This paper shows the feasibility of applying speckle techniques as a non-destructive evaluation of the performance of ceramic high temperature superconducting materials. Firstly, Digital Speckle Pattern Interferometry has been applied to test these materials during service, with the sample cooled to liquid nitrogen temperatures, to detect where a hot spot will be generated. Surface degradation due to humidity has also been studied. Speckle Photography, whose optical setup is simpler, has been selected for this study.