Infrared Certification Comparison

Definitions taken from ASNT SNT-TC-1A, the recommended practice for personnel
qualification and certification in nondestructive testing:

1. Certification: written testimony of qualification.

2. Certifying Authority: the person or persons properly designated in the
written practice to sign certifications on behalf of the employer.
3. Certifying Agency: the employer of the personnel being certified.
4. Qualification: demonstrated skill, demonstrated knowledge, documented
training, and documented experience required for personnel to properly
perform the duties of a specific job.
5. Recommended Practice: a set of guidelines to assist the employer in
developing uniform procedures for the qualification and certification of NDT
personnel to satisfy the employer’s specific requirements (example: SNT-TC-
1A).
6. Training: an organized program developed to impart the knowledge and
skills necessary for qualification.
7. Written Practice: a written procedure developed by the employer that details
the requirements for qualification and certification of their employees.

FAQ’s about certification:

1. Who can certify a person to infrared level I or II? According to SNT-TC-1A,

only the employer with a Written Practice (SNT-TC-1A section 9.0).
2. How do I develop a Written Practice? The employer’s written practice shall be
reviewed and approved by the employers NDT Level III (SNT-TC-1A section 5.4).
3. Who can certify a person to infrared level III? The employer with a valid
Written Practice or through ASNT (ie: a valid ASNT NDT Level III or ACCP
Professional Level III certificate).
4. What do the certificates distributed by infrared training organizations
represent if they aren’t actual certification? They represent the fact that the
possessing individual attended the training class, possibly passing an exam, and
completing some sort of report or physical exercise using the infrared camera.
Final certification rests with the employer using a written practice.
5. Where can I find more information regarding ASNT and non-destructive
testing certification? ASNT has a full library and web site. The library can be
purchased through the ASNT web site, and additional information on this subject
is available for free. www.asnt.org
The following checklist shows a comparison between a classroom/vendor third party
“certification” and the recommended practice by ASNT.

Checklist for certification:

IDEAL Industries/Third Party Certificate ASNT Certification Example

o Attend a 24 hour training class o Attend a 24 hour training class
o Pass a 60 question closed book o Pass a 60 question closed book
exam with a minimum 75% grade. exam with minimum 75% grade.
o Complete an infrared report using o Employer’s ASNT Level III develops
the software (example: and approves the corporate written
ThermalVision™) within one month practice
upon completion of the course.
o Written practice defines the skill,
experience, knowledge
requirements, and documented
training requirements
o ASNT Level I individuals have
attended infrared level I classes
from approved companies that
follow SNT-TC-1A training outlines.
Example: IDEAL Industries Infrared
Level I.
o ASNT Level I individuals have
passed examinations that meet
SNT-TC-1A.
o ASNT Level I individuals have at
LEAST 1 month experience in the
field with the aid of an ASNT Level
II or higher.
o ASNT Level I individuals have
passed a 10 point checklist in the
field and assessed by an ASNT
Level II or higher.
o ASNT Level II individuals have
attended infrared level II classes
from approved companies that
follow SNT-TC-1A training outlines.
Example: IDEAL Industries Infrared
Level II Course
o ASNT Level II individuals have
passed examinations that meet
SNT-TC-1A.
o ASNT Level II individuals have at
LEAST 1 year experience in the
field with the aid of an ASNT Level
III or higher.
o ASNT Level II individuals have
passed an 8 point checklist in the
field and assessed by an ASNT
Level III.
Written Practice
For the Certification and Qualification of Company “X” Employees in the
NDT Method of Thermal/Infrared

Issued:
DATE

For:
Company “X”

By:
John Doe
ASNT/PdM TIR Level III

SCOPE

This written practice establishes the minimum requirements for the control and
administration of training, examination, and certification of Company “X” personnel conducting
NDT using Thermal/Infrared, in accordance with SNT-TC-1A and ASTM E1934-99a, the
Standard Guide for Examining Mechanical, Building Envelopes, and Electrical Equipment with
Infrared Thermography.

BACKGROUND

This written practice defines the minimum requirements for education, training, experience,
examination, and certification for personnel responsible for conducting nondestructive tests
while in the employment of Company “X”. It applies to all persons conducting nondestructive
tests that meet the provisions of Recommended Practice No. SNT-TC-1A 2006 edition, in the
following method: Thermal/Infrared.
DEFINITIONS

ASNT: American Society of Non-Destructive Testing. www.asnt.org

Certification: Written testimony of qualification.

Experience:Work activities accomplished in Thermal/Infrared Methods under the direction of

supervision, including performing inspections and related activities but not including the
time spent in organized training programs.

NDT: Non-Destructive Testing (examples include Thermal/Infrared, Vibration Analysis, etc).

Qualification: Demonstrated skill and knowledge and documented training and experience
required for personnel to properly perform the duties of a specific job.

Qualitative Inspecting: The practice of observing images of infrared radiation to evaluate a

structure or system’s operation and locate possible exceptions.

Quantitative Inspecting: The practice of measuring the temperatures of the observed

patterns of infrared radiation and using the information gained to evaluate the severity of
an exception.

Shall: A verb used to express the minimum requirements of this written practice.

Should: A verb used to express the desired requirement of this written practice.

Thermography: The science and acquisition and analysis of thermal infrared data from non-
contact imaging radiometers.

Training: The organized program developed to impart the knowledge and skills necessary for
qualifications.

Written Practice: A document developed by the employer that states the uniform procedures
and requirements for the qualification and certification of Thermal/Infrared personnel
to properly perform the duties of the employer’s job(s).
QUALIFICATION LEVELS

There are three basic levels of qualification used by NDT personnel at Company “X”. On
occasion, these levels may be further subdivided for specific situations where additional levels
of skill and responsibility are deemed necessary. For example, an individual may receive
specific training to perform a specific task and be certified as a Level I/II "limited" or a Level I/II
"special." These subdivisions are to be addressed by revisions or addenda to this procedure, if
and when the need arises.

An individual in the process of becoming qualified and/or certified to NDT Level I is

considered a trainee. A trainee shall not conduct tests or interpret, evaluate, or report test
results independent of a certified staff member.

Each basic level has the following responsibilities:

Level I:

1. Perform calibrations, tests, and evaluations for determining the acceptance or rejection of
tested items in accordance with specific written instructions.
2. Record test results but have no authority to sign reports for the purpose of signifying
satisfactory completion of NDT operations.
3. Receive instructions or supervision from a Level III or designee.

Level II:

1. Be familiar with the scope and limitations of each method for which the individual is certified.
2. Set up and check the basic calibration for the equipment.
3. Interpret and evaluate results with respect to applicable codes, standards, and
specifications.
4. Organize and report the results of nondestructive tests.
5. Train and guide Level I and trainee personnel as assigned, when designated by a Level III
certified in the applicable method(s).
Level III:

1. Be responsible for NDT operations to which assigned and for which certified.
2. Establish methods and test techniques and authorize use of all NDT procedures to be used
on behalf of TEGG Corporation by Level I and II personnel.
3. Interpret test results in terms of applicable codes, standards, specifications, and procedures.
4. Be sufficiently familiar with electrical, mechanical, and building thermography components
and systems to establish techniques and assist in establishing acceptance criteria where
none are available.
5. Be generally familiar with the Vibration Analysis NDT method.
6. Be responsible (in the methods for which certified) for the training and examination of NDT
Level I and Level II personnel.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

Level I and II: Level I and II personnel initially certified under this written practice shall, at a
minimum, have a high school education or equivalent education and for the purpose of
performing infrared scans on or around the required components.

Level III: Level III personnel initially certified under this written practice shall have, at a
minimum:

a. Four years experience as a certified Level II NDT technician in the appropriate

technology OR
b. Two years experience as a certified Level II NDT technician in the appropriate
technology and a two year science related degree from an accredited college OR
c. One year of experience as a certified Level II NDT technician in the appropriate
technology and a four-year science related degree from an accredited college.
TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

Level I personnel seeking to certify in accordance with this written practice shall:

a. Complete a minimum of the three day Level I IDEAL Industries Infrared class and
pass all written exams with a minimum of 75% grade OR
b. Complete a Level I infrared course from an approved vendor passing the closed
book written exams offered by the vendor with a minimum 75% grade.

Level II personnel seeking to certify in accordance with this written practice shall:

a. Complete a minimum of the three day Level II IDEAL Industries Infrared class and
pass all written exams with a minimum of 75% grade OR
b. Complete a Level II infrared course from an approved vendor passing the closed
book written exams offered by the vendor with a minimum 75% grade.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Level I and II personnel seeking to certify in accordance with this written practice, shall
meet the necessary field experience using the appropriate equipment for the test method. A
Company “X” ASNT/NDT or PdM Level III or his/her designated Level II must verify proper
experience. Experience must include at least one thermal/infrared or vibration scan completed
and checked for correctness for a client. Table I below shows the experience requirements.

Table I: Initial Experience Requirements, Levels I and II

NDT Method Level I Level II

Thermal/Infrared 3 months 12 months

Vibration Analysis 3 months 12 months

EXAMINATIONS

Vision Examinations: All Level I, II, and III personnel shall be given an annual vision
examination to assure natural or corrected near-distance acuity exists in at least one (1) eye.
The individual shall be capable of reading a Jaeger Number 2 or equivalent type and size letters
at a distance of not less than 12 inches. Where differentiation of colors is critical to job
performance, the capability to distinguish and differentiate contrast between the applicable
colors shall be demonstrated. Re-examinations are necessary every five (5) years.

General Examinations. Each Level I and II candidate shall be given a general, objective
type (for example, multiple-choice) written examination addressed to the basic principles of
each method for which certification is sought. This examination will either be administered as
part of the organized training program (when feasible) or given separately when experienced
personnel are being examined for recertification or for initial certification when coming from a
former employer and complying with this written practice. The content of the general
examination shall meet or exceed the example questions in the applicable SNT-TC-1A
Supplement. The Supplement questions are intended only as examples. They should not be
used verbatim for qualification examinations.

Candidate personnel shall have access to questions only at the time of the examination.
This examination shall be closed-book; however, necessary data, such as graphs, tables,
specifications, procedures, and codes may be provided. The security of the examination
program is vested with the responsible Level III individual, including development, selection, and
grading the examination questions. Table III summarizes the minimum number of examination
questions to be included in each written examination.

Specific Examination. Each Level I and II candidate shall be given a specific, objective type (for
example, multiple-choice) written examination addressing the equipment, operating procedures,
and test techniques that the personnel may encounter in their specific job assignments. The
examination shall address key electrical component infrared scanning identification and false
anomalies and ASTM 1934-99a as part of routine testing operations. This examination shall be
closed-book; however, necessary data, such as graphs, tables, specifications, procedures, and
codes, may be provided.

This examination will either be administered as part of the organized training program
(when feasible) or given separately when experienced personnel are being examined for
recertification or for initial certification when coming from a former employer and complying with
this written practice. The content of the specific examination shall be constructed to evaluate
the ability of the candidate to effectively use the applicable specifications, codes, etc. to perform
and/or evaluate the results to the degree necessitated by the anticipated qualification level.
Practical Examination. Each Level I candidate shall be given a practical "hands-on"
examination that demonstrates the candidate's ability to perform specific calibrations, specific
tests using thermal/infrared or vibration analyzers, and specific evaluations for acceptance or
rejection determinations in accordance with Company “X” policies. At least one (1) specimen
shall be tested and the results analyzed by the person considered for certification. Selection of
the specimen shall be made by the NDT Level III individual and performance shall be measured
based on at least ten (10) performance check points (See FORM 1).

Each Level II candidate shall be given a practical "hands-on" examination that

demonstrates the candidate's ability to set up and perform calibrations using (insert necessary
equipment), interpret and evaluate results in accordance with (insert employer's applicable
specifications, codes, standards, etc.), and organize and report the results of the test. At least
one (1) specimen shall be tested, and the results analyzed by the person considered for
certification. Selection of the specimen shall be made by the NDT Level III individual, and
performance shall be measured based on at least ten (10) performance check points (See
FORM2).

Grading of Written and Practical Examinations. The results of each candidate's

examination (general, specific, and practical) are to be combined into a composite score for
which a score of 75 percent is the minimum required for qualification.

The grading and administration of the examinations shall be the responsibility of the
designated Level III, certified in the method(s) and who shall approve the use of all Level I and II
questions, the practical test sample(s), and the performance check points. However,
administration, monitoring, and scoring of examinations may be delegated to (insert suitably
qualified individuals).

Those failing to attain a composite grade of 75 percent or higher shall be prohibited from
taking a re-examination for the following thirty (30) calendar days, unless evidence of having
received suitable additional training is presented, thus allowing an earlier re-examination to be
given. (The minimum requirements for additional training should be detailed, for example, 48
hours *the minimum time between examinations*type of training, and method of
documentation.)
Requirements for NDT Level III Qualification:

An individual can qualify as an NDT Level III at Company “X” by satisfying one (1) of the
following criteria (select those which apply):

1. Have obtained a degree in engineering or science from a college or university

(four (4) year curriculum, minimum), plus a minimum of one (1) year of
experience comparable to Level II in the method or methods for which being
certified, or
2. Have satisfactorily completed two (2) years of technical training (engineering
or science at a university, college, technical school), plus two (2) years of
experience comparable to a Level II in the method or methods for which
being certified, or
3. Have four (4) years of NDT experience in an assignment comparable to that
of an NDT Level II in the method(s) in which certification is sought.

In addition, pass a Basic, Method, and Specific Level III examination, to be administered by
ASNT or by a recommended Thermal/Infrared or Vibration training institute.

CERTIFICATION

The NDT Level III of Company “X” is certified by the current or acting President upon
satisfactory presentation of documentation showing evidence of qualification in accordance with
this written practice, in the method(s) for which certification is being applied. When outside
service groups supply Level III services, the responsibility for assuring that these service groups
satisfy the requirements of this written practice on an ongoing basis remains with the Company
“X” representative.

The Company “X” representative/NDT Level III shall certify Level I and Level II
individuals, upon their satisfactory completion of the training, experience, and examinations
required by this written practice.
RECERTIFICATION

All Level I and II NDT personnel shall be recertified every five (5) years based upon
evidence of continuing satisfactory performance as judged and documented by the certified
NDT Level III for the applicable method. Where a weakness is identified by the NDT Level III in
the technical performance of an individual, supplemental training, and specific examinations
may be used, at the discretion of the NDT Level III, to upgrade the individual prior to completion
of recertification.

Level III personnel shall be recertified every five (5) years based upon continuing satisfactory
performance as judged by the Company “X” Training Manager.

Termination of Certification

The certification of all NDT personnel shall terminate upon a period of one (1) year during which
no NDT-related work is performed in the method(s) certified.

All NDT certification of personnel leaving the employment of Company “X” is revoked at the time
of the employee's separation.

Documentation

The NDT Level III is responsible for the gathering and organization of all documentation relating
to the overall NDT program at Company “X”. Included in the documentation to be maintained as
part of objective evidence for the NDT program at Company “X” are the following:

1. This written practice;

2. Authorizations designating and certifying Level III individual(s);
3. Authorizations certifying Level I and II individual(s);
4. Statements indicating basis of authority, including biographical sketches listing
education, training, and experience related to NDT; and
5. Statements indicating current status regarding annual vision examinations and
recertifications.
REFERENCES

1. Recommended Practice No. SNT-TC-1A, "Personnel Qualification and Certification in

Nondestructive Testing," December 1996 edition.
2. 1998 Addenda to SNT-TC-1A
3. SNT-TC-1A Questions and Answers: Inquiries to and Responses from ASNT's SNT-TC-1A
Interpretation Panel, current edition.
4. ASTM E1934-99a: Examining Electrical and Mechanical Equipment with Infrared Thermography.
FORM 1: Company “X” Practical Exam Checklist
For ASNT-Thermal Infrared Level 1 Certification

Category Pass Fail

1 Trainee shows proper use of camera focus.

2 Trainee is able to correctly set level and span for use of

obtaining a clear image of each component.

3 Trainee identifies at least one thermal exception (anomaly)

during a thermal scan of operating equipment.

4 Trainee uses camera temperature measurement to gather

quantitative data from a thermal infrared exception.

5 Trainee compares thermal exception temperature with

appropriate reference point (ambient or similar component
under similar load) and refers to proper Company “X” severity
criteria to determine exception criticality.

6 Trainee uses good emissivity judgment by taking

temperature measurements on a component that has the
best emissivity.

7 Trainee shows awareness of being within the thermal

infrared camera’s dynamic range (ie: -14 to 660 F).

8 Trainee shows awareness of being within correct MFOV for

good temperature measurements.

9 Trainee correctly identifies a true thermal pattern (conductive

or convective).

10 Trainee correctly identifies a reflected apparent temperature

and proves it is NOT a thermal infrared exception.

Trainee meets or exceeds Company “X” Level I thermal infrared practical standards:

______________________ ________________________

Authorized Company “X” Level I Authorized Company “X” Level II or III