What Is Smoke School?

Smoke School is a training and certification program required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for individuals who visually determine the opacity of visible emissions from industrial stacks or other sources.

Why Is It Called “Smoke School”?

The term “Smoke School” comes from the visual nature of the training — students learn to observe and estimate the density (opacity) of smoke, typically from a controlled smoke generator, using the EPA’s Method 9.

Who Needs It?

• Environmental Compliance Officers
• Industrial Facility Managers
• Air Quality Consultants
• Government Inspectors and Auditors

How Does It Work?

Participants receive a short classroom lecture (in-person or online) and complete a field certification by observing a series of smoke plumes and recording their opacity readings. To pass, they must meet EPA accuracy standards.

Why Choose Opaque?

• 20+ years of proven training expertise
• Custom training solutions for any industry
• Spanish-language and digital options available
• Fully EPA-compliant and documented
• Available nationwide, in-person or online