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 EPA 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 performs Method 9 observations on a federally regulated source in the United States.
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 allowances for our program.
Important: Each ALT-152 provider must list specific state allowances. Approval for one provider does not automatically extend to others.
Open Vs Locked Headsets
An ALT-152 provider may choose to sell a headset or allow clients to purchase an approved headset independently. Headsets sold by a provider are often locked to their program. If you switch providers, you may need to purchase a new device. In addition, updates may be limited and the headset may not be usable for other purposes.
Allowing users to purchase their own headset provides more flexibility. The device can be used with different providers and for other applications. Approved VR headsets are widely available at local retailers for under $300 and can be shared across multiple users.
The VR Smoke School program allows you to purchase your own headset and use it across multiple users. We currently recommend the Meta Quest 3S as a strong value option.
Web-Based vs App-Based Program
An ALT-152 provider can deliver their program as a web-based platform or as an app installed on a VR headset. App-based programs typically require upfront payment before use. Web-based programs are more accessible and allow users to access content from multiple devices.
The VR Smoke School program is web-based and allows users to take the visual test as many times as needed. You only pay when you pass the test and choose to validate your certification, significantly reducing the cost and time required to obtain EPA Method 9 certification.
Lecture
The lecture component of EPA Method 9 covers observation and documentation techniques. Review of the lecture is required before initial certification under ALT-152. Some providers charge separately for lecture access.
The VR Smoke School program provides full access to the lecture at no cost after account creation.
Ready to get started? Create your free account in less than 30 seconds and begin the certification process today.