ITC Level II study guide
ITC Level II · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The ITC Level II Thermography Certification is a professional credential offered by the Infrared Training Center (ITC), an industry training provider, for thermographers who have moved past entry-level infrared inspection and want to work at an advanced analytical level. ITC lists it alongside a Level II Electrical track, which focuses the same advanced skill set on complex electrical inspection work. The ITC Level II study guide has 5 sections and about 2,074 words.
01Thermal Physics and Heat Transfer Fundamentals
Conduction moves heat through solids and between touching surfaces; convection exchanges heat between a surface and a moving fluid; radiation is the only mode that needs no medium, and it is the mode a thermal imager detects. A thermographer reasons about all three, because what appears on screen is a surface radiosity pattern shaped by the other two.
354 words, about 2 min02Infrared equipment, camera setup and measurement techniques
Uncooled microbolometer arrays respond to absorbed heat in the longwave band, typically 8 to 14 um, and need no cryogenics. Cooled photon detectors (InSb or MCT in 3 to 5 um, QWIP structures, InGaAs for shortwave) offer faster response, better sensitivity and narrower spectral selection, at the cost of size, weight and cool-down time.
717 words, about 4 min03Electrical and Mechanical Inspection Applications
Electrical thermography looks for resistance heating at connections, overloads, imbalance, harmonics and insulation defects. Findings depend on current: with no load there is no heating, so always record load and, where possible, express results as a rise above ambient and a delta between similar components on the same phase set.
340 words, about 2 min04IR Image Analysis and Interpretation
Interpretation begins with pattern recognition: shape, edges, gradients and repetition. A thermal bridge usually shows sharp, geometry-following edges; moisture shows broad, diffuse, blotchy areas; a failing bearing shows a compact footprint at the housing; a convection plume shows a soft rising column.
326 words, about 2 min05Standards, Reporting and Program Implementation
Know which document governs which task: ISO 18434-1 for condition monitoring thermography, ISO 18436-7 for personnel certification categories, ASTM E1934 for electrical and mechanical inspections, IEC 62492-1 and -2 for industrial process measurement, ISO 6781 and ASTM C1060 for qualitative building envelope work, NFPA 70B for electrical maintenance programmes and NETA acceptance and maintenance specifications for electrical testing criteria. Cite the standard that matches the application, not the one that is easiest to remember.
337 words, about 2 min