4 Technical Requirements
4.1 General
The development and operation of proficiency testing schemes shall be undertaken by proficiency testing
providers having competence to conduct interlaboratory comparisons and access to expertise with the
particular type of proficiency test items. Proficiency testing providers or their subcontractors shall also have
competence in the measurement of the properties being determined.
NOTE ISO/IEC 17025 or ISO 15189 can be used to demonstrate the competence of a proficiency testing provider's
laboratory, or the laboratory subcontracted to perform tests or measurements related to the proficiency testing schemes.
ISO Guide 34 can be used to demonstrate the competence of producers of reference materials that provide proficiency
test items.
4.2 Personnel
4.2.1 The proficiency testing provider shall have managerial and technical personnel with the necessary
authority, resources and technical competence required to perform their duties.
4.2.2 The proficiency testing provider's management shall define the minimum levels of qualification and
experience necessary for the key positions within its organization and ensure those qualifications are met.
4.2.3 The proficiency testing provider shall use personnel who are either employed by, or under contract to
it. Where contracted and additional technical and key support personnel are used, the proficiency testing
provider shall ensure that such personnel are supervised and competent and that they work in accordance
with the management system.
NOTE Where technical experts are used on an ad-hoc basis or as part of an advisory or steering group (see 4.4.1.4),
the existence of formal agreements through, for example, group terms of reference or other means, can be considered to
satisfy this requirement.
4.2.4 The proficiency testing provider shall authorize specific personnel to:
a) select appropriate proficiency test items;
b) plan proficiency testing schemes;
c) perform particular types of sampling;
d) operate specific equipment;
e) conduct measurements to determine stability and homogeneity, as well as assigned values and
associated uncertainties of the measurands of the proficiency test item;
f) prepare, handle and distribute proficiency test items;
g) operate the data processing system;
h) conduct statistical analysis;
i) evaluate the performance of proficiency testing participants;
j) give opinions and interpretations; and
k) authorize the issue of proficiency testing reports.
4.2.5 The proficiency testing provider shall maintain up-to-date records of the relevant authorization(s),
competence, educational and professional qualifications, training, skills and experience of all technical
personnel, including contracted personnel. This information shall be readily available and shall include the
date on which competence to perform their assigned tasks was assessed and confirmed.
4.2.6 The proficiency testing provider shall formulate the objectives with respect to the education, training,
and skills for each staff member involved with the operation of the proficiency testing scheme. The proficiency
testing provider shall have a policy and procedures for identifying training needs and providing training of
personnel. The training programme shall be relevant to the present and anticipated needs of the proficiency
testing provider.
NOTE It is advisable to consider the need to retrain staff periodically. Staff training policies can take account of
technological change, the need to demonstrate ongoing competence and aim at continual skills upgrading.
4.2.7 The proficiency testing provider shall ensure that staff receive the necessary training to ensure
competent performance of measurements, operation of equipment and any other activities which affect the
quality of the proficiency testing scheme. The effectiveness of training activities shall be evaluated.
NOTE Objective measures can be used to assess the attainment of competence.
4.3 Equipment, accommodation and environment
4.3.1 The proficiency testing provider shall ensure that there is appropriate accommodation for the
operation of the proficiency testing scheme. This includes facilities and equipment for proficiency test item
manufacturing, handling, calibration, testing, storage and despatch, for data processing, for communications,
and for retrieval of materials and records.
4.3.2 The proficiency testing provider shall ensure that the environmental conditions do not compromise the
proficiency testing scheme or the required quality of operations. Particular care shall be taken when
operations are undertaken at sites away from the proficiency testing provider's permanent facilities or are
undertaken by subcontractors. The technical requirements for accommodation and environmental conditions
that can affect the proficiency testing shall be documented.
4.3.3 Access to and use of areas affecting the quality of proficiency testing