Proficiency Testing and Interlaboratory Comparison

Programme Summary

Make proficiency testing and interlaboratory comparisons useful tools for laboratory assurance. Participants plan participation around technical scope and risk, assess provider information and interpret reported performance statistics. Case reviews focus on investigating unsatisfactory outcomes, recognising comparison limitations and demonstrating effective corrective action without treating a satisfactory score as proof of competence across all laboratory activities.

Training Objectives

1 Plan proportionate external laboratory comparison coverage; 2 Select comparisons relevant to technical scope; 3 Interpret performance scores and their limitations; 4 Investigate unsatisfactory outcomes using laboratory evidence; 5 Integrate comparison findings into improvement decisions.

Learning Outcomes

1 Prepare a risk based participation plan; 2 Assess a comparison scheme for suitability; 3 Interpret supplied proficiency performance statistics; 4 Draft an evidence based investigation record; 5 Define follow up actions and effectiveness checks.

Target Audience

Laboratory Quality Managers; Technical Managers; Section Supervisors; Proficiency Testing Coordinators; Senior Laboratory Analysts.

Target Industries

Independent Testing Laboratories; Calibration Laboratories; Food Testing Laboratories; Environmental Testing Laboratories; Materials Testing Laboratories; Industrial Quality Laboratories.

Course Contents

• Module 1 External Comparison Purposes: Proficiency testing and other comparison types; Coverage of methods matrices and measurands; Limits of inference from individual rounds.
• Module 2 Participation Planning: Technical scope and risk based priorities; Availability frequency and alternative approaches; Responsibilities budgets and participation records.
• Module 3 Scheme Suitability Review: Assigned values and evaluation criteria; Homogeneity stability and relevant concentration; Provider information and participant instructions.
• Module 4 Preparation and Participation: Routine treatment of comparison samples; Method selection and authorised reporting; Preventing collusion and special sample treatment.
• Module 5 Interpreting Performance Statistics: Assigned value uncertainty and comparison spread; Meaning of z and En scores; Unsatisfactory questionable and consistent performance.
• Module 6 Investigating Outcomes: Reviewing calculations methods and equipment; Evaluating material handling and reporting errors; Root cause evidence and justified conclusions.
• Module 7 Corrective Action and Improvement: Action ownership and implementation verification; Additional checks and effectiveness evidence; Trend review across repeated participation.
• Module 8 Comparison Review Workshop: Selecting appropriate comparison coverage; Evaluating an unsatisfactory result case; Presenting investigation and follow up decisions.

Assessment

• 40 single best answer questions, including applied scenarios; one mark per question.
• 60 minute invigilated digital examination with identity verification. Approved accessibility adjustments preserve the assessed competence.
• Supplied reference pack and calculator permitted; external internet and AI prohibited.
• Individual applied assessment (30 minutes): Review a proficiency report, interpret the relevant scores and prepare a targeted investigation with a participation and follow up plan.
• Assessment criteria: Appropriate scheme and scope judgement; Accurate score interpretation; Evidence based investigation and follow up.
• Pass each component separately: 30/40 written marks (75%) and at least 70% on the applied task.
• All mandatory criteria must pass: Preserve independent routine sample treatment.
• Individual results and feedback are provided. One reassessment may follow coaching under the published enrolment terms.

Certification

• Successful learners receive a TQCSI Arabia digital Certificate of Successful Completion.
• The certificate records the learner name, exact programme title, teaching hours, completion date and unique verification reference.
• Verified identity, full attendance and separate written and applied passes are required; all mandatory critical criteria must be met.
• Proposed issue target: within 30 calendar days of approved results and settlement of applicable fees.
• Records proficiency testing planning and interpretation skills; it does not qualify a proficiency testing provider or replace technical competence assessment.
• Attendance confirmation may record completed hours for unsuccessful learners; it does not certify successful completion.

Programme Profile

Number of daysNumber of daysNumber of days

222

Total teaching hoursTotal teaching hoursTotal teaching hours

12 hours; breaks, pre course work and formal final assessments excluded.12 hours; breaks, pre course work and formal final assessments excluded.12 hours; breaks, pre course work and formal final assessments excluded.

Delegates allowedDelegates allowedDelegates allowed

Maximum 20 delegates.Maximum 20 delegates.Maximum 20 delegates.

Training prerequisitesTraining prerequisitesTraining prerequisites

Laboratory experience and basic understanding of uncertainty and quality control are required. Familiarity with proficiency testing reports is useful.Laboratory experience and basic understanding of uncertainty and quality control are required. Familiarity with proficiency testing reports is useful.Laboratory experience and basic understanding of uncertainty and quality control are required. Familiarity with proficiency testing reports is useful.

Pre course assignment and assessmentPre course assignment and assessmentPre course assignment and assessment

Review a supplied comparison report for 30 minutes and complete a short score interpretation diagnostic.Review a supplied comparison report for 30 minutes and complete a short score interpretation diagnostic.Review a supplied comparison report for 30 minutes and complete a short score interpretation diagnostic.

End of course assessmentEnd of course assessmentEnd of course assessment

40 question written exam (60 minutes) and individual applied task (30 minutes).40 question written exam (60 minutes) and individual applied task (30 minutes).40 question written exam (60 minutes) and individual applied task (30 minutes).

Passing criteriaPassing criteriaPassing criteria

75% written and 70% applied, passed separately; full attendance. All mandatory criteria must pass.75% written and 70% applied, passed separately; full attendance. All mandatory criteria must pass.75% written and 70% applied, passed separately; full attendance. All mandatory criteria must pass.