Aims and Scope
Proficiency Tests (PT) give participants the opportunity to demonstrate technical competence, meet accreditation requirements, and gain confidence by comparing their results with those of other laboratories. They also provide independent insight into measurement performance, strengthen quality systems, and support risk management in line with ISO/IEC 17025:2017.
VSL organizes PTs under ISO/IEC 17043:2010 accreditation with the highest care, offering:
• A suitable traveling standard;
• A clear test protocol;
• An independent assessment report;
• Anonymous comparison of results;
• Optional metrological and quality management support.
Questions?
Our experts are at your service.
Jaïr Blom
PT coördinator
Confidentiality statements
VSL keeps all data regarding the performance of individual participants, or groups of participants, strictly confidential. Data is accordingly protected and stored in areas on networks with restricted access. The relationship between results and the laboratories that submitted them will never be disclosed. Only the laboratory is granted access to its performance through the assigned code number.
Transport
VSL will handle and cover the shipment of the set of standards to all participating laboratories. Each participant is responsible only for performing the calibration work within the agreed time frame and submitting their results using the provided report sheet, in accordance with the protocol. Detailed shipping instructions and tracking information will be provided, with all logistics fully managed by VSL.
Criterion of participation
Participation is open to any laboratory performing length instrument calibration, whether accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 or seeking accreditation.
Payment Terms
Payment in advance, at least one month before the start.
Failure to pay on time may result in exclusion from participation, without any right to refund or compensation.
Quantities to be measured
The measurand is the central length in accordance with ISO 3650:1998. The set consists of the following nominal lengths:
1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 5.1, 7.5, 9.5, 15, 25, 30, 50, 80 and 100 mm.
Participants
This PT is open to 5-10 participants. If fewer than 5 laboratories register, VSL may cancel or postpone the PT. In such cases, all registered participants will be notified and offered alternative options.
Schedule
The PT will start on the date specified on our website.
The set of standards will be delivered by courier to each participant. Each laboratory will have three weeks to perform the measurements and submit the results before the set of standards will be sent to the next participant. The aim is to release the PT report no later than six weeks after the deadline for submitting the results by the participants. Detailed instructions and contact information will be provided.
Travelling Standard
Set of steel gauge blocks of grade K.
Equipment Choice
Participants are advised to use their routine methods and equipment when performing measurements and calibrations. These should be carried out in accordance with the laboratory’s usual practices.
Instructions and protocol
VSL will provide the protocol before shipping the set of standards. Each participant will have at least three weeks to perform the measurements and submit the results. A report sheet will be provided for submitting the results.
Assigned Value
Reference values will be determined by VSL using traceable calibrated standards. These assigned values form the basis for evaluating each participant’s measurement results.
Performance evaluation
The results will be evaluated using the normalized error (En-score).
Interpretation of the En-score is as follows:
|En| <= 1 Satisfactory performance
|En| > 1 Unsatisfactory performance
The final report presents results anonymously. Each laboratory can identify its own performance via a unique code. VSL guarantees full confidentiality and does not share individual data with third parties.
Deliverables
Upon completion of the PT, each participant will receive:
• A detailed report with anonymized results;
• An individual performance evaluation.
This report may serve as supporting evidence for audits and internal reviews.
Calendar
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Gauge blocks
- 01-06-2026
- Sign up