Practice Test Geeks(AARC) Accredited Automotive Recycler Certification Practice Test

AARC Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield AARC facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here β€” free, no sign-up.

100 questions
120 min time limit
70.00% to pass
  1. What must be done to airbags before dismantling? β†’ Deploy or remove safely
  2. What is the OSHA-required minimum width for a main aisle in a warehouse or storage area at an automotive recycling facility? β†’ At least 3 feet wider than the widest equipment used
  3. According to OSHA standards, how often must fire extinguishers be inspected at an automotive recycling facility? β†’ Visually at least monthly and professionally annually
  4. Which document must accompany a hazardous waste shipment from an auto recycler to a licensed treatment facility? β†’ Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest
  5. When a hybrid vehicle's nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery is being removed, what fluid hazard is also present inside the battery module? β†’ Potassium hydroxide electrolyte
  6. Which business practice helps an automotive recycler avoid conflicts of interest when purchasing salvage vehicles? β†’ Establishing a transparent procurement policy applied consistently to all purchases
  7. At an automotive recycling yard, a worker discovers a damaged airbag inflator. What is the safest initial action? β†’ Isolate the area and notify a supervisor trained in airbag handling
  8. Why are airbag deployments regulated? β†’ Prevent explosive hazards
  9. What is the best reason for an automotive recycler to join and maintain membership in a professional trade association such as ARA? β†’ To access industry standards, training, and advocate for favorable legislation
  10. In inventory management, 'dead stock' refers to parts that: β†’ Have not sold within a defined period and are tying up capital
  11. Under ARA standards, how long should a recycler typically retain a parts grading record after a sale? β†’ At least 1 year
  12. Under EPA stormwater regulations, which control measure is most effective at reducing hydrocarbon contamination in runoff from a vehicle storage yard? β†’ Using impervious paving with berms and oil-water separators
  13. During vehicle dismantling, when should mercury switches be removed and how must they be handled? β†’ Before crushing or shredding; collected in sealed containers for mercury recycling
  14. A recycler wants to resell a used EV battery pack for second-life energy storage. Which test is most critical before resale? β†’ State of health (SOH) capacity test
  15. During EV dismantling, which tool should NEVER be used to cut through suspected high-voltage wiring? β†’ Standard wire cutters without insulation rating
  16. When an AARC-certified recycler purchases a salvage vehicle from an insurance company, what document is typically received instead of a clean title? β†’ A salvage title or certificate of title branded as 'salvage'
  17. According to EPA regulations (40 CFR Part 279), which of the following actions would cause used oil to be managed as a listed hazardous waste? β†’ Mixing it with a listed hazardous solvent, such as carburetor cleaner.
  18. What is the function of an SDS? β†’ Details on chemical safety
  19. When a vehicle arrives at an automotive recycling facility that may contain airbags, the FIRST step before dismantling is to: β†’ Identify and document undeployed airbag locations
  20. A technician is removing a front subframe. Which factor most directly determines whether it can be resold as a used part versus scrapped? β†’ Structural integrityβ€”absence of cracks, bends, or corrosion-compromised mounting points
  21. What is the primary purpose of using standardized ARA part grades in an inventory management system? β†’ To enable consistent pricing and buyer expectations nationwide
  22. Under ARA grading standards, a body panel with a light scratch that does not penetrate the paint is classified as which grade? β†’ Grade B
  23. A recycler receives a vehicle with a VIN plate that appears to have been tampered with. What is the correct course of action? β†’ Refuse the purchase and report the suspected VIN tampering to law enforcement
  24. Which OSHA standard primarily governs employee right-to-know requirements for hazardous chemicals used or generated at an automotive recycling facility? β†’ 29 CFR 1910.1200 β€” Hazard Communication Standard (HazCom)
  25. What is the OSHA permissible exposure limit (PEL) for lead, a common hazard when cutting or burning vehicle frames in automotive recycling? β†’ 50 micrograms per cubic meter (ΞΌg/mΒ³) as an 8-hour TWA
  26. Which grading factor is MOST important when evaluating a used suspension strut assembly? β†’ Structural integrity and absence of leaks or bending
  27. Under EPA's Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) rule, which threshold triggers the requirement for a facility to prepare an SPCC plan? β†’ Total aboveground oil storage capacity exceeding 1,320 gallons
  28. Which tool is most appropriate for safely removing an airbag module from a steering wheel? β†’ Torx or specialty airbag removal tool
  29. An AARC-certified recycler selling to body shops should be familiar with which industry-standard estimating system that insurers use to specify parts? β†’ CCC ONE, Mitchell, or Audatex (Solera)
  30. An AARC recycler discovers that a competitor is selling stolen catalytic converters. The ethical obligation is to: β†’ Report it to local law enforcement or the appropriate authority
Turn these facts into recall:
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