Missouri-Recognized Repair Technician (MRRT)

Who is a Missouri-recognized repair technician?

A Missouri-recognized repair technician (MRRT) is:

  • Employed full time at an automotive repair shop;
  • Certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence in A6, A8 and L1 areas of expertise; and
  • Approved to work with the Gateway Vehicle Inspection Program with a MRRT number from the MDNR-APCP-IM. (The acronyms refer to the Inspection and Maintenance Section within the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Air Pollution Control Program.)

What does certification from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence mean?

Many repair shops hire technicians who have been certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). This organization tests technicians on their knowledge of vehicle diagnostics and repair, including electric/electronic systems – A6; engine performance – A8; and advanced engine performance – L1.

Information about ASE certification

Why should I become a Missouri-recognized repair technician?

  • Your qualified labor and diagnostic costs related to emissions work count toward cost-based waiver minimums, but your competitors won’t have this ability if their repair technicians are not MRRTs.
  • When vehicles fail inspection, your shop could be included on a list of the ten closest MRRT shops on reports given to motorists. Of course, this depends on the location of your shop.
  • Your shop will appear on the website www.missourigvip.com as a MRRT shop.

Note that you do not have to be a licensed GVIP inspector or shop to be recognized as a MRRT facility and technician.

How do I become a Missouri-recognized repair technician?

The facility you work at must give a completed MRRT application to MDNR-APCP-IM along with copies of your current ASE certification in A6, A8, and L1 areas. A shop may include multiple full-time staff members from a shop on the same application. You can get the application by clicking on the following link or calling the following number:

There is no cost to apply, apart from the cost of obtaining and maintaining current A6, A8, and L1 ASE certifications.

Note: This information is published as an informational source for motorists to consider when pursuing emissions repairs for a failed vehicle. It is a consumer guide to help locate a repair facility employing technicians that have proven training in emissions-related repairs. It is not a recommendation from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources or from anyone affiliated with the Gateway Vehicle Inspection Program. Remember that it is your right and responsibility as a consumer to evaluate and choose a repair facility.