ISO/IEC 17043 Glossary: Plain‑English Terms
ISO/IEC 17043 Glossary: Plain‑English Terms
Last Updated on December 18, 2025 by Melissa Lazaro
Why an ISO/IEC 17043 Glossary Matters
Here’s what I see all the time.
People don’t fail ISO/IEC 17043 because they can’t run PT schemes.
They fail because they misunderstand the language.
Terms like assigned value or impartiality sound simple.
Until an assessor asks you to explain how you apply them.
This glossary translates ISO/IEC 17043 into plain English.
No formulas.
No jargon overload.
Just clear explanations you can actually use during audits.
Core ISO/IEC 17043 Concepts Explained in Plain English
Proficiency Testing (PT)
A structured way to check how well laboratories perform.
Labs test the same item. Results are compared. Performance is evaluated.
Proficiency Testing Provider
The organization that designs and runs the PT scheme.
If you plan the scheme and issue performance results, that’s you.
Participant Laboratory
A lab that takes part in a PT scheme.
They submit results but don’t evaluate others.
Interlaboratory Comparison (ILC)
A comparison between labs.
When it’s formal and performance-based, ISO/IEC 17043 usually applies.
PT Scheme Design and Planning Terms
PT Scheme
The full structure of a PT round.
Planning, samples, evaluation, reporting. Everything.
Scheme Coordinator
The person responsible for running the scheme.
Assessors expect clear authority and competence here.
Test Item
The sample or material sent to participants.
It must be stable and consistent—or results mean nothing.
Distribution Plan
How and when test items are sent.
This matters more than people expect during audits.
Statistical and Evaluation Terms Used in ISO/IEC 17043
Assigned Value
The value used as the reference for evaluating results.
It’s not always the “true” value—just the agreed benchmark.
Standard Deviation for Proficiency Assessment
Defines how wide acceptable performance is.
Think of it as the tolerance for variation.
Performance Evaluation
The process of deciding whether a lab’s result is acceptable.
This must be objective and consistent.
Outlier
A result that doesn’t fit the expected pattern.
It’s investigated—not ignored.
z-Score / Performance Score
A numerical way to show performance.
Good scores mean results are close to the assigned value.
Quality, Impartiality, and Confidentiality Terms
Impartiality
Making decisions without bias.
PT providers must avoid conflicts of interest.
Conflict of Interest
Anything that could influence fair evaluation.
This includes staff evaluating their own labs.
Confidentiality
Protecting participant identities and data.
Breaches here damage trust fast.
Complaint
An expression of dissatisfaction about the PT service.
Appeal
A formal challenge to a PT evaluation decision.
Different from a complaint—and handled differently.
Operational and Audit-Related Terms
Competence
Having the skills, knowledge, and experience to do the job.
Assessors look for evidence, not assumptions.
Traceability
Linking measurements to recognized references.
Relevant when PT results rely on measurement standards.
Corrective Action
What you do to fix the cause of a problem—not just the symptom.
Nonconformity
When something doesn’t meet ISO/IEC 17043 requirements.
It’s not a failure. It’s a finding to address.
Commonly Confused ISO/IEC 17043 Terms
PT vs ILC
PT evaluates performance.
ILC compares results.
The difference matters in audits.
Participant vs Provider
Participants submit results.
Providers evaluate them.
Assigned Value vs Reference Value
Assigned values are used for evaluation.
Reference values are broader measurement concepts.
Evaluation vs Interpretation
Evaluation is scoring.
Interpretation is explaining what the score means.
FAQs: ISO/IEC 17043 Terminology Made Simple
Why do assessors focus so much on terminology?
Because unclear language usually means unclear processes.
Do PT providers need advanced statistics knowledge?
You need enough to defend your methods and decisions. Not just run software.
How detailed should PT terminology be in reports?
Clear enough that participants and assessors reach the same conclusions.
Conclusion: Using ISO/IEC 17043 Language with Confidence
ISO/IEC 17043 isn’t just about what you do.
It’s about how well you explain it.
When you understand the language, audits feel less intimidating.
Discussions become clearer.
Decisions become easier to defend.
Keep this glossary handy.
Use it during PT planning.
Use it during audits.
Melissa Lavaro is a seasoned ISO consultant and an enthusiastic advocate for quality management standards. With a rich experience in conducting audits and providing consultancy services, Melissa specializes in helping organizations implement and adapt to ISO standards. Her passion for quality management is evident in her hands-on approach and deep understanding of the regulatory frameworks. Melissa’s expertise and energetic commitment make her a sought-after consultant, dedicated to elevating organizational compliance and performance through practical, insightful guidance.
