California
Smoke School
EPA Method 9 visible emissions certification across California, onsite at your facility or open-enrollment. Same-day certification, digital or paper, English or Spanish.
EPA Method 9 Certification in California
California enforces some of the strictest air rules in the country. Opaque Smoke School delivers EPA Method 9 visible emissions observation (VEO) certification statewide. Refineries in the LA Basin and the East Bay, oilfields and ag-processing plants in the San Joaquin Valley all need certified observers.
Beyond federal opacity standards, operators answer to the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and regional districts like the South Coast AQMD and Bay Area AQMD. Observers need to stay certified and audit-ready to keep up with these reporting requirements.
We run public open-enrollment dates in major metros and private onsite sessions for refineries, ports, and manufacturers, with digital or paper testing in English or Spanish.
California observers certify under EPA Reference Method 9 and must recertify every six months to remain qualified for CARB and local air-district compliance reporting. Opaque tracks your window across the state's multiple jurisdictions.
Ways to Certify in California
- Public smoke school: join an open class. Field recertification is typically $250 to $275 and initial certification typically $350, depending on location.
- Private onsite smoke school: we bring the instructor and smoke generator to your facility.
- Opaque VR certification: eligible observers recertify in a supported headset, $250 per token.