Smoke school consists of an online lecture and a visual test. The lecture is self-paced and accessible on any desktop, laptop, or tablet. The visual test uses our VR headset to train you with known opacity values and test your ability to assign opacity to random smoke videos.
You must review the lecture before your first visual test. Afterward, we recommend reviewing it at least every three years. The lecture is included with every license.
Your EPA Method 9 certification is valid for six months. To maintain certification, you must retake the visual test every six months.
The VR test typically takes about 45 minutes, compared to 1.5 hours at in-person smoke schools.
You can retake the VR test as many times as needed. Unlike in-person schools, you don’t have to wait for another event—you can try again immediately or at a later time that fits your schedule.
Yes! It’s designed to be beginner-friendly. Power it on, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow simple on-screen instructions. The controller only requires one button for navigation.
No. The headset is a standalone unit. You only need Wi-Fi for operation—no computer is required.
Each charge lasts about 2.5–3 hours. You can also use the headset while charging.
A single headset can be used by 30+ students, since certification can be staggered at different times.
Certification is valid for six months. This period is federally established, and while states can shorten it, they cannot extend it beyond six months.
The duration is not set by Method 9 itself—it’s established by the regulation affecting the source, usually in the facility’s air permit.
The plant manager must be notified so the process causing excess emissions can be shut down or fixed. Retesting must occur to confirm compliance.