Questions for Your Provider
Important questions to ask when selecting a proficiency testing provider
Selecting the right proficiency testing provider is an important decision. Here are key questions you should ask, along with our answers.
Are you accredited?
Yes, we are accredited. We have been accredited by A2LA since 2002. You can view our scope of accreditation. Our accreditation is recognized by all major calibration laboratory accrediting bodies in the US, including A2LA, ANAB, Perry Johnson Laboratory Accreditation, and NVLAP.
What are the true costs of participation?
While participation fees appear on our pricing schedule, it's important to consider that corrective action expenses following unsatisfactory results often exceed initial testing costs. We recommend choosing providers with knowledgeable technical advisors and sound quality processes to maximize the value of your investment.
What technical expertise do you have?
We have a technical advisor assigned to each test on a professional consulting basis. Our technical advisors are A2LA assessors selected for their expertise in specific measurement disciplines. This ensures you receive guidance from experts who understand your particular measurement challenges.
How do you ensure reference value reliability?
We employ quality control procedures that examine participant results to validate reference values. We provide transparency about confidence levels and send artifacts for second opinions when initial correlation appears problematic. This dual approach helps ensure fair and accurate evaluation of your results.
What support do you offer for troubleshooting?
Our technical advisors provide an initial result review at no additional cost. For more detailed investigations, consulting-based fees apply. We're committed to helping you understand your results and identify areas for improvement.
How flexible is your scheduling?
Participants can select their preferred testing weeks from our published schedules. Lead times are typically kept under two months, giving you flexibility to plan around your laboratory's workload.
When will I receive my reports?
Preliminary reports generally arrive within two business days of online submission, allowing you to quickly verify your data and identify any potential issues.
Final reports typically require 6-12 months as testing rounds accumulate sufficient participants for meaningful statistical comparison.
More Questions?
We're happy to answer any additional questions about our services.