Bought a shell that's a Gross Polluter, what do I need to do to make it legal again?

I've been told to goto a SMOG-ONLY station (why do they call it that anyways?)

What do they check? Is it as strict as the State Ref?

 

If your vehicle is a gross polluter you can apply for CAP (consumer assistance program) as long as your income doesnt exceed 185 percent of federal poverty level. Or you need to take it to a licensed test-only station, a designated gold shiled station, or ref. You can also apply for a Repair cost waiver available at a referee station.