An experimental methodology is proposed to evaluate the thermal shock resistance of ceramics. A technique based on infrared heating has been developed to perform systematic and well controlled thermal shock experiments. This novel technique was used to evaluate the resistance of yttria-stabilized zirconia-alumina foams to thermal loads. Foams of varying cell sizes were subjected to thermal shock and the damage was evaluated using retained strength and non-destructive elastic modulus measurements. The transient thermal gradients and the resulting thermoelastic stresses in the foams were predicted using finite element analysis and the extent of damage was correlated to the maximum thermal strains generated in foams.