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Proficiency tests

Proficiency tests with esz AG

Are you planning a proficiency test? Our metrology experts will assist you in the design, implementation, and evaluation of your test and support you in the validation of your measurement procedures.

esz AG offers proficiency testing in accordance with its accreditation under DIN EN ISO/IEC 17043:2023. The current scope of our accreditation can be found in the annex to the accreditation certificate.

Alternatively, esz AG can also carry out proficiency tests outside the accredited area in accordance with the service portfolio of our calibration laboratories.

Eignungsprüfung

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Our portfolio

1. Standard proficiency test

  • 5-10 participants
  • Proficiency test subject and quantity parameter specified by esz

2. Proficiency testing based on customer request

  • Number of participants flexible
  • Proficiency test subject and planning customized

3. Bilateral comparison

  • 1 participant
  • Comparison with esz

4. Evaluation by esz

  • esz AG is responsible for the evaluation
  • No proficiency test object from esz
  • No measurement (e.g. reference data, stability measurements) by esz 

Evaluation methodology

Four different methods are available for determining reference data in the proficiency test organized by esz AG. Method A or Method D are used as standard.

  • Method A:  Metrological determination of reference data using a reference laboratory
  • Method B:  Weighted average according to Cox
  • Method C:  Robust modification of the arithmetic mean according to DIN ISO 13528:2020, Annex C.3
  • Method D: Power-moderated mean according to Pommé and Keightley

Methods B, C, and D are statistical methods that calculate the reference data taking into account participant data. A detailed analysis of these methods, as well as a comparison using sample data sets and further information on performance evaluation, can be found in the white paper (in German) „Eignungsprüfungen zwischen Kalibrierlaboratorien – Statistische Auswertung von Vergleichsmessungen“.

White Paper Factsheet
downloads

Your proficiency test offer 

esz AG offers proficiency testing either as interlaboratory comparisons with several participating laboratories or as individual, bilateral comparison measurements. We design these flexibly-tailored to your task and the desired time of execution. Request your non-binding quote for participation in our proficiency tests now — our team is happy to help. Contact us! 

Request now

Planned Suitability Tests

Annual Plan 2025

Area Subject Measurement object Participants
Electrical quantities DC Power supply 7 – 10
Electrical quantities Voltage / Current / Resistance Digital multimeter 7 – 10
Electrical quantities Frequency Frequency counter 5 – 10
High-frequency quantities Oscilloscope quantities Oscilloscope 5 – 10
Temperature quantities Resistance thermometer Pt100 (-40 °C to 160 °C in block calibrator) 5 – 10
Temperature quantities Temperature display devices and simulators Pt100 display device 5 – 10
Humidity quantities Measuring devices for relative humidity Digital humidity sensor 7 – 10
Optical quantities Photometry Luminance meter / lux meter 3 – 5
Mechanical quantities Pressure Digital pressure gauge (air, 0 bar to 70 bar) 7 – 10
Mechanical quantities Pressure Digital pressure gauge (oil, 0 bar to 700 bar) 7 – 10
Mechanical quantities Force Force transducer (50 kN) 5 – 10
Dimensional measurements Length measuring devices Caliper (150 mm) 7 – 10

Scheduling will begin once the minimum number of participants has been reached.
Register now to secure your spot.

Your benefits

  • In-depth metrological expertise 
  • Long-standing partnerships with leading national metrology institutes 
  • 53 accredited quantities 
  • Safe and fast transport thanks to Logistik Expert, the esz pickup and delivery service 
  • Cooperation with the extensively accredited calibration laboratory of esz AG 

More information

esz AG calibration & metrology offers a wide range of proficiency tests and comparative measurements that can be flexibly tailored to your requirements: 

  • Ring comparison: Regularly organized proficiency tests in which several laboratories perform the same measurement task one after the other. 
    Ringvergleich
  • Individual bilateral comparisons: Tailor-made tests in which direct laboratory-to-laboratory benchmarking is carried out.

Bilateraler Vergleich

esz AG calibration & metrology is a provider of proficiency tests accredited in accordance with DIN EN ISO/IEC 17043:2023. Details of our current scope of accreditation can be found in our annex to the accreditation certificate. 

We also offer proficiency testing in a non-accredited framework based on the current service portfolio of our calibration laboratory. There is no difference in methodology: we always work in accordance with the requirements of DIN EN ISO/IEC 17043:2023, both in the accredited and non-accredited areas. 

Definition of suitability test: 

According to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17043:2023: Evaluation of a participant’s performance according to previously established criteria by means of comparisons between laboratories. 

Official term for comparative measurements organized in accordance with ISO 17043. 

Interlaboratory Comparison (ILC) 

General term used to describe the comparison of a measurement/calibration/test by different participants. Almost always includes an evaluation of the performance of the participants and is therefore almost synonymous with “proficiency test”.

Ring comparison/star comparison/flower comparison 

  • Ring comparison: The proficiency test object is sent by the organizer and passes through the participants in a ring. At the end of the proficiency test, the object returns to the organizer. 
  • Star comparison: Between each participant, the object is returned to the organizer, who sends it to the next participant. 
  • Flower comparison: Similar to a ring/star comparison, with an additional shipment to an external reference laboratory for the extraction of reference values according to type A (stem of the “flower”). 

Bilateral comparison: Special form of comparative measurement with only two participants, or one participant and one reference laboratory/reference value. 

As an accredited provider, esz AG calibration & metrology plays a central role in conducting proficiency testing and comparative measurements. Our tasks include: 

  • Planning and organization: We coordinate all aspects of proficiency testing, including scheduling, content, and technical coordination with the participating laboratories. 
  • Evaluation of results: We use proven statistical methods to analyze the measurement data in order to deliver meaningful and traceable results. 
  • Preparation of detailed reports: We prepare the results professionally so that you gain clear insights into performance and potential for optimization. 

Our comprehensive expertise ensures that the proficiency tests and comparative measurements are carried out efficiently, reliably, and in accordance with the highest quality standards. 

The following can participate: 

  • Accredited calibration laboratories that perform calibrations 
  • Calibration laboratories seeking accreditation 

The prerequisite is that participants are able to perform the calibration according to the required procedures and can submit the results in a calibration certificate in accordance with ISO 17025. Only then is an evaluation in accordance with the requirements of ISO 17043 and the accreditation body possible. 

Participation in proficiency tests and comparative measurements is mandatory for accredited laboratories in accordance with DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025. These tests are a central element in the validation of calibration procedures and results within the framework of a laboratory’s quality management system.  

They also provide an independent method for quality assurance of the measurement procedures used. 

Proficiency tests and comparative measurements enable laboratories to demonstrate their performance and identify potential for optimization. They thus contribute significantly to continuous improvement and compliance with the highest quality standards. 

Proficiency tests are essential tools for ensuring and optimizing laboratory quality. They offer numerous benefits, including: 

  • Quality assurance: Verification and assurance of the accuracy of laboratory tests and measurements. 
  • Validating measurement uncertainty: Analyzing and validating the measurement uncertainty of a measurement procedure. 
  • Comparison with other laboratories: Benchmarking calibration processes to identify strengths and potential for improvement. 
  • Compliance with standards: Meeting the requirements of DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025:2018 for accredited laboratories. 
  • Proof of competence: Demonstration of performance and reliability to customers, superiors, and authorities. 

These advantages mean that proficiency tests and comparative measurements make a decisive contribution to the continuous improvement of laboratory work and to strengthening confidence in the results.