I've failed CA smog mode times than I care to admit. Model year 2000 & up (in CA) does not require the sniffer test, although you can't be blatantly obvious with smoke/smell. Here is what will pretty much guarantee success in regards to getting a HFC to pass in California (on a 2007):
1. Passing the visual test. This includes looking factory (heat shield) and not having o2 spacers... yes, I have been caught using spacers (on another vehicle).
2. Having the readiness codes set. Flashpro will not set the codes as ready if the rear o2 us turned off. You can have a tune though, just leave the rear o2 active. My 63.5mm Ballade Sports HFC will only set the rear o2 as ready during the summer, and I suspect the Berk is similar.

During my last smog check, the tech asked why I had a new cat installed. He had the inspection mirror all over the cat and the underside of the car. I'm guessing he knew it wasn't OEM since it was too clean, and the heat shield brackets don't look OEM even though they are barely visible. The welds are also too nice on the Ballade sports HFC. I told the tech that my OEM cat was starting to rattle (which was true), so I replaced it. He argued that it wasn't true "because the car only had 90,000 miles", to which I agreed that it did seem early. After that he let me pass... which meant that he couldn't prove that the cat was aftermarket.

Stupid thought: I wonder if it is possible to weld OEM heat shield brackets on a Gern-Pipe in the OEM location... complete with dummy o2 sensor installed.

^^^ Damn thats a hard core inspection! Sounds intense. Not how it is in WA at all. Roll in boosted with a TP and a sooty bumper, no cel triggered no inspection and in a min gets a pass and on your way.