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Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers about Virtual Smoke School, EPA Method 9 certification, VR headsets, training, testing, and opacity observations.

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Certification Process

Learn how training, practice, certification, results, and recertification work.

Virtual Smoke School combines an online Method 9 lecture with VR-based training, practice, and certification.

The lecture is completed outside of the VR headset on an internet-connected device. Inside the headset, trainees review standard opacity values, practice reading smoke, and complete the certification test.

Yes. Every Virtual Smoke School registration includes the FREE Online Method 9 Lecture at no additional cost.

The Method 9 lecture must be completed before initial certification when the trainee has not previously completed the required Method 9 training.

The lecture can be completed online before putting on the VR headset.

Before practice begins, Virtual Smoke School shows trainees known white and black opacity values. This allows the trainee to become familiar with how different opacity levels appear in the virtual environment before making their own readings.

Practice is unlimited. Trainees can continue practicing opacity readings until they feel ready to begin certification.

Practice readings provide immediate feedback so trainees can compare their answer with the correct opacity value.

The certification test includes 25 white smoke readings and 25 black smoke readings.

The certification test takes approximately 45 minutes on average. Trainees are given up to 90 minutes to complete the certification session.

You can review your results, return to practice, and retake the certification test as many times as needed until you pass.

Your registration remains active until you successfully complete certification.

Results are available immediately after completing the certification test.

After passing, your certificate is emailed automatically and is also available through the dashboard.

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Hardware & Setup

Virtual Reality Headsets

Virtual Smoke School works with our dedicated VR headset and compatible Meta Quest headsets.

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Our dedicated headset is configured exclusively for Virtual Smoke School. It arrives with the software and training assets already loaded and is designed to provide a simple, controlled training environment.

Because the device is dedicated to VSS, trainees do not need to navigate through unrelated apps, games, or device features before beginning training.

Yes. Virtual Smoke School supports compatible Meta Quest headsets, including the Quest 2, Quest 3, and Quest 3S.

This can be a good option for organizations that already own compatible Meta Quest hardware or want a headset that can also be used for other applications.

No. The VR headsets are standalone devices and do not need to be connected to a computer during practice or certification.

The online Method 9 lecture is completed separately outside the VR headset.

Once a trainee has been assigned to a registration, they log in to Virtual Smoke School using their email address.

A stable Wi-Fi connection is required.

Our dedicated Virtual Smoke School headset has the training assets pre-loaded, reducing the amount of content that must be streamed during training.

We recommend approximately 10 Mbps for the dedicated VSS headset. Meta Quest users should have a faster connection, with approximately 35 Mbps recommended for the best experience.

Yes. One headset can be shared by multiple trainees. Each trainee needs their own registration, but they can use the same headset at different times.

Battery life is typically around 2.5 to 3 hours per charge. The headset can also be used while connected to its charger.

Visit our Troubleshooting page for help with common setup, Wi-Fi, login, and headset issues.
Certification

EPA Method 9

Yes. Virtual Smoke School was approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as an alternative certification procedure under Alternative Test Method ALT-152.

View EPA ALT-152 Approval

EPA Method 9 certification is valid for six months. Recertification is required to maintain current observer certification.

Yes. After successfully completing the certification test, your Method 9 certificate is emailed automatically and is also available through the dashboard.

Yes. We send a reminder email before certification expires so trainees and organizations can plan for recertification.

Yes. Each employee needs their own registration, but one VR headset can be shared among multiple trainees.

This allows organizations to schedule employees individually and certify workers across different shifts.

In the Field

Opacity Observations

Method 9 itself does not establish one observation duration for every situation. The applicable regulation, permit, or test requirement determines how long observations must be conducted.

Follow your facility's established procedures and the requirements of the applicable permit or regulation. This may include notifying the appropriate facility personnel, documenting the observation, taking corrective action, and conducting additional observations when required.
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Learn more about how Virtual Smoke School works, compare headset options, or visit troubleshooting for technical help.

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