I have been asked many times if the training provided by all IR training companies is the same, and how to select an IR training company.
The answer to this of course is that not all training companies offer exactly the same training. In the USA most training companies train in accordance with ASNT and in most other places ISO is preferred. This means that the training provided can vary quite a bit between American based training and that offered outside America. All american based training companies should be following the same standard, and similarly all training companies outside America should be following the same standard. However most standards may define the duration of the training and the subjects to be covered, but they do not regulate the way the material can be thought. It is up to the training company and the trainer to decide the best approach to ensure successful learning. So while there may be similarities, there may also be big differences.
The most important thing to consider is whether it is ASNT or ISO certification (or some other standard). It is also important to ask if their training is accredited, and of so, by who.
Next you need to consider how long they have been delivering IR training. A more experienced company is naturally preferred. Ask how many students they train per year.
The experience and certification of the trainers is also of paramount importance, along with the number of trainers they have.
The location of the training and the language may also be very big issues to consider.
The examination process should be beyond reproach, and neither set, nor corrected by the instructor. It should be set and corrected by someone else, that has not been directly involved in the delivery of the training.
The materials provided should be of very good quality, with full colour images. Thermography often relies on colours and this needs to be reflected in the materials.
You should also consider what support is available after the training. Larger organisations can have a broader support base, and may have a number of technical notes or white papers available to students.
