The NCSG Immersive Learning Hub is your gateway to immersive education in the chimney and venting industry. Here, you will find courses designed to help you set up, operate, and achieve results using VR and related learning modules.
Welcome to Getting Started. This introductory course is designed to guide you through the initial steps of using this Learning Management System (LMS) with your VR headset.
IMPORTANT: If nothing else, go over the "Connecting Your VR Headset" section to learn how to connect a course to your VR headset.
This course contains the legal disclaimer for the VR and AI training. It must be completed and acknowledged before access is granted for the other courses.
Welcome to "Have Some Fun: Getting Comfortable with VR," a resource introducing you to the exciting world of virtual reality using Meta Quest.
The Inspection Foundation Module 1 - Masonry Fireplace course is tailored for aspiring and experienced chimney inspectors. Through immersive VR learning sessions and simulations, you will master the basics of chimney inspection, focusing on examining masonry fireplaces and chimneys.
The Inspection Foundation Module 2 - Masonry Wood Inset course focuses on open fireplaces with wood stove inserts. Designed for both new and seasoned chimney inspectors, it offers training on inspecting and maintaining wood stove inserts. You will learn to evaluate these inserts through interactive VR sessions and hands-on inspections. Gain practical skills in identifying and addressing potential issues to ensure safe operation in every inspection.
The Inspection Foundation Module 3 - Masonry Wood External course features VR training designed for aspiring and experienced chimney inspectors, focusing on the unique aspects of inspecting external wood stoves. You will learn to identify the specific challenges associated with external installations, including inspecting masonry chimneys, proper safety codes for thimbles and connector pipes, and identifying damage or breaches in older homes. Interactive activities like adjusting thimble heights and using VR tools to locate hidden breaches will enhance your skills. By the end of this course, you'll be more knowledgeable about conducting inspections of external wood stoves.
This course, Module 4: Factory-Built Fireplace Inspection, provides in-depth training on inspecting factory-built fireplaces (prefabricated or zero-clearance fireplaces) and their associated chimney systems. This module is designed to enhance your understanding of the unique requirements and safety considerations involved in inspecting these systems to ensure compliance with industry standards and safety codes.
Module 5: Free-Standing Stove with Factory-Built Chimney Inspection provides training on the inspection of free-standing wood-burning stoves connected to factory-built chimney systems. This course equips you with the skills to identify common damage states, such as rust, improper connections, clearance issues, and fire hazards, while ensuring compliance with safety codes. Through interactive learning sessions and virtual reality (VR) simulations, you will learn to assess stove bodies, chimney pipes, firestops, and roof components, accurately document findings, and effectively communicate inspection results and repair recommendations to clients. Ideal for chimney inspectors, home inspectors, and fireplace professionals, this module emphasizes safety protocols, hands-on practice, and documentation to enhance your expertise in stove and chimney inspections.
Module 6: Basement Furnace and Water Heater Inspection provides training on the inspection of basement furnaces and water heaters, key components in many residential heating systems. This module equips you with the skills to identify and assess critical aspects of furnace and water heater functionality, such as venting integrity, clearance requirements, and proper component installation, while ensuring compliance with safety standards.
Through structured learning sessions, an AI-guided inspection, and an unguided assessment, you will gain hands-on experience in evaluating and documenting the condition of furnace and water heater systems. You will learn to inspect vent connections, draft hoods, and manufacturers’ tags, along with other crucial components. Ideal for chimney inspectors, home inspectors, and HVAC professionals, this module emphasizes practical skills in identifying potential safety hazards, documenting findings, and ensuring effective communication with clients regarding system condition and repair recommendations.
House Pressure: How Air Moves Through a Home is designed to deepen your understanding of how air pressure dynamics affect home safety, energy efficiency, and appliance performance. This module is divided into two key sections: a structured learning session with slides, desktop activities, and simulations to explore core concepts, followed by a hands-on inspection to apply your knowledge in realistic scenarios. Using tools like the Manometer and guided checklists, you'll learn to identify and resolve common house pressure issues, such as back-drafting, smoke spillage, and energy inefficiencies. Prepare to master diagnosing and addressing these challenges, ensuring safe and efficient combustion appliance operation in any home.
Carbon Monoxide Safety prepares you to protect your customers from one of the leading causes of accidental poisoning in homes: an invisible, odorless gas that can turn deadly without warning.
This course trains chimney and ventilation professionals to recognize, prevent, and respond to carbon monoxide risks with confidence. You’ll learn how CO is produced, why it’s dangerous, and how to apply detection tools and inspection protocols in the field.
Grounded in National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and Underwriters Laboratories (UL) standards, the course equips you to perform accurate testing, install and maintain CO alarms, and offer expert guidance that helps keep people safe.
Chimney sweeps face daily exposure to hazardous airborne particles, including soot, wood smoke, and toxic chemicals. "Chimney Sweep Respiratory Health & Safety" provides essential knowledge on respiratory health risks and best practices for protection. Developed in collaboration with the National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG) and informed by NIOSH-CDC guidelines, this course covers how airborne contaminants affect the body, the importance of proper respirator use, OSHA-compliant safety protocols, and effective workplace controls. By the end of this course, you'll be equipped with the skills to safeguard your health and longevity in the industry.
