Loose gas cap?
One of the most common problems that causes a check engine light to come on is simply a loose or missing gas cap.
If you want to save yourself a ton of money simply disconnect the battery lead as John has suggested, which will clear the code (it will still be retained in system memory). Make sure your gas cap is on tight and if the light does not reappear you have fixed the issue yourself. Remember to tell the inspection station what you did and hope that when they see the stored code theyt don't charge you for a full diagnostic check.
If there is a problem with the cat converter or other system, the light will quickly reappear and you will need to get it serviced. Outside of the loose gas cap issue, another common problem is one or more of the sensors or an egr failure. I know if you go to a local AUTOZONE they usually will decode the issue for free if you buy the repair part from them.
I will second FLL's comments about VIP Auto. The chain has a very good reputation and if you can get the problem diagnosed and are handy with tools at all, you can fix many of the problems yourself for a lot less than a dealer repair.
Finally, if the problem is related to emissions control you probably are still covered under waranty.
But back to the beginnig, first check should simply be the gas cap....
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