PTP Process Overview

Here is an overview of the main steps of a PTP and the key activities carried out by the organization. A Proficiency Testing Program (PTP) is designed to evaluate the performance of laboratories. It ensures that the results produced are reliable, consistent, and comparable, while also helping to identify discrepancies between laboratories.For sponsors, a PTP is an essential tool to:

• detect laboratories that may be testing in different ways,
• identify those experiencing issues with their methods or processes,
• and ensure the overall quality of the tests performed.

These programs are generally organized in accordance with the ISO 17043 standard, which provides a rigorous, impartial, and reliable framework for performance evaluation.

 

Step 1: Development and Manufacturing of Test Specimens

PTPs develop test programs in collaboration with sponsors in order to identify needs, particularly in terms of materials and applicable testing standards.

The kits are then manufactured with strict traceability. They must be highly homogeneous, produced from the same material batch, and fully identified.

After manufacturing, homogeneity tests are performed to verify the consistency of the specimens. These tests help determine whether certain parts of the batch need to be rejected (scrapped) due to defects or significantly different properties.

The results are analyzed statistically in accordance with ISO 17043 and ISO 13528 standards. The evaluation criteria are defined by these standards but may be adjusted by the PTP organizers. In the aerospace sector, these criteria are generally more stringent.

The selected specimens are then traced, identified, and engraved. Their position during manufacturing is also recorded in order to anticipate potential failures.

Raw materials are sourced from independent suppliers, and homogeneity tests are carried out by external providers, which are re-evaluated annually to ensure result quality.

 

It should be noted that kits may be made available on the website before the completion of these tests in order to facilitate laboratory orders and avoid additional shipping costs.

 

Step 2: Laboratory Participation

Laboratories participate in PTP programs in order to benchmark themselves against other laboratories and assess their performance either because:

• Sponsor specific standards
• To comply with 17025 requirement
• On their own initiative
• they are mandated by sponsors for a specific standard or on their own initiative, 

Available kits are shipped to laboratories as soon as payment is validated.

Step 3: Stability Testing

PTPs generally last between four and five months (period of testing).

Stability tests are conducted on specimens that were set aside after manufacturing and stored under the same conditions as those sent to participants. These tests are performed by the same provider and operator as the homogeneity tests, ensuring consistency, and are intended to verify that the specimens’ properties remain stable over time.

If the results are compliant, the analysis phase can proceed.

 

Some tests may be carried out directly by sponsors, particularly for standards specific to their organization (e.g., AITM).

 

Step 4: Results Analysis

Once stability testing has been validated, PTP organizers analyze the results in accordance with ISO 13528. A distinction is made between quantitative and qualitative analyses.

The results are then reviewed by the sponsors over a defined period. This stage may involve discussions and exchanges, which can sometimes extend the timeline due to the number of stakeholders involved.

 

Step 5: Closure and Publication

PTP organizers finalize the analyses, prepare the reports, and publish them on the website. 

RCA Process: This part does not concern PTP, it  only involves the participant and the sponsor.

If the laboratory does not have a sponsor, it can close the RCA itself.