One of the objective means of assessing testing laboratory competency is by using proficiency testing scheme. Result of proficiency testing issued by a participating laboratory provides an information on how comparable the laboratory's data to an agreed value among all participating laboratories. In accordance with this matter, the National Accreditation Body of Indonesia (KAN), on its capacity as the accreditation body for testing laboratories in Indonesia, continuously encourages Indonesian testing laboratories to participate in proficiency testing and other interlaboratory comparison programs.
Since 1996, more than 30 Indonesian Testing Laboratories have participated in APLAC Proficiency Testing Program and some of them are accredited laboratories either by KAN or other overseas accreditation bodies. Different types of product to be tested as well as different characteristic of products have been included in the proficiency testing. At the time being, 12 rounds of APLAC Proficiency Testing Program have been carried out and KAN has always included about 2 to 5 Indonesian testing laboratories in the scheme.
Due to the large number of testing laboratories in Indonesia, KAN gives a priority to certain laboratories to participate in the above proficiency testing. Whenever possible, the nominated laboratories are those who have been awarded accredited status by KAN or, if it is not applicable, KAN will nominate testing laboratories who have gained accredited status from other Technical Department or Ministries and carry out relevant testing activity with proficiency testing being conducted. Soon after receiving the report of APLAC Proficiency Testing Program is every round, KAN makes a comment on the result to the laboratory or gives instruction for carrying out corrective action required if unsatisfied result is obtained.
In addition, like most of existing laboratory accreditation system used by laboratory accreditation bodies, KAN also uses results of proficiency testing or interlaboratory comparison performed by laboratory as one of consideration in granting accredited status.
