Frequently Asked Questions

Infrared thermography is a non-contact, non-destructive test method that utilises a thermal imager to detect, display and record thermal patterns and temperatures across the surface of an object. It may be applied to any situation where knowledge of thermal profiles and temperatures will provide meaningful data about a system, object or process.

Thermography is widely used in industry for predictive maintenance, condition assessment, quality assurance, and forensic investigations of electrical, mechanical and structural systems. Other applications include law enforcement, firefighting, search and rescue, and medical and veterinary sciences.

There are a number of standards and specifications published for infrared thermography. Currently, standards exist for the certification of personnel, operation of equipment, and inspections of electrical, mechanical, and structural systems. Recognising the need for standardised procedures, Infraspection Institute began publishing guidelines for thermography in 1993. Since their initial publication, these guidelines have been adopted by hundreds of companies worldwide and incorporated into documents published by recognised standards organisations such as the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).

Beginning in 2007, Infraspection Institute guidelines were updated and renamed as standards to reflect their industry-wide acceptance. Nine comprehensive standards are now available, covering equipment operation, temperature measurement, and specific thermographic applications. The selection and use of applicable standards, specifications, and guidelines are taught in all Infraspection Institute courses.

When you consider everything Infraspection Institute has to offer, there really is no other choice for training. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned professional, our courses and services are without equal in the infrared industry. We offer unbiased, state-of-the-art training and support services that are applicable to imagers of any type or age. With over 30 years experience in infrared training, technical consulting, standards development, and software publishing, we can help you get the most from your infrared inspection program.

No. While many firms offer Level I, II, or III courses, course content is determined by the instructor and often varies widely between training firms. Courses offered by equipment manufacturers are often biased toward their own brand and can conveniently ignore key limitations of the equipment they manufacture or sell.

Since Infraspection Institute does not manufacture or sell infrared equipment, our courses are not “infomercials”. They are presented without marketing hype and are applicable to all infrared imagers regardless of brand or age. All courses are taught by experienced Level III thermographers with extensive field experience across a broad range of industries worldwide.

Infrared certification is written proof that a person has completed formal training and/or possesses a certain skill set. Certification has long been one measure of thermographer competence within the infrared community, much as a diploma or degree is used among educational institutions.

With over 26 years in business and nearly 10,000 graduates worldwide, Infraspection Institute is the oldest and most respected name in infrared certification. The Infraspection Institute Certified Infrared Thermographer® program is compliant with international standards organisations such as ISO and ASNT.

Upon completion of an Infraspection Institute Level I, II, or III course, students are welcome to take the Infraspection Institute Certified Infrared Thermographer® exam. These exams are open-book tests based on the content of the subject course. Students who score 80% or higher receive an Infraspection Institute Certified Infrared Thermographer® Certificate.

Infraspection certification is good for life and does not expire. There are no renewal fees associated with Infraspection Institute certification.

No. As an alternative to taking the certification exam at the end of a course, students who complete 32 hours of Distance Learning may also take the Certified Infrared Thermographer® exam. These exams must be taken in person and are available at any of our regularly scheduled courses, at our annual IR/INFO Conference, or by appointment at an approved Infraspection Institute testing facility. As an alternative, students may also take their exam via a video conference link to one of our Level III Distance Learning instructors.

Yes. In addition to our Level I, II, and III Certified Infrared Thermographer courses, Infraspection Institute can also provide customised on-site training at your facility. Our Level III instructors will travel to you and can tailor the training to meet your company’s particular needs — wherever possible working with your on-site staff to conduct field trips and address your specific applications.

On-site courses provide a cost-effective alternative to attending open-enrolment classes and may be conducted for any number of students; they are generally cost-effective with classes of 5 or more.

Tuition for Infraspection open-enrolment courses includes all course materials (including the Student Reference Manual), the Certified Infrared Thermographer exam at the end of the course, a trial copy of Exception® Data Management and Report Generation Software, and continental breakfast and lunch during the course. On-site courses include the above plus field trips; meals and meeting space can be provided on request.

Distance Learning courses include the Student Reference Manual, multi-question online quizzes for each course unit, Exception® Report Generation Software, hands-on experiments utilising provided materials, instructions for self-directed field assignments, and written proof of course completion.

In addition to our Level I, II, and III courses, Infraspection Institute hosts IR/INFO, an annual Advanced Training Conference, Technical Symposium and Technology Exposition. Since 1980, IR/INFO has been the infrared industry’s premiere showcase for the latest in applications, equipment, techniques and standards — 4 days of learning, networking and exchange with the industry’s brightest professionals.

Infraspection Institute is the world’s first company to offer Distance Learning courses for thermography. Our Distance Learning courses are based upon our Level I, II, and III course content and meet all ASNT training requirements for the certification of NDT personnel. All courses are taught by Infraspection Institute Level III Certified Infrared Thermographers, each with over 20 years of professional experience.

All Distance Learning courses are divided into narrated one-hour units, allowing you to work at a pace that’s convenient for you, and you can tailor your infrared education through our wide selection of application and industry-specific courses.

You will receive 24-hour-a-day access to the online training modules and quizzes for each course unit, a student reference manual, materials for hands-on experiments, instructions for self-directed field assignments, proof of course completion, and free shipping of course materials.

Distance Learning courses are divided into narrated one-hour units allowing you to work at a pace that’s convenient for you. Each unit builds upon the previous units, and you may return to individual units at any time for review.

Within 2 business days of registering you will receive a welcome email explaining how to access the online portion of your training. You can access this straight away, however we recommend waiting until you receive your course materials to start the training.

This depends on your location, but you should receive your course materials within approximately 7–14 days of registration.

You will have 60 days to complete your selected course. A date of completion will be emailed to you at the start of your training.

All Distance Learning students will receive a Certificate of Completion at the end of their training. Students who have undertaken a Level 1 or Level 2 Certified Infrared Thermographer Distance Learning course and who go on to successfully complete the exam will also receive a certificate showing their certification number.

Students who successfully complete 32 hours of Distance Learning instruction are eligible to take the Infraspection Institute Certified Infrared Thermographer® exam. The exam is conveniently offered online — our secure testing platform allows you to complete your exam any day of the week, from anywhere in the world, with no live video conference required.

This flexible format ensures convenience without compromising the professional integrity and rigorous standards that define Infraspection Institute training. Students may take the exam free of charge upon completing their course requirements.

Yes. One of our Level 3 instructors will be available by phone or email to help with any questions you might have about your training. Phone support is available during regular business hours, and we will endeavour to respond to your emails within 1–2 business days.

At our full-day training courses we provide morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea, as well as tea and coffee at each of the hourly breaks. Half-day courses and information sessions will have tea, coffee and light refreshments served during breaks.

Yes. Our training is professionally catered either at or close to our selected venues. Provided you notify us in advance, we can cater to most dietary requirements.

You can register for any of our courses online — simply click ‘Book Now’ on our home page. Alternatively, fill out our registration form and fax it to 03 9872 6055 or email it to [email protected].

Payment is due upon booking. Your space will not be reserved without payment.

Once we have received your registration and payment you will receive a confirmation letter in the mail and via email. This letter will confirm the date, time and venue of your course and any other information you will need to know. A receipt for your training will also be sent with your confirmation letter.

Cancellation will only be accepted in writing and must be acknowledged by IPI Learning. Cancellations received and acknowledged at least 4 weeks prior to the course commencement date will incur a 20% administration fee. Within 4 weeks of the course commencement date any cancellation will result in the full course fee being payable; any monies already paid will be non-refundable.

At any stage the course may be transferred between participants. You may also defer once to the next available course date; any further deferral will be considered a cancellation and all fees forfeited.

See our full training and registration policies