How to Choose a Virtual Smoke School Provider?
With over 50 years of smoke school experience, our smoke school experts tell you what to look for in a virtual reality smoke school (ALT-152) training program.
Check Their Federal Approval
All ALT-152 (virtual smoke school) providers must be approved by the USEPA before offering Method 9 certification. View our EPA approval letter. An EPA approved ALT-152 program can be used as a replacement for in-person smoke school for anyone who makes Method 9 observations on a federally-regulated source in the U.S.
Check Their State Allowance
For state-regulated sources, the state must authorize ALT-152 as an alternative to in-person smoke school. Check our state status page for current state allowances for our program.
Important: Each ALT-152 provider must list specific state allowances. State allowance for one provider does not automatically extend to others.
Open Vs Locked Headsets
An EPA ALT-152 provider can choose to sell a headset or allow the client to purchase an approved headset on their own. Headsets sold by an ALT-152 provider are likely to be locked to their program. If you decide to change providers in the future, you may need to purchase a new headset. Additionally, program updates can be difficult and the headset can’t be used for anything else.
Allowing a client to purchase a headset on their own offers numerous advantages. The client can use the headset for any ALT-152 provider. Additionally, approved VR headsets are readily available at local retailers for less than $300 and can be used for numerous other applications.
The VR Smoke School program allows you to purchase your own headset. We currently recommend the Meta Quest 3S as the best value. One headset can be used for an unlimited number of VR Smoke School program students.
Web-Based vs App-Based Program
An ALT-152 provider can deliver their program online (web-based) or as an app that must be installed on an approved VR headset. App-based programs usually require upfront payment before using. Web-based programs are more difficult to build but are more universal and easier for the client to access and use. Web-based programs may also allow the program to be accessed from a desktop or laptop so you can review the lecture and get familiar with the visual test before you even need a VR headset.
The VR Smoke School program is web-based and allows you to take the visual test as much as you like. You only pay when you pass the visual test on an approved device and choose to validate & download your EPA Method 9 certification. The VR Smoke School program significantly reduces the cost and time to earn EPA Method 9 certification.
Lecture
The lecture component of EPA Method 9 covers observation and documentation techniques. Review of the lecture is required before your first certification using ALT-152. ALT-152 providers may charge students to review the lecture in addition to the cost of taking the visual certification test.
The VR Smoke School program allows you full access to the online lecture as soon as you create your free account. Ready to get started? Create your free accountin less than 30 seconds and earn your EPA Method 9 certification today.