Choose your Method 9 certification format
VR vs In-Person Smoke School
Both lead to EPA Method 9 certification. In-person smoke school reads live plumes outdoors with an instructor. Opaque VR certifies eligible observers in a headset, without travel. Your agency requirements, team size and locations decide which fits.
Side by side
VR and In-Person Smoke School Compared
Same certification goal, two ways to get there. Here is how the formats differ for your observers.
| Topic | In-person smoke school | Opaque VR |
|---|---|---|
| Where you test | Outdoors at a public class or at your facility | Indoors, in a supported VR headset |
| What you read | Live black and white plumes from a smoke generator | Recorded plume demonstrations under EPA ALT-152 |
| Instructor | On site with your group | Remote support from Opaque |
| Travel | Travel to a class, or Opaque travels to you | No travel for observers |
| Scheduling | Set class dates | Plan around shifts and locations |
| Equipment | None. Opaque brings the smoke generator | Meta Quest 2 or newer with a WebXR browser |
| Best group size | Private onsite classes suit larger groups | One observer at a time, anywhere |
| Weather | Real conditions, backgrounds and sun angles | Not affected by weather |
| Records | Certificate from your class | Records and dates in the Opaque portal |
| Acceptance | The traditional route, accepted widely | EPA-approved under ALT-152C. Confirm for your permit |
Find your fit
Which Smoke School Option Is Right for You?
Most teams decide on agency requirements, how many observers they have and where those observers work.
In-personChoose in-person if
- It is an observer’s first certification and they want field practice
- Your agency or permit expects a traditional field school
- You can gather a group at one facility, or a public class is nearby
- You want readings in real weather, backgrounds and light
VR New!Choose VR if
- Observers work across shifts, sites or states
- Travel time and cost are hard to justify for each renewal
- No public class is near you in the time you need
- You want certification dates and tokens in one portal
Or use both
Certify new observers at an in-person class for field experience, then keep six-month renewals on schedule in VR. Opaque runs both, so your records stay with one provider.
Clear answers
VR vs In-Person Smoke School FAQ
Have a different question? Talk with our team.
Is VR smoke school as valid as in-person smoke school?
Opaque VR runs on the OpacityVision VR system, which the EPA approved for Method 9 plume demonstrations and observer certification under ALT-152, documented in the ALT-152C letter. Whether it meets your needs depends on your permit, agency and employer requirements, so confirm before you choose.
Is VR smoke school accepted in my state?
Acceptance depends on your state or local agency, your permit and your employer. Some agencies accept VR but still recommend at least one traditional field training. Share your requirements with Opaque and we will help you check.
Do I need the Method 9 lecture for both options?
Yes. Observers complete the Method 9 lecture before the visual test, whichever format they choose. You can take it online with the Opaque Method 9 e-lecture.
Can our team use both VR and in-person training?
Yes. Many teams certify new observers at an in-person class for field experience, then use VR for six-month renewals or for people at remote sites.
Which option costs less?
It depends on your group. VR removes travel time and expenses for each observer. A private onsite class can be cost-effective when many observers are at one facility. Ask Opaque to compare both for your team.
How often do I need to recertify?
Method 9 certification is valid for six months in both formats. Plan the next certification before the current one expires.
What equipment do I need for VR?
A Meta Quest 2 or newer, or another supported headset with a WebXR-capable browser, plus a reliable internet connection and a clear indoor space. In-person classes need no equipment from you.
Still deciding?
We'll Help You Choose
Tell us where your observers work, how many need certification and what your permit requires. Opaque will recommend in-person, VR or both.