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Certification is a written testimony of qualification. While there are no federal or state regulations that require infrared certification to conduct an IR inspection, we commonly see certification conditions specified within an organization’s written practice, insurance requirements, or outlined within bid prerequisites for those competing for external opportunities. As thermal imagers become more accessible and friendlier to operate, a knowledgeable operator is as equally important to the success and quality of the inspection as the camera itself. The two are not mutually exclusive. A professional operator understands the science behind the camera, its capabilities, and how environment can influence the accuracy of readings. Our curriculum is designed to guide students in these essential areas and beyond to ensure students are confident entering the field and have the required knowledge to be successful. Certification establishes that an operator can:
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Effectively operate an IR camera and implement best practice inspection techniques
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Collect accurate and quality data for post processing analysis and documentation
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Avoid common new user mistakes and false interpretation/diagnosis of results
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Understand the full capabilities (and limitations) of IR technology
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Leverage IR for improved situational awareness and safety
Curriculum Development Standards
As a global organization supporting a range of industries and applications, we acknowledge and adhere to the standards
provided by the American Society of Non-Destructive Testing (ASNT) and the International Standards Organization (ISO). Specifically, ASNT SNT-TC-1A & CP-105 for North American courses and ISO 18436 & 9712 for courses conducted in Latin America, Europe, and Asia. We recognize the importance of a quality education and compliance with common NDT standards is just one of the reasons why
our certifications are recognized globally as the industry gold standard.
Certification Levels
Level I
Level I certification is the first of three infrared training levels. Level I thermographers are typically new to infrared thermographic diagnostics but that doesn't imply that they are entry-level condition monitoring technicians; many Level I professionals actually have years of experience in building and maintaining complex systems.
Level I thermographers generally follow a written test procedure to evaluate specific types of equipment in their facility. They use their infrared cameras and software to identify and measure thermal anomalies based on thermal patterns, comparisons with similar equipment, and their own experience.
Level II
Level II certification is for experienced, professional thermographers and troubleshooters. A Level II thermographer typically deploys more than one diagnostic technology to determine the root cause of a problem and recommend repairs. Because of their more advanced IR training, Level II thermographers are qualified to provide technical direction to Level I certified personnel.
Level III
This is the most advanced infrared training level available. A Level III thermographer is primarily a thermography program manager who writes the company's written predictive maintenance/inspection practices, develops the test procedures and severity criteria, determines how often equipment should be inspected, and calculates the return on investment the thermography program is providing.
By completing this advanced infrared training, a Level III thermographer can provide guidance to Level I and II certified personnel. The Level III thermographer is the resource to consult when repeat equipment problems necessitate a review of operating and maintenance procedures or involve a redesign of equipment.
North and South America
Certified ISO 9001 (International Organization for Standardization), we are committed to ensuring all students know how to use their cameras before receiving certification. In fact, we have more ASNT Level III certified staff than any other thermography certification organization.
The Infrared Training Center has high standards for courses as well, with Level I and Level II meeting ASNT SNT-TC-1A guidelines. They’re also accredited by NETA (International Electrical Testing Association), a standards developer for the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
Latin America operates under the Eurasia certification scheme for ISO 18436 (see next).
Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia-Pacific
Within Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia-Pacific we offer infrared training, certification, and recertification in all aspects of infrared thermography use.
These regional centers operate under ISO 18436 (Condition monitoring and diagnostics of machines - Requirements for training and certification of personnel). Applicable parts include ISO 18436-1 (International Standard) (Requirements for certifying bodies and the certification process), ISO 18436-3 (Requirements for training bodies and the training process), and ISO 18436-7 (Thermography).
Our quality management system for training, education, and certification complies with SS-EN ISO 9001:2008. Learn more about specific regional accreditation.
Our local office in Germany is a training and an examination center providing infrared thermography accreditation for Level 1, in accordance with DIN EN ISO 9712.
Infrared Training Center headquarters have been audited as the central body in all of the standards compliance stated above. Its staff, and its partners are active in the development of regional and international standards for the practice of thermography, and the certification of personnel working within thermography.
Thermography Recertification
Thermography certification is written proof of your professional infrared qualifications, so it’s important to keep your certification up to date. Not only will this help sharpen your skills, but it will also ensure your thermography qualifications are recognized wherever you go and wherever you work.
All Infrared Training Center-certified thermographers must complete the following to renew their certification level:
1) Meet continuing education or professional contribution requirements
2) Maintain continued active employment in thermography
3) Demonstrate efforts to keep current on new developments
All certifications, including renewed certifications, are valid for four years.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Whether the subject is general thermography, electrical, sUAS, furnace, or any other application offering, students who successfully complete our Level I training will receive a Level I Infrared Thermography Certificate. This verifies the student's comprehension and knowledge retention is consistent with ASNT CP-105 and SNT-TC-1A guidelines for thermography and, more specifically, can:
- • Operate an infrared camera
- • Collect quality data
- • Produce professional infrared inspection reports
- • Understand the techniques and limitations of infrared thermography for specific applications
Level I and Level II certification courses also qualify for NETA continuing technical development credits (CTDs). NETA is an International Electrical Testing Association, an accredited standards developer for the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
Absolutely! FLIR offers rental cameras; pricing is model-dependent. Please contact our rental team directly for pricing and availability.
https://support.flir.com/USA-Rentals
866-477-3687 ext. 1
What others have to say about our trainings
M. A.
Level I Electrical Certification Class
M. A.
Level I Electrical Certification Class
You did a great job keeping everyone engaged in the subjects and made it so it was really interesting and in a sense fascinating to learn about. I am a journeyman electrician… and we are used to dozing off or daydreaming in our required continuing education classes required by the state every 3 years, but this class I never did that!
R. C.
Optical Gas Imaging Certification class
R. C.
Optical Gas Imaging Certification class
Thank you for doing such a great job with the OGI 1 Training course. This is one of the most interesting courses I have attended with both content and the great job you did with instruction!
K. B.
Online Certification class
K. B.
Online Certification class
Thank you and thank you again for doing what you do. The class was not just informative but rather inspiring.
P. S.
Online Certification class
P. S.
Online Certification class
Thank you very much for an enjoyable experience! In my 37 years of work this ranks as one of the most informative courses I have taken!! Hats off to you and all who make it possible.
A. M.
Level I Electrical Certififcation class
A. M.
Level I Electrical Certififcation class
Thank you for the great training. I found it very informative. After performing thermal imaging for a year and a half, it was nice to understand the "whys" of IR and not just do it like this because that's how I was trained.
A. K.
Online Certification class
A. K.
Online Certification class
I’ve enjoyed every class at the Infrared Training Center!!