IFM is the exclusive PT provider for the IECEE following the rules outlined in IECEE OD 5004. The IECEE requires PTP participation of all laboratories whose registered activities lie within the scope of the programs described. However, any laboratories not within the CB scheme, and with relevant capabilities are also invited to participate as part of their requirements under ISO/IEC 17025.

The primary objectives of IFM PT programs are to offer a vehicle that:

  • Promote consistency in test results leading to mutual acceptance of data between testing laboratories.
  • Enables laboratories to comply with quality assurance requirements of ISO/IEC 17025.
  • Provides information to participating laboratories which enables them to assess the reproducibility and repeatability of their test results.

To satisfy the aims of these programs, IFM PTP offer questions relating to testing of provided samples and related equipment, which mostly reflect the requirements of the relevant standards, but may also involve additional observations to assist in data analysis.

More Information for Electrical Testing Laboratories

Notification about programs

A list of scheduled programs is found on the IFM website.

Program notifications and order forms are received by,

  • IECEE Secretariat
  • National Certification Bodies (NCBs)
  • Organizations registered with IFM

Entry to programs

  • A new order form is issued annually.
  • All laboratories registered with IFM are invited to participate.
  • The order form contains links to the draft instructions for each program allowing the laboratory to determine if the program is appropriate to their testing scope.
  • Laboratories may be directed to enter a program by their National Certification body or accreditation body.
  • Laboratories may also choose to enter a program privately.
  • Laboratories can enrol in any PT by contacting IFM directly or via an IFM distributor (if available).

Enrolment

  • Laboratories must be registered with IFM prior to enrolling in any PTP program. Registration is free and can be done using the Registration form on the IFM website.
  • Laboratories enrol by sending IFM a completed order form.

Cost of programs

  • The cost of participation is advertised in the order form available on the IFM Electrical Proficiency Programs web page.
  • Payment is required on receipt of an invoice from IFM. Please refer to IFM’s terms and conditions.

Operation of the programs

  • The information obtained by IFM remains confidential. However, if the laboratory has been required to participate by its National Certification Body, IFM is obliged to provide the NCB with a summary of laboratory performance.
  • The laboratory can check the Program Status on the website.
  • Upon sample receipt, conduct testing as per PTP instructions and submit results via IFM PT Dashboard.
  • Participants must submit results BEFORE the due date. Delayed results will incur a late fee. Refer to IFM’s terms and conditions regarding late results.
  • Please note: Quality Assurance is a critical component of laboratory functions, and the performance of proficiency tests should be given the same priority as regular customer testing. Laboratories are provided with sufficient notice of upcoming programs to plan their time appropriately.

Reporting of programs

  • The Final Program report is reviewed and approved by the IECEE CTL WG02 and relevant technical advisers prior to issue.
  • Assessment reports and the Final Program report are issued to participating laboratories after this time. Refer to IECEE OD-5004.
  • IFM will withhold the reports of participating laboratories with overdue invoices until payment is received. See IFM’s terms and conditions regarding overdue invoices.

Corrective actions for outlying results

  • IFM follows up with laboratories with outliers for corrective actions for 3 months after issuing the Final Program report and assessments.
  • If the laboratory fails to address outliers by the corrective action due date, the NCB and the IECEE Secretariat will be informed as per IECEE OD-5004.
  • Details for the management and closure of actions can be found on the IFM website here.