PQAO Training Resources
Contact
The California Air Resources Board (CARB), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA), and air monitoring organizations develop a variety of Primary Quality Assurance Organization (PQAO) trainings and tools for air monitoring staff and management to support air monitoring activities. These resources promote consistent implementation of regulatory requirements, strengthen technical competency, and support high-quality data collection and reporting across monitoring organizations. Explore various types of training below.
| Training Type | Description | Access Trainings |
|---|---|---|
| In Person Training | NEW! 2027 PQAO Training: Save the Date! Planning for the next in-person PQAO Training event is underway and is tentatively scheduled for May 2027 in Davis, CA. More details are coming soon.
CARB hosts in-person PQAO Training events. The PQAO Training is a comprehensive air monitoring training designed for air monitoring staff and management at all levels, to expand the level of knowledge throughout all PQAOs in California.The training provides continuing education and serves as a critical component of maintaining continuity, effectiveness, and efficiency within air monitoring programs. The training is focused on quality management requirements, ambient monitoring operations, regulatory updates, and technical guidance, and provide opportunities for hands-on learning and discussion. | View |
| NEW! 2027 PQAO Training: Make an impact - Share your expertise - Get involved! Seeking volunteers to join the Curriculum Advisory Committee to collaborate with fellow air monitoring colleagues to help inform the training curriculum and provide input, guidance, and support to strengthen and enhance the program. | View | |
| Past PQAO Training Presentations - Presentations from past PQAO Training events are focused on quality management requirements, ambient monitoring operations, regulatory updates, and technical guidance. | View | |
| Online Training | Self-paced online courses are available through CARB and U.S. EPA platforms. Topics include air pollution fundamentals, regulatory programs, data systems, and ambient monitoring practices, supporting both new and experienced staff. | View |
| Newsletter | NEW! CARB’s PQAO Monitoring Matters Newsletter reinforces existing resources and guidance while highlighting current hot topics, recurring issues, and areas requiring attention within CARB’s PQAO. | View |
| Field Operator and Calibrator Training Plan | CARB’s Air Monitoring Field Training Plan for Station Operators and Calibration Staff outlines required competencies and recommended training elements for CARB personnel conducting monitoring and calibration activities. | View |
| Plans and Procedures | CARB’s Quality Management Document Repository webpage includes a comprehensive listing of the quality management documents utilized by CARB and the monitoring organizations within CARB’s PQAO. Explore by monitoring organization or document type, including approved training plans, standard operating procedures, and more. | View |