Infraspection Institute
Master Thermographer® Program

For over 30 years, thermographer credentials have been routinely referred to based upon an individual’s level of certification. Up until now, it has been customary to issue one of three certification levels (I, II, or III) to students who have completed formal training classes dedicated to the use and application of thermal imagers. Because this practice does not consider an individual’s experience, it is impossible to determine a thermographer’s qualifications based solely upon such certification.

Responding to requests from thermographers and consumers alike, the Infraspection Institute Master Thermographer® Program is a completely new approach to establishing thermographer qualifications. Unlike certifications that rely solely upon the completion of formal training classes, this program is based upon thermographer training, experience, and professional references.

Initial qualification is good for two years and must be renewed biannually. Participants in the program will enjoy several exclusive benefits including permission to use the Infraspection Institute Master Thermographer® mark on their websites, business cards, and company literature as well as a free listing in the Master Thermographer Directory.

Initial Membership

In order to become an Infraspection Institute Master Thermographer®, a person must complete an application form and submit supporting documentation.  Initial qualification is good for two years and may be renewed for additional two year periods.  Applicants to the program will be qualified using a point system.  Initial qualification is granted to those who score a minimum of 100 points based upon the following matrix:

  • Certification Courses – 60 points max
    • 20 points per Level – Infraspection Institute
    • 10 points per Level – all others
  • Experience – 50 points max
    • 10 points per 1000 hours of inspection time
  • References – 25 points max
    • 5 points per reference
  • Professional Publications – 20 points max
    • 5 points per technical paper or trade journal article

Membership Renewal

Participants in the Infraspection Institute Master Thermographer® Program must renew their membership biannually.  Renewal applications and supporting documentation must be submitted in writing prior to the expiration date of one’s current registration.  Renewal applicants will be qualified using a point system.  Membership renewal will be granted to those who score a minimum of 30 points based upon the following matrix:

  • Continuing Education
    • 20 points – IR/INFO Conference
    • 10 points – Infraspection Institute Refresher Course
    • 5 points per day at a related technology conference
  • Certification Acquired After Initial Qualification
    • 20 points per Level – Infraspection Institute
    • 10 points per Level – all others
  • Experience – 30 points max
    • 10 points per 1000 hours of inspection time
  • References – 10 points max
    • 5 points per reference
  • Professional Publications – 10 points max
    • 5 points per publication

Program Benefits

  • Answers an industry need by putting customers first
  • Provides an enhanced mechanism for qualifying thermographers
  • Promotes confidence among consumers and buyers

Member Benefits

  • Permission to use Infraspection Institute Master Thermographer® logo
  • Free listing in the Master Thermographer directory
  • Exclusive discounts on Infraspection resources and IR/INFO Conference

FAQs

What is the Master Thermographer Program?
The Infraspection Institute Master Thermographer® Program is a new approach to establishing thermographer qualifications. Owned and administered by Infraspection Institute, the Infraspection Institute Master Thermographer® Program requires applicants to have completed formal thermographer training, show job experience, and provide professional references
How Does Master Thermographer Differ from Certification?
In addition to requiring formal certification training, the Infraspection Institute Master Thermographer® Program requires a person to have field experience and to be able to provide professional references. It is not possible to qualify for Master Thermographer designation based solely upon the completion of formal training classes.
Does Master Thermographer Replace Infraspection Certification?

No. The Infraspection Institute Certified Infrared Thermographer® designation will continue to be issued to all students who successfully complete our Level I, II, or III infrared training courses and achieve a passing score on their final exam that is offered at the end of each course. In fact, certification earned at the completion of those classes may be used toward qualifying for membership in the Infraspection Institute Master Thermographer® Program.

Who is Eligible to Become a Master Thermographer?

Any thermographer meeting the eligibility requirements of 100 points may apply for membership. Upon receipt of a person’s application and program fee, Infraspection Institute will review the supporting documentation and notify the applicant when their membership has been approved.

Does Master Thermographer Designation Expire?
Yes. Initial membership is granted for two years. In order to maintain one’s membership, participants must apply for renewal prior to the expiration date of their membership. Renewal applications should be made at least 2 months prior to expiration. Upon receipt of a person’s renewal application and program fee, Infraspection Institute will review the supporting documentation and notify the applicant when their membership has been reapproved.
Who Else Benefits from the Program?
Purchasers of infrared inspection services will now be able to use the Infraspection Institute Master Thermographer® as a qualifier for thermographers they wish to hire. While it is not a perfect system, our program provides an alternative to using traditional certification as the sole means for qualifying prospective thermographers. In addition to providing a Master Thermographer directory on our website, Infraspection Institute will encourage buyers to require their suppliers to be members of our program. One of the ways that this will be accomplished is by distributing suggested wording for bid documents at no charge via our websites.
Why Should I Become a Master Thermographer?
In addition to enhancing your public image, the Infraspection Institute Master Thermographer® designation may help you increase sales by meeting future customer requirements and ‘raising the bar’ for your competitors when submitting proposals or bids for work.
What do Master Thermographers Receive?
Participants in the Infraspection Institute Master Thermographer® program will receive a personalized version of our trademarked seal which may be displayed on websites, business cards, or other advertising materials. Participants will also receive a free listing in the Infraspection Institute Master Thermographer® Directory.
Is it Expensive to Become a Master Thermographer?
No. With initial membership costing less than $30 per month, the program is extremely affordable. One can easily recoup their entire membership fee with a single project that comes about as a result of your Infraspection Institute Master Thermographer® credential. Additionally, membership is likely to enhance the visibility of your company website within search engines such as Google.
How Do I Become a Master Thermographer?

Applying for membership is easy and made by done online or you may download the Membership Application as a PDF file.