Level 1 Certified Infrared Thermographer Course – What to Expect

The Infraspection Institute Level I Certified Infrared Thermographer Course is hosted and taught by IPI in Australia and meets both local and international standards. Many people are unsure about exactly what a level 1 Course entails, so I will explain in more detail.

NOTE: The following information pertains specifically to Infraspection Institute courses in Australia only. The Australian hosted courses have unique content to meet local requirements and CITA standards. They are unique to any other type of “level 1” offered by other providers. Please be aware that content between providers may differ significantly.

Infrared training

Real World Training by Experienced Thermographers
The IPI trainers are all Level III Infraspection Institute Certified Infrared Thermographers. Additionally they are qualified in training and assessment, and have decades of real world experience as practising thermographers.

There is a clear point of differentiation. It is the real world experience they bring to the classroom that is really valuable to students. Theory can be learnt on virtually any website; however our trainers share their own market experience and local knowledge that provides participants with a real commercial advantage. Information such as:

market drivers
marketing strategies
rates and charges
training requirements & qualifications
standards and written practice
insurance
reporting
legal requirements
safety legislation
As practising thermographers our instructors share your challenges. They know what you need to achieve, because they do it themselves.

Lots of equipment to use
A really important part of learning how to use a thermal imager is recognising the limitations and capabilities of each. The classroom environment gives participants a unique opportunity to use virtually every brand of equipment on the market. Fluke, Flir, Testo, Trotec, SDS, KEII, Guide, SAT thermal imagers are all present. Whether you’ve brought your own camera or not, the purpose is to experience the different capabilities of each equipment type. Different detectors, lenses, sensitivities, temperature ranges and user interfaces all present unique challenges to the measurement scenario. As part of the practical requirement you will need to use at least 3 different detector resolutions to measure a single target.

infrared training

Additionally, our trainers will introduce you to several technologies that compliment infrared testing. These include, but are not limited to Airborne Ultrasound, Vibration, Laser Alignment and Visual Testing Technologies.

Theory vs Practical
Day 1
We start our level 1 course by exploring the many commercial, military and scientific applications that utilise infrared thermography. This is followed by approx. 6 hours discussing the theoretical aspects of thermography. This includes but is not limited to: heat transfer concepts, Basic Infrared Theory and Thermal Imaging Systems, as well as Emittance, Reflectance and Transmittance.

Day 2
On day 2, we have a 2 hour practice session using thermal imagers. The focus is on camera operation and selection.

This is followed by electrical systems inspections where we look at:

theory
detectable conditions
conducting inspections
safety practices
data confirmation
standards and reporting
We finish the day by looking at 9 important steps to setting up an infrared program. Whether you are an in-house technician or an external contractor this is a very valuable part of the course for identify the key components of a successful program.

infrared training

Day 3
On day 3 we start by looking at Rotating Equipment (mechanical), which includes:

Theory
Detectable Defects
Conducting Inspections
Safety Practices
Data Confirmation
Standards & Reporting
The next session involves a study of power transmission and alignment systems, as well as steam and fluid systems.

In the afternoon we look at an extremely important testing technique known as ACTIVE THERMOGRAPHY. The theory and applications of active thermography are fundamental to many applications, and this is essential knowledge to any professional thermographer.

Without this knowledge, reliably identifying defects in systems or components that do not produce heat as a natural by-product of their operation is almost impossible.

The balance of the afternoon is spent learning how to generate a qualitative report in accordance with documented industry standards.

infrared training

Day 4
Day 4 is largely about structures, and in particular structural energy loss and roof inspections. Another industry term for this may be weatherisation or building envelope performance inspections. Regardless of the terminology, we are identifying conditions such as missing or misapplied insulation, moisture, mould, air leakage, structural defects, delamination, concrete bridge decks etc. In general it’s about a building’s performance as it relates to the flow of heat. Topics include:

Theory
High/Low Temp Apps
Detectable Defects
Conducting Inspections
Energy Loss
Radiation
Convection
Conduction
Safety Practices
Data Confirmation
Standards & Reporting
Practical Simulation
The training facilities have an installed blower door to simulate air leakage. Participants can image under perfect test conditions.

infrared training

Day 5
Day 5 is the Certified Infrared Thermographer Exam. Additionally, CITA offers a practical examination component to comply with ISO 18436.

Passing the written exam qualifies the student as a Level 1 Certified Infraspection Institute Certified Thermographer which meets the requirements as per the training and certification standard SNT-TC-1A.

Through the CITA Certification Program, IPI offer the additional practical assessment required by ISO to meet the standard 18436.

IPI Learning is an approved training body (ATB) by the Australian Institute of Non Destructive Testing (AINDT). Students who successfully complete the IPI learning Level 1 Course are eligible to apply for Certification through the AINDT (Australian Institute of Non Destructive Testing).