# Proficiency testing

> Proficiency testing is the evaluation of a laboratory's or inspector's performance by comparing results on the same test items with those of other participants or reference values, organised by a provider accredited to ISO/IEC 17043.

- Source: https://amps.global/glossary/proficiency-testing/
- Type: Glossary
- Published: 2026-09-05
- Tags: quality, accreditation

## Key facts

- Required evidence of competence under ISO/IEC 17025 (clause 7.7) and expected by NATA and IANZ where schemes exist
- NDT examples: flawed weld samples circulated for UT, MPI or RT interpretation; hardness or thickness reference items
- Unsatisfactory results trigger investigation and corrective action
- Participation records and results are reviewed at every assessment

Also known as: PT scheme, interlaboratory comparison, ILC, round robin.

## Why it exists

Calibration proves the instrument; proficiency testing proves the people and the process. It is the only external check that a company's results agree with everyone else's.

## In AMPS

Proficiency test participation certificates and outcome reports can be stored per technician or per method in AMPS alongside certificates, with dates flagged for the next round.

## Related pages

- [ISO/IEC 17025](https://amps.global/glossary/iso-iec-17025/)
- [Corrective and preventive action (CAPA)](https://amps.global/glossary/corrective-and-preventive-action/)
- [Internal audit](https://amps.global/glossary/internal-audit/)

## Sources

- [ILAC - International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation](https://ilac.org/)
- [ISO/IEC 17025:2017 at iso.org](https://www.iso.org/standard/66912.html)