F331 – Request for Expansion of Scope of Accreditation – Proficiency Testing Provider / Document Issued:
January 14, 2016
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This form is to be used when a Proficiency Testing Provider (PTP) is requesting an expansionof their current accreditation anytime between reassessments. It is not necessary to submit this form and supporting documentation with the renewal paperwork submission if you are requesting a scope expansion during your upcoming renewal assessment.
Organization’s Name:
Master Code: Certificate Number:
A. Information that is to be provided by the PTP:
1. Please update the applicable areas of the following table for each PT scheme that is being requested:
PT Scheme Name / Description of PT sample/item / The measurand(s) or characteristic to be measured/tested / Sample Matrix / Statistical technique(s) used to determine assigned value and its uncertainty2. Do any of the requested PT schemes utilize the services of subcontractors?
If subcontractors are utilized, please complete the following table:
PT Scheme Name / Subcontractor / Activities Performed by subcontractor / Accreditations held by the subcontractor relevant to the activities performed3. Please provide the homogeneity, stability, characterization, etc. testing data associated with preparation for the PT samples/items.
4. If this is a new scheme and not just an addition of an analyte to a current scheme, please provide a sample report and participant instructions for the PT scheme(s) that you wish to add to your scope. Also, provide the procedure(s) and supporting data for determination of the assigned value(s) and the associated uncertainty.
5. If your organization performs testing of the PT samples, are you performing new test method(s) or are they the same methods as currently performed for samples on your scope?
If you are conducting new test methods please complete the following table:
Test Technology / *Identify Trained Staff / **Added Equipment / Test Procedure/Method / Actual or Sample Test Report*Please include evidence of applicable staff training for the new test method(s).
**Please include evidence of traceable calibration for the equipment indicated.
Please note that additional information may be requested to perform the review of the PT schemes for which the scope expansion has been requested.
B. After this information has been provided to A2LA, it will be forwarded to the assessor(s), who will be requested to perform a technical review on the information.
Based on the initial review by the assessor, one of the following options will be communicated to the organization:
1)An off-site document and information review (a teleconference may be necessary) is performed either by an A2LA assessor or A2LA staff, as appropriate. The result of the offsite document review may be that an on-site assessment visit is required;
2)An interim on-site assessment is performed by an A2LA Assessor;
3)A tentative scope approval is given based on the review of the information provided.
If you have any questions, please contact your assigned AcO for further information.
2016 by A2LA
All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of A2LA.
Document Revision History
Date / Description1/14/16 /
- Initial Release of Document
L:\Forms\F331 – Request for Expansion of Scope of Accreditation –Proficiency Testing Provider