior to seeking repairs there.

How do I apply for a Cost Limit Waiver?

If you spend at least $700 to repair an emissions problem and your vehicle still fails its inspection, you may apply for a Cost Limit Waiver at the DMV by calling 401-462-5890. The $700 minimum includes parts, and includes repair labor only if the technician who did the work is a Certified Inspection Repair Technician (CIRT).

Please remember that when a CIRT performs repairs, the cost of both parts and labor will count toward the Cost Limit Waiver. If the repairs are performed by anyone who is not a CIRT, only the cost of the parts will count towards the waiver.

What do the stars mean in the Repair Effectiveness Index (REI)?

The star-type rating system being used to rate the performance of the CIRTs is a truly useful tool that has been used for books, hotels, movies, plays, etc., with five stars (5) being the best, and one (1) being marginal. Please remember that CIRTs start out with five (5) stars and that each individual CIRT is responsible to keep and maintain his or her rating. The following star-rating table applies:

If you have any comments, good or bad, about your experience with a CIRT, please contact us by email at helpdesk@websti.com.

Disclaimer

These technicians have volunteered to be part of the Certified Inspection Repair Technician (CIRT) program. Each CIRT must meet strict requirements set by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) and the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The CIRT list is not intended as a recommendation or endorsement by DEM, DMV, or their I/M Management Contractor, but rather as a resource to help Rhode Island motorists locate competent repair technicians conducting emissions-related repairs.