Courses for infrared thermography are available in three stages. Level I certification teaches basic heat concepts, operation of thermal equipment and analysis. Level 2 certification includes advanced theory, advanced training for managing and image implementing and developing an IR inspection program. Level III focuses on infrared inspection programs and the success of the career long-term.
Certification courses for Level I to III IR thermography typically take from three to five days to complete and cost between $1,500 and $2,000 (as of 2010). There are no prerequisites for the Level I exam, but succeeding levels require holding the certificate from the previous level (e.g., Level II requires you have a Level I certificate).
IR thermography certification can be applied to many careers. Building inspection, heating and air system evaluation, engine systems evaluation, pipeline inspection, and search and rescue are some of the many opportunities available. The average salary for a thermographer is $82,000.00 annually (as of 2010).