Virtual Reality Smoke School - EPA Method 9 Alternative
VR Smoke School is an EPA-approved alternative to in-person smoke school. VR Smoke School allows you to earn your EPA Method 9 certification from the comfort of your home or office using a Virtual Reality (VR) headset.
- Earn your EPA Method 9 certification anytime from anywhere.
- Instant, unlimited access from any desktop, laptop or VR headset.
- Reduces Certification Cost - No travel time or travel-related expenses.
- Consistent testing absent of weather-related factors that affect the plume opacity and personal comfort.
- Online lecture - covers all visible emissions observation methods.
- Backed by a Midwest-based team with over 50 years of expertise in smoke school training.
Unlimited, Instant Access to the
Online Lecture & Visual Test
No Credit Card Required! Only pay when you pass and choose to unlock your certificate.
Virtual Reality - A Better Way to Complete Smoke School
In-Person Smoke School
VR Smoke School
How it Works -VR Smoke School
VR Smoke School is an EPA-approved method that allows you to earn your EPA Method 9 certification using a virtual reality (VR) headset instead of attending an in-person smoke school event.
Sign Up For Your Free Account
It only takes a minute to sign-up and have full access to our comprehensive online lecture and visual VR smoke school test. No credit card is required and there are no hidden terms.
Review the Free Online Lecture
Our online lecture covers EPA Method 9, 22, 203a-c and alternative test methods using images, videos and quizzes developed from 50 years of smoke school training experience. An exam is offered at the end of the test to earn your certificate of completion. The lecture is accessible at anytime from any desktop or laptop.
Take the Visual VR Smoke School Test
The visual VR smoke school test consists of standard values, practice questions and the certification test just like an in-person smoke school. You can take the visual test as often as you like on any desktop, laptop or VR headset. Only approved VR headsets can be used to earn your certification.
Pay When You Pass - $250
When you have successfully completed the visual test on an approved VR headset, you can choose to unlock your proof of certification for $250. There are no other fees.
Recertify Anytime
Your certification is valid for 6 months. Simply retake the VR visual test to recertify. Review of the online lecture is only required once (before the initial visual test). An email reminder will be sent before your certification expires.
Need a more detailed explanation of the VR Smoke School process?
Learn moreBenefits of VR Smoke School
The VR Smoke School Program has significant benefits over in-person smoke school and is built and backed by over 50 years of smoke school training experience.
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Certify Anytime
Earn your certification any day of the week and any time of the day. No more scheduling conflicts.
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Certify Anywhere
Our web-based program can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection. Underserved areas are a thing of the past.
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Reduced Certification Cost
No travel expenses, no overnight stays, no per diems, no overtime and much quicker certification times.
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Pay When You Pass
When you successfully complete the VR visual test, you can choose to unlock your certification for $250. There are no other fees.
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No Inclement Weather
No more dealing with rain or wind. Earn your certification from the comfort of your home or office.
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Reduced Pressure
The VR Smoke School test environment is private and you can take the test as much as you want. Only pay when you pass.
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Friendly, US-Based Support
Our team has over 50 years of smoke school training experience and we love to share our knowledge.
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Unlimited Smoke School Lecture
Access our comprehensive smoke school lecture anytime. Includes interactive elements, videos, quizzes and printable certificate.
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Consistent Testing
The smoke videos have consistent plumes and backgrounds absent of environmental factors.
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Better for the Environment
Eliminates the need for thousands of annual in-person smoke schools and the associated air pollution.
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Safer
Students and operators are not exposed to smoke or the risks of travel.
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Learn from Your Mistakes
When the visual test is completed, you can review any missed readings and learn from your mistakes.
VR Smoke School Requirements
ALT-152 (the virtual reality smoke school method) is approved by the USEPA as an alternative certification method for EPA Method 9. ALT-152 does not change the process of observing visible emissions, it only replaces in-person smoke school with a VR smoke school. The certification duration (6 months), the testing process and grading process are the same for both certification methods.
VR Smoke School Approval Letter
ALT-152 requires that each virtual reality smoke school program be reviewed and approved by the USEPA. A copy of our approval letter can be found here.
Approved VR Headsets
The VR Smoke School program can be accessed from any desktop, laptop or VR headset. To earn your certification, an approved VR headset must be used for the visual test. Approved VR headsets meet the specifications established in ALT-152. The following headsets are approved to use with the VR Smoke School program.
- Meta Quest 2
- Meta Quest 3
- Meta Quest 3S
We will update this list as new headsets emerge that meet the specification of ALT-152. Any of the approved headsets can be purchased from retailers such as Wal-Mart, Best Buy or Amazon. Headset prices range from $250 to $500 depending on the model.
Each of the approved VR headsets comes with the Meta browser. You must access the VR Smoke School program using the Meta browser for certification purposes.
Because you own the headset and our program is web-based, a single VR headset can be used for an unlimited number of users.
Internet speeds of at least 25Mbps are recommended to ensure quick loading of videos during the test.
Online Lecture Requirement
ALT-152 requires the review of an online lecture before initial certification using the VR headset. Our online lecture is free to use and covers all visible emissions observation methods. A printable certificate can be unlocked after successful completion of our online lecture.
Who Can Use ALT-152?
ALT-152 is an approved alternative certification method for EPA Method 9. It can be used for any federally-regulated source.
Because ALT-152 is a new certification method, some states may currently not allow it to be used for state-specific visible emissions regulations.
We are in continuous contact with state regulatory agencies and are updating our list of states that allow ALT-152 to be used for state-regulated sources. Please click on the button below to see our most up-to-date information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a certification from VR Smoke School recognized in my state?
A certification from VR Smoke School meets all of the requirements of ALT-152 and is approved by the USEPA for all federally-regulated sources. For state-regulated sources, most states recognize ALT-152 certification. For up-to-date information about state status, check out the "Requirements" section above.
How is ALT-152 different than EPA Method 9?
ALT-152 is an alternative certification method. It does not change the process of performing visible emissions observations. It only changes the way you become certified - replacing in-person smoke school with a VR smoke school. The certification duration (6 months), number of test questions and grading are exactly the same.
How do I get started?
To start, simply create a free account and gain full access to our online lecture and visual test. Use it as much as you like and only pay when you choose to purchase your certification. You can use the program on any laptop, desktop or VR headset but you can only receive your certification if using an approved VR headset.
Where do I purchase an approved VR headset?
Not from us! Our program is not locked to a specific headset. You can purchase an approved VR headset from any retailer including Wal-Mart and Amazon. Check the "Requirements" section above for approved VR headsets.
How much does an approved VR headset cost?
They generally range between $250 and $500 depending on the headset you choose.
Does each user need a VR headset?
No. Because you own the headset and our program is web-based, there is no limit on how many people can use a single headset. Each user only needs to have their own (Free!) VR Smoke School account.
How much does the VR Smoke School program cost?
There is no cost to have full, unlimited access to our online lecture and the visual test. You only pay when you successfully complete the visual test on an approved VR headset and choose to unlock your proof of certification. The cost is $250 and the certification is valid for 6 months.
How long does the VR visual test take?
You have 90 minutes to complete the visual test. Individual completion times generally range from 15-30 minutes.
What internet speed do I need for the VR Smoke School program?
The VR Smoke School program is web-based and works best with a download speed of at least 25 Mbps. If your internet is slower, you may have to wait a few seconds for the videos to load.
What happens if I fail the test?
Take it again! There is no limit on the number of times you can take the test. We recommend waiting 30 minutes in between tests to ensure your eyes are rested.
Do I need to review the online lecture?
ALT-152 requires the online lecture to be reviewed before taking your first Visual VR test. You only need to review the lecture one time but we recommend review at least once every 3 years.
What is covered by the online lecture?
Our online lecture is comprehensive of all visible emissions observation methods including EPA Method 9, Method 22, Methods 203a-c and alternative methods. Quizzes, videos and images are used to engage the student. A test is offered for students who seek a certificate of completion. There is no charge for the lecture completion certificate.
How do I recertify using the VR Smoke School program?
We'll send you an email approximately 7 days before your certification expires. All you need to do to recertify is successfully complete the VR visual test on an approved device and purchase your certification.
Still have questions?
Contact UsAbout Us
VR Smoke School is backed by 50 years of smoke school training experience. We are experts in all visible emissions observation methods and co-authored the virtual reality smoke school method (ALT-152) with the USEPA. Additionally, we developed OpaciTool, the first opacity measurement app and a perfect supplement to your VR Smoke School certification.
We are constantly innovating and seeking ways to improve. If you have any feedback or questions regarding the VR Smoke School program, please fill out the form and we will respond promptly.
Built & Based in the U.S.A.