OUR VIRTUAL SMOKE SCHOOL PROCESS
VR Smoke School is an EPA-Approved method of obtaining EPA Method 9 certification without attending a traditional in-person smoke school.
Create Your Free Account
Create your free VR Smoke School account in under 30 seconds to access your student Dashboard where you can review the online lecture and take the visual test. No credit card or VR headset required - access everything from a desktop or laptop.
Review the Online Lecture
All smoke schools consist of two parts; lecture and a visual test. The lecture is required for your initial EPA Method 9 certification and is recommended every three years. The free VR Smoke School lecture covers opacity observation techniques and documentation procedures for all visible emissions observation methods including Method 9, 22 and 203a-c. Upon completion, you can print a certificate as proof of review.
Practice on Computer
The VR Smoke School program is fully web-based and works in browsers like Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge-no special software required. We recommend taking the visual test on a computer to practice and get familiar with the process. The computer version is identical to what you'll see in a VR headset.
Test on VR Headset
When you're ready to take the visual test and earn your EPA Method 9 certification, you'll need a VR headset. The headset eliminates ambient light and provides consistent visual conditions required for certification. Tests taken on a computer or monitor are for practice only and cannot be used for EPA Method 9 certification.
VR headsets currently approved for certification are:
- Meta Quest 2
- Meta Quest 3
- Meta Quest 3S
These headsets are available from major retailers like Walmart and Amazon for under $300 and can be used by unlimited users for unlimited tests.
Accessing VR Smoke School on a headset is just like using a computer-open the Meta Browser, go to www.vrsmokeschool.com, sign in, and start your visual test. No VR experience needed-just sit back, put on the headset, and relax.
The Visual Test Process
The average student completes the visual test in under 30 minutes. Per ALT-152, the visual test must be completed in under 90 minutes. Internet speeds of at least 25Mbps are recommended for taking the visual test.
Standard Values
Standard value videos demonstrate known opacities ranging from 10% to 90% opacity. Standard value videos show the effect of smoke over a background and the differences between opacity values.
Practice Test
Practice test videos are identical to videos you will be shown during the certification test. They are intended to show you the test process as well as gauge your accuracy before taking the test. If you are reading high or low, you can adjust your readings accordingly.
Certification Test
The certification test consists of 25 white and 25 black smoke videos. You must assess the opacity of smoke in each video and input your answer. Videos are approximately 6 seconds in length and you can replay each video as needed.
Grading & Results
Answers are automatically graded and available immediately after the test is complete. Grading criteria for our program is the same as grading criteria at an in-person smoke school. No single reading can deviate by 15% or more from the correct value. For example, if you answer 40% opacity and the correct answer is 60%, the test must be retaken.
Additionally, if the total deviation for either white or black smoke exceeds 37, the test must be retaken.
You can review videos of any missed readings to learn from your mistakes. If you fail, you may retake the test as often as you need.
Validation & Certification
When you pass the test on an approved VR headset, you can choose to validate and purchase your EPA Method 9 certification for $250. Tests must be validated within 30 days of successful completion.
Recertification
All EPA Method 9 certifications are valid for 6 months. Ten days prior to your expiration, we will send an email reminder. When you are ready to recertify, you only need to pass the visual test again. You are not required to review the lecture again, but we recommend lecture review at least every 3 years.
Ready to Start Your EPA Method 9 Certification?
Register now for free, unlimited access to the VR Smoke School Program. Only pay when you pass and choose to unlock your certification.