Thermographer Certification Journey: From Entry Level to Category III (According to ISO 18436-7)
Infrared thermography has become a cornerstone in predictive maintenance and asset health diagnostics across a wide range of industries — including energy, mining, manufacturing, and utilities. To ensure consistency, quality, and safety, the ISO 18436-7:2014 standard outlines specific training and work experience requirements for thermographers advancing through certification levels: Entry Level, Category I, Category II, and Category III.
In this blog, we break down what it takes to move from one level to the next in terms of training, work experience, and practical hours.
🔰 Entry Level (Level 0 – Trainee)
Who is this for?
Individuals just starting their journey with no prior experience in thermography.
Purpose:
- Introduction to thermal imaging technology and basic camera handling.
- Familiarity with the terminology and potential applications of infrared thermography.
🟢 No work experience or logged hours required at this stage.
📍 Category I Thermographer
Who is this for?
Trainees who are beginning to use thermal imaging equipment under guidance, typically for basic detection tasks.
✅ Requirements:
- Training: Minimum of 32 hours of formal classroom training by an accredited provider, aligned with ISO 18436-7 syllabus.
- Work Experience: While there is no mandatory logged hours required before attending Category I training, practical experience under supervision is encouraged.
✅ After Certification:
- Thermographers at this level must operate under supervision.
- They can collect thermal data and report basic findings but are not yet qualified to make final diagnoses or decisions.
📈 Category II Thermographer
Who is this for?
Certified Category I thermographers looking to deepen their analysis skills and take on more responsibility.
✅ Requirements (According to ISO 18436-7:2014):
- Training: Additional 32 hours of formal training specific to Category II.
- Work Experience:
Minimum 12 months of experience after achieving Category I certification.
At least 210 hours of documented practical thermography work during this period.
🔍 This level qualifies thermographers to analyze data, determine severity of anomalies, recommend corrective actions, and manage thermographic programs.
🧠 Category III Thermographer
Who is this for?
Experienced thermographers who design, implement, and manage thermographic programs and lead teams.
✅ Requirements:
- Training: Minimum of 32 hours of advanced-level training (Category III focused).
- Work Experience:
Minimum 24 months of work experience after achieving Category II certification.
At least 630 hours of documented thermographic practice over that period.
🏆 A Category III Thermographer is recognized as an expert who can set program objectives, write procedures, develop training, and audit thermography systems.
🔗 Summary Table: Work Experience Requirements by Level
| Certification Level | Training Hours | Required Work Experience | Minimum Logged Practical Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry / Level 0 | None | None | None |
| Category I | 32 hours | Encouraged (not mandatory prior to training) | None |
| Category II | 32 hours | 12 months after Cat I | 210 hours |
| Category III | 32 hours | 24 months after Cat II | 630 hours |
📝 Tips for Success on Your Certification Path
- Keep a detailed logbook of all thermography tasks—include type of work, equipment used, location, and duration.
- Attend accredited training programs that align with ISO standards.
- Seek mentorship from higher-certified thermographers.
- Stay updated with advances in camera technology and analysis techniques.
🌍 Join a Professional Network
Organizations like the Certified Thermographers Network – Africa (CTN-A) provide training, support, and networking opportunities across the continent. Members gain access to resources, peer collaboration, and discounted training aligned with ISO standards.
Visit www.ctn-a.org to learn more and start your journey.
📩 Questions or contributions?
Feel free to reach out or submit your own thermography case studies, white papers, or best practices to: info@ctn-a.org