Proficiency testing

Proficiency testing is the use of inter-laboratory comparisons to determine the performance of individual laboratories for specific tests or measurements and to monitor a laboratory’s performance. Participation in proficiency testing schemes provides laboratories with an objective means of assessing and demonstrating the reliability of the data they are producing.

Such inter-laboratory comparisons involve two or more laboratories conducting the same test or measurement.

Proficiency testing is used by accreditation bodies as part of the assessment process to assess the ability of laboratories to competently perform tests or calibrations for which accreditation is held.

Participation in proficiency testing is mandatory for laboratories accredited by the Standards Council of Canada, if such testing is available.

Canada is one of 40 member countries that participate in listing PT schemes on the EPTIS database. Currently, four organizations accredited by SCC are part of the database.

Benefits for laboratories

Participation in proficiency testing programs allows laboratories to:

• identify areas where improvement in their testing and measurement methods is needed
• identify further training of their staff
• foster confidence in the performance of their testing and measurements
• assure laboratory performance in their accredited test and calibration results

Program specialty areas requiring proficiency testing

Several program specialty areas require participation in specific proficiency testing programs. These include:

• mineral analysis
• agriculture and food products, animal and plant health 
• forensic testing
• fasteners
• environmental testing
• calibration

Participating laboratories receive proficiency testing samples representative of the testing or calibration they perform. It is their responsibility to ensure the proficiency testing is conducted within the timeframe outlined by the specific proficiency testing program.

Participating laboratories are also responsible to ensure analyses are carried out in a manner identical to the routine accredited method of testing or calibration that applies.

Accredited proficiency test providers

The Standards Council of Canada accredits proficiency testing providers based on the requirements of ISO/IEC 17043, Conformity Assessment – General Requirements for Proficiency Testing.