ITI Thermography Training FAQ’s

Infrared Training Institute provides infrared thermography training for anyone wishing to further his or her knowledge in the field of thermal imaging.

Our courses are designed for engineers, craftsmen, scientists, managers, electricians, mechanical maintenance, PPM personnel and home inspectors.

Our certification courses conform to ASNT guidelines as outlined in the ASNT-TC-1A. Our curriculum meets or exceeds ASNT-TC1A and ASNT-CP189 used in Nuclear Power Plants.

Our courses also comply with ISO-9712 and DIN used in Germany. A course outline is available upon request. We provide training and certification for NASA, United Space Alliance, Exxon Mobil, Dell, Intel, AMD, Louisiana Pacific, Temple Inland, Shell, Citgo, Continental Airlines, Georgia Pacific and many more.

Our curriculum includes Level I Training (Certification), Level II Training (Certification), building science courses, management seminars, software training, operator training, application specific training, and infrared program development. Whether your interests are electrical, mechanical, process, energy audits and conservation, or research and development, we are here to meet your needs.

Level I and Level II courses are 32 hours.

Software courses are 4-16 hours.

The closest hotels to the training facility are located here.

On-site training courses are also available. These include ASNT certification classes as well as application specific training tailored to meet your needs.

ITI Thermography Training FAQs

What procedures are neccessary to complete ASNT Certification?

ASNT – TC – 1A recommends 32 hours of classroom instruction for a Level 1 thermographer. To acheive this a student must attend the Level 1 Infrared Thermographer Training course administered by Infrared Training Institute and pass the written examination with a grade of 70% or better.
ASNT certification recommendations are set so that a certified thermographer will be a real thermographer in practice. Thus, those seeking certification must provide written proof that he or she has been active in the infrared thermography field for a period of at least 12 months. A responsible party must sign this written declaration declaring your background. The applicant must also provide a log of thermographic activities that document 100 hours of work experience.
For certification the thermographer must be able to perform infrared inspections that maintain certain standards. Therefore, the applicant for certification must submit a sample report that will be on file at Infrared Training Institute for the term of the three year certification. This sample report should include infrared thermograms, corresponding real life images, and all related information and should have at least 5 image report pages.

Are the certifications received at ITI training recognized globally?

The Infrared Training Institute has trained individuals and companies from around the world, including several fortune 500 companies. Our certification courses conform to ASNT guidelines as outlined in the ASNT-TC-1A. Our curriculum meets or exceeds ASNT-TC1A and ASNT-CP189 used in Nuclear Power Plants. These courses also comply with ISO-9712 and DIN that used in Germany. ASNT standards are recognized world wide as a standard for non-destructive testing. We provide training that meets and exceeds all standards set forth by the ASNT, so our students are well prepared for any new developments. We also keep track of any new certification developments and use them in our training courses where appropriate.

ASNT is now the American Standard with the newer EN473 Europeon Standard replacing the ASNT in Europe.

Why would one choose training from a ITI over other larger training facilities.

Our competitors hold much larger classes with more that 15-20 people per instructor. In our experience, classroom sizes that large do not allow for all students to receive the attention needed for thermography training. We offer much smaller classrooms. This leads to more one-on-one time for our instructor to teach the application, camera, and software of each individual student. Thus, you will receive a more personalized thermography training compared to our competitors. Therefore, students will receive training for their own cameras and software regardless of type or manfacturer. In turn, the entire classroom will learn a little about each camera, software, and application of the other students. This personalized training leads to better thermographers which results in less errors and accidents for their company.

What is the Infrared Training Institute’s policy regarding re-certification?

Re-certification for all levels of Non-Destructive Testing personnel is every 5 years. Re-certification is based on ASNT standards and requires evidence of continuing satisfactory performance. Also, any re-examination of the previous thermography training as deemed necessary by the employer’s NDT level III.

What companies have sought training from you?

We have provided training and certification for NASA, United Space Alliance, Exxon Mobil, Dell, Intel, AMD, Louisiana Pacific, Temple Inland, Shell, Citgo, Continental Airlines, Georgia Pacific and many, many more. More references are available upon request.

Are your training certifications recognized by other thermography trainers as prerequistes to further thermography training/education?

Our training meets and exceeds the worldwide ASNT standards. As a result, any further thermography training taken with another training institute will accept this certification as a prerequiste to further education. In the past our students have had no issues with this, and we do not foresee a time when they would.

When does the thermography training class start and end?

The official hours for training are 8:00am til 5:00pm. The class may end a bit earlier or later depending on how much information was covered during the day. Students should expect to stay in class every day until about 5:30pm. There will be several 10-15 minute breaks throughout the day as well as an hour lunch break. The 4th and final day of training usually ends between 4:00 and 5:00pm. It depends on how long it takes all students to complete the final exam.

Is your thermography training course directed towards your infrared cameras?

Our products outclass our competitors in a majority of fields, however, we do not push any one infrared camera company over another. Instead we provide unbiased information and education for all thermal imaging cameras. Our small classroom size allows us to review several different types of cameras and software with students. Your instructor, Gary Strahan, has been involved in every aspect and application of thermal imaging for over 31 years. Therefore, his knowledge of thermal imaging lends itself to passionate educational classroom discussions about all thermography.

What should students bring to class?

Students should bring at the very least a pen and notepad to take notes, along with a thermal imaging camera. The instructor will go over each individual’s infrared camera and software whenever possible. Students may also bring a laptop if desired. Free WiFi is available at our Beaumont, Texas training facility for anyone that has a laptop. Each student will receive course materials such as a comprehensive manual and course handouts.

After all course material has been covered, on the final day of class, administration and grading of the examination will take place. For those who meet the written requirements, certification will rewarded.

Do we have hotel group rate?

At this time we do not have any group rates for you, but the following hotels are a close distance to our training location:

MCM Elegante’
2355 I-10 South Beaumont, Texas 77705
Phone: (409) 842-3600

Candlewood Suites Beaumont
5355 Clearwater Court, Beaumont, TX 77705
Phone: (409) 840-9119

Residence Inn by Marriott Beaumont
5380 Clearwater Ct, Beaumont, TX 77705
Phone: (409) 434-0600

Hampton Inn Beaumont
3795, I-10, Beaumont, TX 77705
Phone: (409) 840-9922

Homewood Suites by Hilton Beaumont, TX
3745, I-10, Beaumont, TX 77705
Phone: (409) 842-9990

Holiday Inn & Suites Beaumont-Plaza (I-10 & Walden)
3950 I-10 South &, Walden Rd, Beaumont, TX 77705
Phone: (409) 842-5995

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Beaumont West
5820 Walden Rd, Beaumont, TX 77707
Phone: (409) 842-0002

Comfort Suites
5955 Walden Rd, Beaumont, TX 77707
Phone: (409) 840-6001

Is there a dress code? Is PPE required?

The dress code is casual and there is no need for PPE or safety boots at our training facility in Beaumont, Texas. However, an on-site training class may consist of a field trip where PPE might be required. Your instructor will let you know in advance of any rules and regulations on PPE.

Will some training dates get canceled?

The Infrared Training Institute requires at least 4 people for a class to resume. If 4 or more students have not signed up for that particular training class, then class will be canceled.

When will my Credit Card be charged for Thermography Training?

Payment is due at the time of registration.

Where are you located?

Our main training facility is located at 855 West Cardinal Drive, on Highway 69/96 access road in Beaumont Texas. Classes are from 8 AM to 5 PM.

Thermography can be used in what applications? What applications will thermography training cover?

Thermography can be used in many, many applications. See our sister site at https://infraredcameras.com/applications/ for detailed, ever-growing list. Generally, the instructor will cover every application that students need, and much more.

General Thermography FAQs

What is Thermal Imaging?

Thermal imaging, like visual imaging, is the collection, recording, and displaying of light from a scene. Infrared imaging is also referred to as thermal imaging; these terms are taken to be identical. However, “infrared” refers to light with longer wavelengths than that of visual light. Thermal imaging shows the thermal patterns emitted from, or reflected off of a target, and as such, it does not require visual light.

What is Infrared Thermography?

Infrared Thermography is the discipline concerned with the acquisition, storage & analysis of radiated energy using a thermal imaging camera system.

* Infrared Instruments DO NOT Measure Temperature!
* They measure Infrared Radiated Energy only!

Typically you will hear both infrared and thermal imaging. They are really the same thing. Thermography, however, refers to active collection & interpretation of infrared data. Thermography is the measurement of temperature remotely to indicate equipment health and assigning a color based on the temperature.

What is Infrared Radiation?

* Emitted by all objects above absolute zero (-273° C, -459° F)
* Generated by the motion of electrically charged particles.
* Molecular activity increases with energy in an object.
* The temperature of an object is a measure of its molecular exitation.
* Infrared radiation increases with molecular activity.
* Therefore, the higher the temperature the more infrared radiated energy!

Radiation is the transmission of electromagnetic rays through space and like radio waves, is invisible. Each material that has a temperature above absolute zero (-460°F) emits infrared radiation, including the sun, icebergs, stoves or radiators, humans, animals, furniture, ceilings, walls, floors, etc. All infrared cameras and thermometers, detect radiant heat, also known as infrared radiation. As an object becomes warmer, it radiates more energy which the camera detects, creating a thermal image or thermogram.

The infrared energy emitted from the measured object is converted into an electrical signal by the imaging sensor (microbolometer) and displayed as a color or black & white thermal image.

What is Infrared Ray?

The infrared ray is a form of an electromagnetic wave as well as a visible light or a radio wave. The wavelength band is 0.78 to 1000[μm] that is longer than visible light yet shorter than radio wave, and the wavelengths are classified from the near infrared to the far infrared region. However, it shall be considered as various classifications have been proposed. The infrared ray is also energy radiated by motions of atoms and molecules on the surface of object, in case the temperature of the object is more than absolute zero degree.

Wavelength Bands of Electromagnetic Wave

What is a Thermogram?

A thermogram is a thermal image made by an infrared camera showing temperature differences in varying colors based on the color palette chosen by the thermographer. The dictionary defines thermogram as a photographic record made by thermography.

What are the Benefits of Infrared Thermography?

Temperature calculations are non-contact
Process does not have to be shut down – must be running
Will not deface or destroy the product
Transient phenomena or moving objects can be studied
Fast response, milliseconds
Temperature calculations of irregular shaped objects
Pattern observation and evaluation
Collection of large amounts of thermal data
Measurement through hazardous atmospheres
Measurement through special IR windows
Data easily stored for post analysis and trending

What are the ISO standards?

ISO 18436-7-2008 specifies requirements for qualification and assessment of personnel who perform inspections. As with ISO 9712 and ASNT TC1A it is up to the employer to implement these requirements and procedures into their written practice. ISO 18436-7-2008 is more of a procedure that lays out how to inspect equipment and we follow these guidelines. The issue some industries have with this specific procedure is that it does not apply to some specified equipment or specific situations. For instance it is not recognized by U.S. Nuclear Power Plants, Power Generation and Transmission, Petrochemical, or the Aerospace industry.

Our courses meet or exceed the specific requirements of ISO 18436-7.

What are the ASNT standards?

ASNT-TC1A, ASNT CP – 189 and ISO 9712 lay out specific requirements in training hours, eye exams, test questions, hours of experience, specific, general, and practical examinations. Many U.S. Corporations have implemented ISO 9001 but not ISO 9712. Almost all US companies follow ASNT TC1A as it is recognized all over the world when it comes to Qualification and Certification of Non-Destructive Testing Personnel. It was here before ISO and US industry still uses it very specifically. Nothing in 9001 requires industry to change because ASNT TC1A is recognized through ASTM.

Lodging

The following hotels are a close distance to our training location: