ISO/IEC 17043:2023
Proficiency Testing Providers Accreditation
Demonstrate the competence, impartiality, and consistent operation of your proficiency testing program through accreditation against ISO/IEC 17043. AAA accreditation provides independent recognition that your organization designs, operates, evaluates, and reports proficiency testing schemes reliably and competently.
- 59+Countries Served Worldwide
- 287Assessors & Experts
- 3 YearsAccreditation Validity
- InternationalAccreditation Services
Who Should Apply?
Is ISO/IEC 17043 Accreditation Right for Your Organization?
ISO/IEC 17043 is the internationally recognized standard for organizations that provide proficiency testing and interlaboratory comparison schemes.
Accreditation demonstrates that a proficiency testing provider has competent personnel, technical methods, statistical processes, quality controls, impartiality arrangements, and management systems needed to design and operate reliable proficiency testing programs.
Suitable for providers operating schemes in
Microbiological Testing
Medical Laboratory Testing
Environmental Testing
Food Testing
Calibration & Measurement
Construction Materials Testing
Other Technical PT Programs
Benefits
Why ISO/IEC 17043 Accreditation Matters
Performance Review in Practice
Proficiency testing combines technical expertise, statistical evaluation, and interlaboratory comparison to support reliable performance.
01
Demonstrate Technical Competence
Provide independent evidence that your organization has the technical expertise, statistical capability, personnel, and systems needed to operate reliable proficiency testing schemes.
02
Strengthen Confidence in PT Results
Build confidence among participating laboratories, regulators, accreditation bodies, and other stakeholders that proficiency testing results are produced consistently and impartially.
03
Support Laboratory Performance Improvement
Help participating laboratories identify technical weaknesses, investigate unsatisfactory performance, and improve the reliability of their testing or calibration activities.
04
Support Regulatory & Accreditation Requirements
Provide proficiency testing services that can support laboratories in meeting external quality-assurance, regulatory, and accreditation requirements.
Assessment Areas
Key Areas Assessed During Accreditation
AAA evaluates the management, technical, statistical, and operational controls needed to design and deliver reliable proficiency testing schemes.
01
Organization & Management System
Organizational responsibilities, governance, documented procedures, records, risk management, and continual improvement.
02
Personnel Competence
Qualifications, training, experience, authorization, and ongoing competence of technical, statistical, and administrative personnel.
03
PT Scheme Design
Planning, development, validation, documentation, and maintenance of proficiency testing schemes.
04
Test Items & Sample Preparation
Preparation, homogeneity, stability, handling, storage, packaging, and distribution of proficiency testing items.
05
Assigned Values & Statistical Methods
Assigned values, uncertainty, statistical treatment, performance criteria, and participant scoring methods.
06
Participant Instructions & Communication
Instructions, submission requirements, timelines, confidentiality, and communication of scheme information.
07
Evaluation & Reporting
Result evaluation, performance interpretation, report content, confidentiality, and technical conclusions.
08
Complaints, Appeals & Improvement
Complaints, appeals, nonconforming work, corrective actions, internal audits, management review, and continual improvement.
How It Works
Accreditation Process & Application
Accreditation Process
- Step 1
Submit Your Application
Define the proficiency testing schemes, technical fields, analytes, measurands, or activities for which accreditation is requested.
- Step 2
Document Review
AAA reviews management-system documentation, PT scheme procedures, statistical methods, personnel competence, sample preparation controls, and the proposed scope.
- Step 3
Accreditation Assessment
Qualified assessors evaluate the organization against ISO/IEC 17043 requirements and the requested proficiency testing scope.
- Step 4
Corrective Actions
Where findings are identified, the provider submits corrective actions together with supporting evidence for review.
- Step 5
Independent Accreditation Decision
Assessment results and supporting evidence are independently reviewed before the accreditation decision is made.
- Step 6
Accreditation Granted
Successful proficiency testing providers receive an accreditation certificate and approved scope, valid for three years.
Client Experience
Hear From an AAA-Accredited Proficiency Testing Provider
Discover how AAA accreditation has supported proficiency testing providers in strengthening technical credibility, improving confidence in scheme results, and supporting laboratory performance.
Real Client Experience
Hear directly from an AAA-accredited proficiency testing provider about its accreditation journey and the value of demonstrating competence against ISO/IEC 17043.
Stronger Scheme Credibility
Accreditation strengthens confidence in the design, operation, and evaluation of proficiency testing schemes.
Greater Participant Confidence
Independent accreditation reinforces trust among laboratories and other participants in PT results and performance evaluations.
Wider Market Recognition
Accredited PT services support stronger recognition among laboratories, regulators, and accreditation stakeholders.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about ISO/IEC 17043 proficiency testing provider accreditation.
What is ISO/IEC 17043?
ISO/IEC 17043 specifies requirements for the competence, impartiality, and consistent operation of proficiency testing providers.
What is proficiency testing?
Proficiency testing is the evaluation of participant performance against pre-established criteria through interlaboratory comparisons or other appropriate comparison activities.
Can a newly established proficiency testing provider apply?
Yes. A newly established provider may apply once it has implemented its management system and can demonstrate technical competence, suitable scheme design, qualified personnel, reliable sample preparation, and effective statistical processes.
What types of PT schemes can be accredited?
Accreditation may cover schemes in testing, calibration, medical laboratory activities, microbiology, chemistry, environmental analysis, construction materials, food testing, and other technical fields.
Are homogeneity and stability studies required?
Where relevant, proficiency testing providers are expected to demonstrate that PT items are sufficiently homogeneous and stable for the intended scheme.
Are statistical methods assessed?
Yes. AAA evaluates the statistical design, assigned values, uncertainty, performance criteria, participant scoring, and interpretation methods used in proficiency testing schemes.
How long is accreditation valid?
AAA accreditation is valid for three years, subject to continued compliance with accreditation requirements and completion of applicable surveillance or reassessment activities.
How do I begin?
Complete the accreditation application form or contact the AAA team to discuss your proficiency testing schemes and proposed accreditation scope.
Take the Next Step
Ready to Apply for ISO/IEC 17043 Accreditation?
Take the next step toward independent recognition of your proficiency testing provider’s competence, impartiality, and reliable operation. Our team is ready to guide you through the accreditation process and help define the appropriate scope for your proficiency testing schemes.