Test Labs
There are dozens of PTCRB Authorized Test Labs (ATLs) worldwide, including Primary Labs, which are fully authorized to perform PTCRB certification testing, and Associate Labs that support testing under the supervision of a Primary Lab.
If you are a test laboratory looking to get authorized to conduct certification testing, you can learn more by reading the ATL Policies and Procedures.
Ensuring Excellence: CTIA Certification’s Rigorous Framework for Authorizing and Governing Test Labs
CTIA Certification achieves ATL excellence through consistently enforced, multi-layered controls. Together, these controls create a closed-loop system that not only validates laboratory competence at entry but also ensures sustained excellence and consistency over time.
External Validation
- Obtain ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation aligned to CTIA test scopes
- CTIA Certification-appointed external reviewers
- Peer comparison testing across labs
Comprehensive Technical
- Undergo formal audit (on-site or off-site depending on scope)
- Deficiency identification
- Mandatory corrective actions
- Final approval only after all deficiencies are resolved
Ongoing Industry Engagement
- Attend working groups and plenaries
- Participate in conference calls and technical discussions
- Contribute to standards development (e.g., 3GPP)
Continuous Performance Monitoring
- Maintain ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation
- Periodic inter-laboratory comparison testing
- Mandatory annual capability submission
Strict Enforcement Mechanisms
- Probation (with root cause + corrective action required)
- Suspension or revocation of ATL status
- Mandatory reapplication for repeat failures
PTCRB Award of Excellence
The PTCRB Award of Excellence honors test labs that demonstrate outstanding performance in advancing the PTCRB and IoT Network Certified certification programs.
- Number of new test cases developed, and enhancements made to existing ones.
- The value these contributions add to the certification programs.
- Labs that go above and beyond in partnering with the PTCRB community, interacting with relevant working groups, and promptly resolving issues.