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Below are answers to common questions about Virtual Smoke School, the VR headset, EPA Method 9 certification, and opacity observations.
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Smoke school consists of an online lecture and a visual test. The lecture is self-paced and accessible on a desktop, laptop, or tablet. The visual test uses a 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. After that, we recommend reviewing it at least every three years. The lecture is included with every registration.
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 longer time commitments that are often required for in-person smoke schools.
You can retake the VR test as needed. Unlike in-person schools, you do not have to wait for another scheduled event.
If you pass, your certificate is emailed to you and is also made available in your dashboard.
Yes. Each Virtual Smoke School registration includes one online lecture at no additional cost.
Yes. It is designed to be beginner-friendly. Power it on, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on-screen instructions. The controller uses simple navigation.
There is no limit—you can take the test as many times as needed until you pass.
No. The headset is a standalone device. You only need Wi-Fi for operation.
Trainees log in using their assigned email address. Once assigned, they receive the information needed to access the system and begin the process.
A stable Wi-Fi connection is required. Our AeroMet VR headset is designed to work on slower internet speeds (around 10 Mbps), while the Meta Quest performs best with faster connections (around 35 Mbps).
Yes. Virtual Smoke School supports compatible Meta Quest headsets. You can choose between using your own device or a dedicated headset provided by AeroMet.
Each charge typically lasts about 2.5 to 3 hours. The headset can also be used while charging.
A single headset can be shared among multiple trainees, since certification can be completed at different times.
No. You can use either a Virtual Smoke School headset provided by AeroMet or a compatible Meta Quest headset.
Please visit our Troubleshooting page for common setup and connection issues.
Certification is valid for six months. This is federally established. States may shorten the time period, but they cannot extend it beyond six months.
Yes. Virtual Smoke School is an EPA-approved alternative to traditional in-person smoke school.
Yes. If you pass the visual test, you receive an EPA Method 9 certificate just as you would through the approved virtual process.
Yes. We send reminder emails when it is time to renew certification.
Yes. Each trainee needs their own registration, but a single headset can be shared across multiple employees and used at different times.
The duration is not set by Method 9 itself. It is established by the regulation affecting the source, usually in the facility’s air permit.
The plant manager should be notified so the process causing excess emissions can be shut down or corrected. Retesting may then be needed to confirm compliance.