Proficiency Testing involves the use of inter-laboratory comparison for evaluation the performance of a laboratory. Proficiency Testing is widely recognized essential tool for demonstrating the competence by a laboratory. The body organizing the PT program is known as PT Proficiency Testing Provider. It plans a PT program in accordance with ISO/IEC 17043 and seeks the consent of Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs)/Laboratories to participate in the PT program. The PT Provider prepares the PT item and distribute/ circulates among the participant CABs/Laboratories to perform the testing/ measurements in accordance with the instructions provided with the PT Item and submit the results/ observations in the given format. The result(s)/ observation(s) are evaluated for performance against the criteria for Satisfactory/ Questionable/ Unsatisfactory as established in ISO/IEC 17034. If the performance of the participant CAB/Laboratory is satisfactory, the CAB/Laboratory has demonstrated its competence for specific test/ measurement/ requirement. Successful participation of a CAB/Laboratory leads to additional confidence in its system. A report describing the PT activities is prepared and one copy is provided to each participant CAB/ Laboratory to evaluate itself for the deviation in results/ observation with other CABs/ Laboratories. It encourages the CAB/Lab to make a root cause analysis and identify the problem in its system/ test/ measurement procedure. It also encourages the CAB/Laboratory to take corrective actions and improve its system accordingly.

CIMEC (PT Division) organize such PT programs in various test parameters related to Mechanical, Chemical, and Electrical discipline. Annual PT calendar is prepared for each discipline. However, it is tentative and amended from time to time according to feedback and need of the customers. Whenever a PT program is planned, the Protocol of PT program is widely circulated to seek the participation.