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ISO/IEC 17043: complete guide, articles and resources

Proficiency Testing Providers — expert articles, practical resources, and solutions to structure your certification project.

Version
ISO/IEC 17043:2023
Type
Accreditation standard
Articles
1 published
Definition

What is the ISO/IEC 17043 standard?

The ISO/IEC 17043 standard sets out the general requirements for the competence of proficiency testing (PT) providers. Published in 2010 and revised in 2023, it is the global benchmark for accrediting PT scheme providers used by testing and calibration laboratories.

The standard covers impartiality, confidentiality, structural requirements, resource requirements (personnel, facilities, equipment, subcontractors), process requirements (PT design, item handling, statistical analysis, performance evaluation, reporting), and management system requirements.

The 2023 version aligns with the revised ISO 13528 (statistical methods for proficiency testing) and clarifies expectations around impartiality, scheme design, and confidentiality of participant data. Proficiency testing is mandatory for ISO 17025 and ISO 15189 accredited laboratories.

Who is ISO/IEC 17043 for?

The standard targets proficiency testing providers: organisations that design and run PT schemes for testing and calibration laboratories. Major providers include LGC, FAPAS, Sigma-Aldrich, NIST, FAPAS, and many specialised PT scheme operators in food, environment, clinical, and calibration domains.

Why get certified?

ISO 17043 accreditation is required for PT schemes used by accredited laboratories, gives international recognition via ILAC, structures statistical validity of PT schemes, and conditions participation of laboratories in regulated activities.

Version
ISO/IEC 17043:2023
Certified
Accredited by IAS, A2LA, ANAB
Validity
Varies by accreditation
Avg. timeline
12 to 18 months
Articles & guides

All our articles on ISO/IEC 17043

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Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know about ISO/IEC 17043

What's new in ISO/IEC 17043:2023?
The 2023 version aligns with the revised ISO 13528, clarifies impartiality requirements, strengthens scheme design expectations, and updates participant data confidentiality.
Why is proficiency testing important?
Proficiency testing (PT) is a key tool for laboratories to demonstrate technical competence. ISO 17025 and ISO 15189 require accredited labs to participate in PT for the methods within their scope. Without ISO 17043 accredited PT, labs cannot meet their own accreditation requirements.
Difference between ISO 17043 and ISO 17034?
ISO 17043 covers proficiency testing providers (interlaboratory comparisons). ISO 17034 covers reference material producers (production of certified reference materials). The two are complementary but distinct activities.
How long does ISO 17043 accreditation take?
Expect 12 to 18 months, including time to demonstrate statistical validity of schemes across multiple rounds.
How much does ISO 17043 accreditation cost?
For a mid-sized PT provider, expect $10,000 to $30,000 for initial accreditation depending on the number of schemes covered.
Related standards

Connected references

ISO/IEC 17043 is often deployed alongside other standards to build an integrated management system.

ISO/IEC 17025
Testing & Calibration Laboratories
ISO 17034
Reference Material Producers
ISO 15189
Medical Laboratories
ISO/IEC 17020
Inspection Bodies
ISO/IEC 17065
Certification of Products, Processes, and Services
ISO 9001
Quality Management

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