Most of the newer OBD II diagnostic code readers will inquire of each
monitor to determine if its ran (ready) or hasn't ran (not ready).  If the
guys at Auto zone knows how to do this with their scanner, they should be
able to do it.  I have a scanner I bought a harbor freight for $50 that does
it.  Its the new CAN model.  No that's not short for Canada.
BTW, that's all the newer smog testing centers do on the new cars now days,
No DTC codes, all monitors ran - PASSED.  No Dyno, no exhaust probe
required.

  O2 sensors, catalytic convertor
  have any idea at what speeds under what conditions and for how long?
  it would really be a help to know this when trying to get a smog
check
  after the battery has been disconnected for overseas shipment.
  this causes the ecu to reset (smog check rejected) till when(?)
  the car passes emissions but will not pass until ecu "self
diagnosis"
  you would think that there is a way for the ecu to force self
diagnosis
  or that there would be some definite method of producing it.
  other than "just driving it"

It depends on the test that needs to be run.  Some checks (such as proper
circuit resistance) are checked immediately on start-up and continuously
while the engine is running.  Others (such as misfire monitoring) occur
anytime the vehicle is running.  Performance tests of the oxygen sensors
and catalytic converter usually require driving at certain speeds under
certain operating conditions for certain periods of time.

when battery is disconnected then reconnected
the ecu is reset. how long before ecu self checks
again?