What is the difference between a smog test only and gold shield station?

Question

What is the difference between a smog test only and gold shield station?

Answer 1

Test-Only Stations are privately-owned Smog Check stations licensed by the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) to inspect and certify most vehicles, including Gross Polluters.

While they can perform oil changes and lubrication services, they are prohibited from providing any repair services.

A Gold Shield station has met certain performance criteria and is authorized to inspect Directed Vehicles.

Gold Shield stations perform State-subsidized repairs under the Consumer Assistance Program (CAP).