IR School

[Dale Duffy]

I have a question for you guys who already have the equipment.

Is it necessary to go to an actual school to learn the techniques behind the use of the TI cams?

Or would someone be better off going on lots of actual inspections with other inspectors who have all the certifications which are currently available?

And what exactly do the school certifications mean, as far as qualification to use the cams?...simply saying your certified, you spent time in a school atmosphere to learn how to use the TI cam?

Are the certifications from actual schools just for a possible court case one maybe involved in for the future?....or are they just recommended by the cam manufacturer's to learn the correct way of use?

[rcooke]

For me I think to skip school would have been bad for sure . FLIR 3.5 days cost $1850;00 Canadian glad I did .... Cookie

[John McKenna]

All of the above.
Going out with a mentor will help a lot
Going to ITC Building Science Course will help you now and in court.

[William J. Decker]

Originally Posted by dduffy

I have a question for you guys who already have the equipment.

Is it necessary to go to an actual school to learn the techniques behind the use of the TI cams?

In my opinion, a combination of academic training and hands on field experience are both needed. Theory and practical, always the best combination. And, keep on learning. Even physicians have to do both.

Or would someone be better off going on lots of actual inspections with other inspectors who have all the certifications which are currently available?

See above. Remember, there are no shortcuts to professionalism. It's not a matter of "better off", its all about being the best.

By better off, do you mean not having to pay for a professianal class. Do you really want to be the least qualified IR inspector in your area?

And what exactly do the school certifications mean, as far as qualification to use the cams?...simply saying your certified, you spent time in a school atmosphere to learn how to use the TI cam?

As we have seen, on other posts, a "certification" means nothing more or less than the integrety of the entity bestowing the "certification". If ITC "certifies" you, that means that you have met their criteria for "certification". Nothing more or less.

Most good schools will give you academic theory, practical excerises and fiel experience. In my opinion, all are needed. No shortcuts. Anything worth having is worth waiting and working for.

I have seen many "certified" people who had not a clue what they were doing. I have also seen people who had never had any formal training do fantastic work. It's all about your priorities (expertise or money) and not about this school or that one or just field work. You need them all if you are really serious about doing a good job.

Are the certifications from actual schools just for a possible court case one maybe involved in for the future?....or are they just recommended by the cam manufacturer's to learn the correct way of use?

If you are, primarily, worried about covering your own butt, I would suggest that you priorities are messed up and you should stay away from this. No slam intended. You asked the question.

Being able to use the camera, properly, is a part of the academic and practical training. Being able to properly interpret the image is a brain thing, not a hands thing.

Too often, people who have practical intelligence (like a good plumber) are bored with "academic, theoretical learning". They want "hands on" because that is how they learn best.

With IR, I would posit that both are needed, because it is very hard to "put your hands on" IR radiation and their images. It is not a "trade", but more an "art and science".

You have to engauge both hands and brain.

If you are looking for a shortcut, don't.

[Dale Duffy]

Originally Posted by wdecker

If you are, primarily, worried about covering your own butt, I would suggest that you priorities are messed up and you should stay away from this. No slam intended. You asked the question.

Hi Will,

I'm not worrying about anything to tell you the truth, I asked the questions because I don't know, and have not had anytime to look any further into the TI field than this message board.

No slam intended

(none from me either) - but I have been inspecting approximately 500,000 sq ft of commercial property a month lately, want a cam, and wanted information about the use, and the schooling involved from you guys simply.

So if everyone says take all the courses, naturally I will----Will.....

[Jeffrey R. Pope]

Just as with anything else, the education gives you theory and titles, whereas experience gives you the necessary skills. The combination of theory and experience makes you more qualified in the eyes of both the consumer, and the law.

Something to consider - Proven theory comes from hands-on experience.

[Kevin A. Richardson]

Originally Posted by dduffy

Hi Will,

I'm not worrying about anything to tell you the truth, I asked the questions because I don't know, and have not had anytime to look any further into the TI field than this message board.

(none from me either) - but I have been inspecting approximately 500,000 sq ft of commercial property a month lately, want a cam, and wanted information about the use, and the schooling involved from you guys simply.

So if everyone says take all the courses, naturally I will----Will.....

Dale,

Go get the "Most" camera you can afford and then start using it on every inspection. Don't sell it to your clients or offer any services for about 3 months.

Take lots of images and post them here or here www.richnspect.com/ITI_BB

Take this FREE class offered by FLIR: http://www.infraredtraining.com/courses/bcam_basics.asp

Once you get a feel for the basics and the operation of your camera, then take the certification class.

Just my take

Kevin

[Justo Mickey Rivera]

Originally Posted by jpope

Just as with anything else, the education gives you theory and titles, whereas experience gives you the necessary skills. The combination of theory and experience makes you more qualified in the eyes of both the consumer, and the law.

Something to consider - Proven theory comes from hands-on experience.

Very well put !!! Like American Express says "Don't leave home without it"


Mic

[John McKenna]

Here is the course I took. It was awsome. Scott Wood is the best.
Building Science Thermographer Certification
http://www.infraredtraining.com/cour...g_sciences.asp


Scott Wood BS, CMRS, ITC Level II

Scott Wood, is a certified Level II Thermographer and the Technical Director of Four Star Cleaning and Restoration, Inc. Currently he is director of building sciences for the National Association of Certified Thermographers (NACT). He is also the Building Science Institute’s primary consultant and instructor, certified in remediation, building and Infrared sciences. Mr. Wood graduated from Oregon State University with a degree in Microbiology. His natural curiosity and affinity for things micro biotical has led him on the path of Mold/Microbial Remediation and finally building science/forensics and the use of infrared thermography in its investigations. Scott wrote the Environmental Remediation Manual and has developed environmental and infrared applications for the restoration and building science industry that are implemented nationwide. He has many publications regarding the use of infrared thermography for the building environment.

[William J. Decker]

Originally Posted by dduffy

Hi Will,

I'm not worrying about anything to tell you the truth, I asked the questions because I don't know, and have not had anytime to look any further into the TI field than this message board.

(none from me either) - but I have been inspecting approximately 500,000 sq ft of commercial property a month lately, want a cam, and wanted information about the use, and the schooling involved from you guys simply.

So if everyone says take all the courses, naturally I will----Will.....

Dale. Call me of you need me. I just want to help.

I understand, but your post could be taken otherwise.

[William J. Decker]

Originally Posted by krichardson

Dale,

Go get the "Most" camera you can afford and then start using it on every inspection. Don't sell it to your clients or offer any services for about 3 months.

Take lots of images and post them here or here www.richnspect.com/ITI_BB

Take this FREE class offered by FLIR: http://www.infraredtraining.com/courses/bcam_basics.asp

Once you get a feel for the basics and the operation of your camera, then take the certification class.

Just my take


Kevin

What he said. Take the pics, post them (with your interpretation) and them listen and read and take the flak when you mess up (but also take the praise when you do good).

Above all, LEARN.

It, like life, is a process, not a goal.

[Nick Gromicko]

I recommend that you use the camera (when no one is looking) on actual inspections for several months. Use the camera first, try to determine what you think it is telling you, then physically confirm (with the naked eye) what is actually going on. There are times when you won't be actually able to confirm what is going on, but there are many times when you will be able to. Only after the determinations made with the camera become consistent with the actual confirmations should you bring the camera out for your consumers to benefit from.

[William J. Decker]

Remembers, it's just another tool.

You can't see in a drak crawlspace, so you use a flashlight. You can't detect CO or gas, so you use a meter. You can't see temperature differences, so you use the IR. Apply the tool as needed.

[David A. Andersen]

"Just looking at things in another light!" :-O

[Dale Duffy]

Originally Posted by dandersen

"Just looking at things in another light!" :-O

Exactly David....

From Another Dimension...!!!..........The twilight Zone..!!.......

Thank You all for the great information as usual...!!!