<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".18" citation="COMAR 11.14.08.18" title_num="11" subtitle_num="14" chapter_num="08" heading="Master Certified Emissions Technician.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>Initial Application and Certification.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>To qualify for certification, an individual shall:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Successfully complete an orientation course approved by the Department;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Demonstrate 5 years of full-time employment experience as an automotive technician performing emissions-related repairs on on-road vehicles, except that an individual with 2 full years of full-time education related to the repair of on-road vehicles need only demonstrate 4 years of the required employment; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>Possess all of the following current, valid ASE certifications:</text>
        <paragraph num="(i)">
          <text>Electrical Systems (A-6),</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(ii)">
          <text>Engine Performance (A-8), and</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(iii)">
          <text>Advanced Engine Performance Specialist (L-1).</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>An individual qualifying for certification may submit an application to the Department. Upon approval of the application, the Department shall provide documentation of certification. Certification is valid through the earliest of the following dates:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>The expiration date of the individual's ASE Electrical Systems (A-6) certification;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>The expiration date of the individual's ASE Engine Performance (A-8) certification; or</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>The expiration date of the individual's ASE Advanced Engine Performance Specialist (L-1) certification.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>Certification Renewal.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>An individual with current, valid certification may apply for certification renewal within 60 days before certification expiration.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>To renew a certification, an individual shall:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Submit an application to the Department; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Possess current, valid applicable ASE certifications as required in §A of this regulation.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Certification renewed under this section is valid through the applicable date defined in §A of this regulation.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>Suspension, Revocation, and Denial of Certification.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>The Department may suspend, revoke, or deny renewal of a certification if the certified individual:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Knowingly communicates any false, inaccurate, or misleading information to any person or in any certificate, record, or document regarding the vehicle emissions inspection program;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Fraudulently or deceptively obtains or attempts to obtain a certification; or</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>Fails an audit under this regulation.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>An individual whose certification has been suspended may be subject to:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Additional training or testing as approved by the Department before the certification is reinstated; or</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Revocation of a certification for which suspension has exceeded 6 months.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>An individual whose certification has been revoked may reapply for certification according to the procedures of §A of this regulation, if:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>At least 90 days have elapsed since the revocation; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>The individual has taken corrective action approved by the Department.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>Performance Audit. The Department shall conduct an audit of the performance of a master certified emissions technician periodically. The audit shall include an evaluation of vehicle repair history.</text>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>