What is EPA ALT-152?
EPA ALT-152 is an approved alternative method that allows qualified providers to offer EPA Method 9 certification through virtual reality instead of requiring students to attend a traditional in-person smoke school.
ALT-152 does not replace Method 9. It changes how certification may be obtained, while the actual Method 9 observation procedures remain the same.
Virtual Certification
ALT-152 allows Method 9 certification to be completed using approved virtual reality technology.
Same Method 9 Standards
Observers still evaluate white and black smoke plumes and must meet EPA Method 9 certification requirements.
No Travel Required
Students can complete training and testing without waiting for a scheduled in-person smoke school event.
Does ALT-152 Replace EPA Method 9?
No. EPA Method 9 remains the standard for visible emissions observations. ALT-152 provides an approved alternative path for earning Method 9 certification.
Once certified, observers perform Method 9 observations in the field the same way they would after attending a traditional smoke school.
Why Was ALT-152 Created?
Traditional smoke school often requires travel, scheduling around limited event dates, suitable weather conditions, and time away from work.
ALT-152 allows approved providers to use virtual reality to create a consistent testing environment while maintaining the certification standards required for Method 9 observers.
What Does ALT-152 Address?
ALT-152 includes requirements for how virtual certification programs are created, administered, and documented.
Is the Test Different?
The certification standard remains the same. Students must evaluate both white and black smoke plumes and demonstrate that they can accurately estimate opacity values.
The major difference is the delivery method. Instead of viewing smoke in person at a scheduled event, students complete the approved process through a VR headset.
Why Use a VR Headset?
The VR headset helps provide a controlled viewing environment. It blocks outside light, creates consistent viewing conditions, and allows students to complete the certification process through approved virtual technology.
Key Point
ALT-152 changes how Method 9 certification can be earned. It does not change how Method 9 observations are performed.
Benefits of ALT-152
- Train anytime
- No travel required
- No weather delays
- Consistent testing conditions
- Immediate test results
- Unlimited practice
EPA Approval Letter
View the official approval letter for Virtual Smoke School under EPA ALT-152.
Open PDFEarn Your Method 9 Certification in Virtual Reality
Virtual Smoke School was the first virtual smoke school approved by the EPA under ALT-152.
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