The National Institute of Environmental Research, an agency under the Ministry of Climate, Environment and Energy, is accepting applications from Friday through Aug. 7 for its "2026 Zero-Emission Vehicle Environmental Certification Evaluation Basic Training Course," aimed at developing specialists in environmental certification for electric and hydrogen vehicles.
The program will run in two sessions: the first from Aug. 10 to 14, and the second from Aug. 24 to 28, each lasting five days. Sessions will be held at Hanyang University's Zero-Emission Vehicle Environmental Certification Evaluation Expert Training Center in Seoul and at the National Institute of Environmental Research in Incheon.
Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis through the Hanyang University center's website during each session's registration window. The program is open to undergraduate and graduate students in related fields, and participation is free.
This year's curriculum is designed to give university and graduate students enrolled in or interested in zero-emission vehicle-related programs hands-on experience — from the basic concepts of environmental certification to actual testing and evaluation procedures.
Participants will use virtual reality technology to disassemble and reassemble electric vehicle batteries and electric motors in a simulated environment, and will take part in certification tests for driving performance and single-charge driving range.
The course also includes high-voltage electric vehicle safety training offered in partnership with TÜV Rheinland, a globally recognized certification body headquartered in Germany, giving participants practical industry knowledge.
New this year is a "data-driven AI model training" module designed to improve the efficiency and environmental performance of mobility systems. Through it, participants can learn data analysis and AI technology tailored to the automotive sector.
Students who complete at least 80 percent of the curriculum will receive a certificate of completion issued in the name of the director of the National Institute of Environmental Research.
"We have designed this course to make it easier and more effective to learn about the zero-emission vehicle environmental certification process using virtual reality and AI technology," said Lee Dae-gyun, head of the institute's Climate and Carbon Research Division. "We hope this training will contribute to developing the specialized workforce needed for the era of zero-emission vehicles."
thlee@heraldcorp.com
